EXOTIC SURFARIS
Exotic Surfaris - Luxury Travel Magazine
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Exotic Surfaris | |||||
| By: Kerry Widdup, Issue 46 – Autumn 11 | |||||
| (Mentawi Islands, Maldives, Bali, Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa) | |||||
| KERRY WIDDUP HAS PUT TOGETHER LUXURY SURFARI EXPERIENCES AT SOME OF THE BEST SURF LOCATIONS ON THE PLANET. FOR TRAVELLERS LOOKING FOR A WAY TO COMBINE THE QUEST FOR THE ULTIMATE SURF BREAK WITH A RELAXING HOLIDAY TOGETHER WITH YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS OR PARTNER, HERE ARE SOME GREAT OPTIONS. | |||||
| Best For Friends Surf Mentawai Islands | |||||
| The benefit of being aboard a ship is that you don’t have to wait for the surf to come to you. You can go to the surf. The Indies trader 4 spends the first six months of the year cruising Papau New Guinea and the Mentawai Islands, capturing the best weather conditions and the swells from the Aleutians that make Hawaii so famous for surf. The standard trip duration is 12 days/13 nights, allowing extra time to capture at least two, sometimes three significant swells. The guests enjoy complete privacy, as they are the only people to visit each island location at any one time. While the focus of the Indies Trader 4 is surfing, it also offers various other activities including fishing, diving and snorkelling. The ship carries all equipment for these activities and they are included in the fare. Two jet-skies and three tenders are also provided for guests use, making trips to secluded beaches and islands easily accessible. Guests can also make use of the ship’s helicopter, when available, for an additional charge. The interior of the ship contains a saloon lounge, inspired by Armani’s latest super yacht range. The saloon is fitted with a wide Plasma screen with surround sound, and large windows offering panoramic views. The dining area can seat up to 24 guests. There’s a spacious Sundeck on the upper level and a covered Observation deck where guests can dine for breakfast or lunch. The Working deck on the main level holds all the equipment and is where guests undertake their activities. It is also where the BBQ is located. A swim platform at the rear of the vessel allows easy access for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. Accommodation The main deck houses four deluxe double berth staterooms each with a queen size bed, desk, en suite facilities, TV, surround sound, DVD, satellite phone and email. Some of the culinary highlights include freshly caught seafood and a fully stocked bar and cellar. Rates: The Indies Trader 4 is chartered for A$17,500 a day and can accommodate up to 22 guests. All meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and unlimited use of the recreational and entertainment facilities are included. Excluded in the rate is use of the ship’s satellite communications system, broadband internet and use of the ship’s helicopter. Getting there: Embark and disembark at Padang, Indonesia. Garuda airlines flies daily from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to Padang via Jakarta with economy fares from A$1,174 and business from A$2,834. | |||||
| Best For Individuals Surf The Maldives | |||||
| The Maldives has surf potential unlike anywhere on this planet. The 1,200 tiny islands are condensed into a small area and are blessed with a steady supply of Indian Ocean swell making the island group a consistent and intricate surf zone. There are two choices for a Surfari in the Maldives, cruise charter or resort. However for the ultimate surf experience why not do a week on each. Cruise Charter The MV Carpe Vita Explorer is a luxury cruiser that can cater for up to 20 guests but you only need a group of 12 to exclusively charter the boat. If you don’t have 12 people you can book individually and meet new people. Included in the charter are airport transfers, three meals daily, night fishing trips, snorkelling equipment, a BBQ on deserted island, an expert Australian surf guide and an on board full-time masseuse among other things. There’s also a Jacuzzi tub on the main level. The MV Carpe Vita Explorer houses ten cabins of three different standards, two suites, two superior cabins, and six standard cabins. The suites and superior rooms have king sized beds which can be divided into two large single beds, while the standard rooms have queen sized beds and one single bed. All cabins have individually controlled air-conditioning, en suites and TV screens with DVD players. Kandooma Resort With two surf breaks, Kandooma Right and Natives/Foxys, at your doorstep and six other breaks within 45 minutes of the Kandooma resort, you are guaranteed some great waves. A dedicated surf guide will take you out to the breaks, or you can hire a private seaplane to ensure you have the best waves possible all to yourself. The resort itself consists of overwater Villas, with the option of upgrading to the elite overwater Pavilion Suite, and has three restaurants, an 80-metre swimming pool, extensive spa menu and an additional swimming pool with a Jacuzzi. Included in the package are return speedboat transfers to and from Male airport, a welcome drink on arrival, overwater bungalow accommodation, buffet breakfast, set-menu lunch, free snorkel gear, snorkel trip, daily surf transfers and a guide. Rates: Cruise Charter: seven nights full charter from A$30,450, individual from A$2,750 per person. Kandooma Resort: seven nights in an overwater villa A$2,625. Seaplane hire: A$2,800 an hour, only charged for flight time. Recommended Luxury Package: seven nights on MV Carpe Vilta Explorer, seven nights at Kandooma resort in overwater pavilion and one day’s Seaplane adventures with expert surf guide, from A$8,175 per person. Getting there: Malaysia Airlines flies from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth to Male via Kuala Lumpur. Economy fares from A$1,440 business from A$4,810. | |||||
| Best For Families Surf Bali | |||||
| In the southwestern tip of Bali is Uluwatu beach, home to surf breaks which are rated the fifth best in the world. When the trade winds blow through this island sanctuary they create a massive swell that crashes onto the surrounding reef, creating waves which attract worldwide surfing attention. Situated 100 meters above Uluwatu beach, on the cliff top, is the Istana Luxury Villa. This five-suite estate comprises two swimming pools, a relaxation bale, the main house, the self-contained master suite and a children’s wing with bunk beds for five children. The main house contains four suites, as well as living room, dining room and audio-video room making it ideal for larger groups or families. The main swimming pool also has an infinity edge facing the ocean. The Istana Villa has an operation team of over 25 including a personal surf guide who can transfer you each morning and afternoon to the best break of the day. Surf lessons are also available daily for an extra A$110. Accommodation Each of the four suites in the main house contains a bedroom with indoor and outdoor Bali-style bathrooms. The master suite is a self-contained guesthouse with its own entrance, parking and private L-shaped swimming pool. All meals are prepared by the villa’s professional chef and staff and a VIP airport pick up service is included in the rate. Rates: The Villa is A$2,010, including all meals and beverages. Getting there: Garuda Airlines flies direct to Denpasar from Sydney and Melbourne three times a week and from Perth daily with return economy fares starting at A$1,337 and business from A$2,060. | |||||
| Best For Activities Surf Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa | |||||
| Situated at one of the world’s most renowned surf breaks, Supertubes, J-Bay (as it’s known to the locals) boasts the widest available wave selection for every skill level as well as offering the most consistent waves to be found in South Africa. Located on the edge of Supertubes surf break is the African Penthouse Suite, where the world’s pro–surfers come to stay for the ASP Billabong Pro competition each year. The penthouse accommodates four to six people, making it an ideal choice for surfers travelling with the family or a small group of friends. Included in the package are daily two-hour beginners or advanced surf lessons or a daily surf guide. Etienne Venter, selector of the national South African surf team, serves as the personal surf guide for guests of the African Penthouse Suite. By drawing on his considerable local knowledge of the area, guests are guaranteed access to the best possible waves and surf breaks. A guided visit to a safari camp is also included in the rate. Lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino and leopard are just a few of the animals one can expect to see on the game drives. Accommodation The African Penthouse Suite has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, kitchen and a private balcony with a view of the legendary right-hand surf breaks. Downstairs is an a la carte restaurant where guests enjoy a daily continental breakfast included in the rate, and an in-house sushi bar. The rooms are serviced daily, all surfboards and equipment are provided by the suite, as is broadband and Wi-Fi access. All airport transfers to and from Port Elizabeth are included. Extras are available at a cost, and include photo shoots, bungee jumping, beach horse rides, massage in the room and sand boarding. There is also a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course nearby. Rates: The African Penthouse Suite seven night package is A$6,550 for four people and A$9,825 for six. 14 night packages are also available. Getting there: Qantas flies daily to Port Elizabeth via Johannesburg. Economy fares start at A$2,016 and business fares at A$6,552. | |||||
| Best For Couples Surf Fiji | |||||
| 30 minutes by boat from the famous left-hand surf break of Frigates is the adult only Royal Davui Island Resort, situated in the stunning Bega Lagoon off Southern Fiji. The resort is set across 10 acres of tropical landscape and has only 15 Vales (the Fijian word for home) ensuring that there are never more than 30 guests on the island, making it perfect for couples. The surrounding area hosts numerous breaks and a local guide takes surfers daily by boat to the best surf in the area, guaranteeing them to be the only surfers on the waves. There are also many additional activities for non-surfers, including spectacular snorkelling and diving in the reef right off the island. The resort also offers a Big Fish Encounter that involves diving with sharks. Accommodation The Deluxe Vales on the eastern and southern sides of the resort feature separate living room and private Jacuzzi plunge pool. Guests also have the option to upgrade to the Royal Davui Suite, which features large decks and a living area on the higher level with French doors overlooking the point of the Davui Marine Reserve. Daily a la carte breakfast, two-course lunch and three-course dinner are included in the 10 night package and can be taken in the Banyan Restaurant or by the pool. Private dining areas are available. To book one of these Surfari packages contact The Perfect Wave Surf Travel Ph: 02 9939 0890 Fax: 02 9939 8390 Email: jamie@theperfectwave.com.au | |||||
| Website: theperfectwave.com.au | |||||
| Rates: Package is A$7,290 for a non-surfer and A$9,990 for a surfer. Upgrade to the Royal Davui Suite is an extra A$2,900 per person. Getting there: Package includes return Qantas business class flights to Nadi and return private charter flight and launch transfer to the Island. Flights depart Sydney and Brisbane daily and Melbourne three times a week. | |||||
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