Prana Breathes New Life into Indonesia Charter Market

Inspired by the Sanskrit word for all times force, Prana breathes new life into Indonesia’s luxury charter market with nine suites and 900sqm of lebensraum , as Michael Howorth discovers

 By PRINCE CHAHAL


If proof was needed that traditionally built craft are playing an increasingly significant part in Asia’s luxury charter market, then you would like look no further than Prana by Atzaro, launched within the middle of 2018.

Prana by Atzaro's four decks offer 900sqm of lebensraum
Prana by Atzaro’s four decks offer 900sqm of lebensraum

The Atzaro Group, whose other ventures include a luxury hotel in Ibiza, took great pride in both the inside and exterior details of this majestic ironwood and teak phinisi that was built by Yacht Sourcing in southeast Sulawesi – on the beach, even as her cargo-carrying ancestors were.

With a design inspired by the traditional boat-building traditions of the seafaring Bugis tribe, this two-masted ketch was constructed using those self same time-honoured techniques. The yacht took 21 months to finish , from the laying of the keel, hull and bulkheads to finishing the superstructure, decks and soft furnishing.

Designed with luxury and space in mind, this remarkable phinisi superyacht offers guests comfort and facilities across quite 900sqm of useable space on four decks.

Guest accommodation comprises an astonishing nine suites, each with its own private en-suite bathroom. Fully soundproofed, the elegant suites are decorated with sumptuous vintage fabrics and contemporary linens during a sophisticated palette.

The Batavia main bedroom , arguably the yacht’s flagship room
The Batavia main bedroom , arguably the yacht’s flagship room

Wellness may be a key element within the Prana by Atzaro ethos, therefore the yacht even has its own yoga deck and two spa therapists to administer treatments outside, in-room or inside the peaceful Atelier de Beauté, using Anne Sémonin products.

Her charter appeal is enhanced by the immense social areas, including formal dining both indoors and out of doors , while the yoga terrace, a fanatical spa, a watersports platform and a cinema under the celebs also help make her one among the foremost in-demand charter yachts in eastern Indonesia.

A SOURCE OF PRIDE

Prana is that the Central Agency flagship of Voyage by Yacht Sourcing, the builder’s charter division, which hired and trained the crew, and manages the boat’s day-to-day operations. Voyage won Best Asia- Based Charter Company (Phinisi) at the 2019 Christofle Yacht Style Awards in Phuket due in large to the recognition of the new vessel.

The charter company’s impressive range of phinisis also included Lamima, Zen, Silolona, Alexa, Adelaar and Samata, plus motor yachts including the 50m Kudanil Explorer. However, Prana holds a special place within the company’s heart for obvious reasons.

Prana offers its famous fine dining and five-star service on the beach of your choice

Prana offers its famous fine dining and five-star service on the beach of your choice

“Prana is that the biggest yacht we’ve built and may be a special project due to our ongoing relationship with Atzaro. and since we manage the crew and therefore the boat, we confirm Prana and therefore the experience on board reflects Yacht Sourcing’s principles,” said Boum Senous, co- founding father of Yacht Sourcing and its Director of Operations.

“We brought tons of recent engineering to a standard design, so focused tons on fuel economy, waste management – even the kinds of toiletries used – to scale back the impact. I also just like the incontrovertible fact that a number of the revenue are going to be wont to help replant trees in Sulawesi. All folks are committed to growing this industry in Indonesia within the right way.”

At 411GT, Prana is larger than most luxury phinisis and measures over 55m overall long including her elegant bowsprit and overhanging stern, yet this flat-bottomed craft draws just 3.7m.

Admittedly, her massive, 11.6m beam gives her a ‘fat lady’ look on the water and her big boxy accommodation makes her look a touch top heavy as she sails along, but tread on board and you’ll soon see that she’s is made for comfort, as you wander through the well-appointed interior.

To be a phinisi, the craft should carry seven sails, only two of which are carried on the mizzen or aft mast.

Spa therapists can work indoors or out, and even on the beach

Spa therapists can work indoors or out, and even on the beach

Made of white cotton duck canvas, the sails are now often more for show than action, but fortunately the only Yanmar 850 engine and four-bladed propeller push Prana along at a handsome eight knots, which is fast enough around this a part of the planet .

We enjoyed a week-long charter in Raja Ampat, a foreign archipelago covering quite 40,000sqkm and featuring over 1,500 rambling Indonesian islets. Famous for his or her Jurassic-like beauty, these islands are set among cays, coral reefs and shoals like rough jewels during a cerulean sea.

Located off the northwest tip of the island of Papua within the Far East of Indonesia, they lie at the purpose where the Pacific becomes the Indian Ocean . The resulting currents fire up nutrient-rich water within the tropical climate, nurturing magnificent coral reefs and unparalleled marine life.

SPACE, LUXURY AND VIEWS GALORE

Prana may be a sensational choice for an outsized group of family or friends, with accommodation for up to twenty guests in its nine lavish cabins, all air-conditioned.

On the deck behind the bridge is that the sumptuous Batavia main bedroom , with its super king-size bed, double wardrobe, lounge and writing desk. Huge wrap-around, floor-to-ceiling windows open out on to its spacious 20sqm private deck overlooking the strict . The en-suite bathroom features a double shower and twin vanities.

Arguably the yacht’s flagship room, the Batavia main bedroom and its private terrace are situated at the aft end of the deck
The main bedroom and its private terrace are situated at the aft end of the deck

Also on the deck is that the 37sqm Uluwatu VIP suite, which we occupied and features a super king-size bed, dramatically large windows on each side and an en-suite bathroom. We were very comfortable living here!

As if more lounging area is required , forward of the Captain’s cabin and therefore the wheelhouse are four large king-size daybeds.

To starboard are the steps up to the yoga deck, which is that the equivalent of the sundeck and may even be converted into a cinema under the celebs . Oversize sun loungers over here catch the ocean breeze and offer the simplest view of the passing scenery.

The main deck features a vast open-plan saloon with a powerful board for entertaining. There’s also al fresco dining for up to 18 on two long tables outside on the foredeck, which also features large daybeds, ideal for lounging day or night.

Prana offers enormous living areas and has formal dining for 20 both inside and outdoors
Prana has formal dining for 20, both inside and outdoors

There’s also another guest suite, Ambon, on the most deck, while at the aft end may be a water sports centre equipped for diving, snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, waterskiing and wakeboarding.

There are six double suites on the third deck featuring private en- suite bathrooms, mini fridges, Smart TV and sound systems, although quite what the TVs are used for, nobody on our charter ever found out!

Each deck features oversized gangways and enormous daybeds scattered around all the open areas, offering abundant places to retreat and relax.

A WINNING COMBINATION

Prana may be a winner, not only in terms of yacht design but also in terms of crew and activities. The chef, Fauzi, creates Western and Asian fusion dishes with fresh local ingredients, paired with fine wines from the extensive cellar selection.

All are served by discreet staff, either outside under the celebs , within the cool of the air-conditioned dining room or maybe on a white-sand beach, Robinson-Crusoe style, for true barefoot luxury.

After dinner, guests can relax at the open-air cinema or enjoys a pampering spa treatment. within the morning, because the wind catches the sails, take a yoga class on the highest deck. Sun salutations will never be an equivalent again.

Guests can enjoy stunning views as they practise yoga on the highest deck

Guests can enjoy stunning views as they practise yoga on the highest deck

The 18-man crew includes a Cruise Director, Dive Instructor, several chefs, stewards and expert spa therapists; all available to deliver a seamless experience and to make sure all of your needs are met.

A voyage on Prana by Atzaro offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience during a truly special a part of Asia, with the chance to explore one among the world’s most exquisite coral reefs at Komodo park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from June to October.

December to April is that the season to go to the 1,500 islands that structure Raja Ampat, which incorporates world-class diving, prehistoric caves and primordial tribes, while trips are offered to the Banda Islands (‘Spice Islands’) in May and November.

With fine dining, on-board spa treatments, unlimited water sports, unforgettable diving and therefore the chance to go to a number of the world’s most beautiful heritage sites, Prana encapsulates a special unison between ancient craftsmanship and contemporary luxury.

charter@yachtsourcing.com