Travelers wanting to explore Indonesia’s far-flung islands in style should take note of a recent arrival on the country’s small-ship cruising scene. The seagoing counterpart to Nirjhara—a family-owned boutique retreat amid the verdant rice paddies and forests of Bali’s Tabanan regency—Vela is a 50-meter private charter yacht that offers a luxurious and contemporary take on the traditional Indonesian phinisi schooner.

Carrying just 12 adventurous souls across six suites, the vessel takes guests on tailor-made voyages around Komodo National Park and Raja Ampat, as well as off-the-beaten-track destinations such as West Papua’s Cenderawasih Bay, where whale sharks are known to congregate; the protected waters of Wakatobi National Park; the little-visited regency of Alor; and Maluku—the original Spice Islands. Vela is staffed by an attentive 18-person crew, and delivers plenty of adventure without forgoing creature comforts.

With a sleek, hydrodynamic design by American naval architect Tresno Seery, Vela was fashioned from Indonesian ironwood and teak on the beaches of South Sulawesi by skilled Konjo craftsmen who have inherited a centuries-old shipbuilding tradition. The elegant, barefoot-luxe interiors, which come courtesy of Parisian designer Natacha Tanguy, also highlight Indonesian artisanal elements. Bespoke teak furniture matched with fine Italian fabrics by Hermès and Dedar Milano, while all cabins have en-suite bathrooms feature Axor fittings by none other than Philippe Starck and handmade terra-cotta tiling from Ubud.

Measuring between 18 and 23 square meters, the cozy standard staterooms are stocked with reef-safe body products and 49-inch smart TVs that have hundreds of movies on demand. The spacious Master Cabin has an extra high-tech touch in the form of Bluetooth-enabled Sonance ceiling speakers. These are also found in the 40-square-meter Owner’s Suite, which comes with its own oversize bathtub and aft-facing terrace.

Inside the 35-square-meter Master Cabin aboard Vela.

The living area in Vela's spacious Master Cabin. — The living area of the Master Cabin.

Communal onboard living spaces include a lounge that features a bar and wine cellar, and outdoor areas fitted with daybeds and plush armchairs. Meals can be taken alfresco on the foredeck or in a dining room; the ship’s chef prepares elevated Indonesian and Western dishes using fresh ingredients sourced from local markets and fishermen.

Wellness-wise, you’ll be pampered with a muscle-melting massage or body scrub in the comfort of your cabin, out on deck, or even on a deserted beach. Utilizing all-natural products, the complimentary treatments were created exclusively for Vela at The Retreat by Nirjhara. A yoga deck up top is ideal for morning meditation sessions, and the variety of available fitness equipment (such as TRX and adjustable weights) means guests can convert any space into an outdoor gym, allowing them to stay in tip-top shape while at sea.

Qualified dive instructors will show guests the way to eastern Indonesia’s myriad undersea wonders, from vibrant coral gardens teeming with schools of colorful reef fish to sea turtles and manta rays. Other water sports like surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and jet-skiing are also offered. Vela’s dedicated activities manager will be on hand to organize shore excursions such as island hikes and birdwatching outings, ensuring an unforgettable holiday in one of the most enchanting corners of Southeast Asia, if not the world.

For more information, visit sailvela.com.

Vela carries up to 12 guests on tailor-made journeys throughout eastern Indonesia. — *Vela* carries up to 12 guests on tailor-made journeys throughout eastern Indonesia.

This article was brought to you by Nirjhara.

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