AYANA’s New Aqua Fleet

September is an exciting time for AYANA Hotels as they launch the first and only 5-star resort on the island of Flores. Alongside the spectacular 205 bedroom resort, the group will set sail to the world’s largest specially built Phinisi, AYANA Lako di’a.

The impressive 54-meter Phinisi hails a new standard in luxury travel. With 9 uber luxurious bedrooms — including a master suite with private deck, plus exquisite lounging and dining areas, guests can experience the wonders of the Komodo Islands from 1,100 square meters of premium space.

A glass bottom boat (Lako Taka), speedboat (Lako Cama), catamaran, and a bespoke, specially built 2nd phinisi (Lako Sa’e) will soon be on the seafaring scene for daily trips and group functions. AYANA will be the pioneer in the crystal waters of Komodo, offering fashionable dive spots and the best seascape experiences while raising awareness to the importance of protecting our oceans and underwater wildlife.

AYANA is taking aqua life seriously, and behind the sails you will find the group’s new Cruise Director, Thomas Demesmaker and Operational Manager, Ricardo Ferreira. AYANA’s new duo present a wealth of expert knowledge coupled with on and off-board practical experience.

Thomas Demesmaker, Cruise Director

Thomas, whose background includes thirteen years in the Maldives specializing in operational and cruise director roles for liveaboard vessels, will be at the helm of AYANA Lako di’a. His love and understanding of the ocean and operations promise to create a unique 5-star sailing experience like no other. Thomas’ role will include being at the heart of all touch-points to ensure a fully personalized service that extends from all onboard operations to managing passengers’ welfare and comfort, and creating a once-in-a-lifetime guest experiences. With the support of his crew, including an onboard chef, guests will have an expert team to present spellbinding dining options alongside mesmerizing on-land and aqua activities, plus underwater excursions to the world’s best dive spots.

Thomas has an unparalleled passion for protecting our precious ecosystems, and as such, has been the driving force behind the introduction of key eco-friendly practices for the luxury liner and new resort.

Hailing from Portugal, Ricardo was born close to the ocean and remains zealous about diving and marine life. His vast operational experiences propelled him from St. Maarten and Mozambique to leading a dive center, marine biology center, numerous boats, and extensive water activities on a private island in the Maldives. Ricardo will head the operations of all daily excursions and water activities including kayaking, SUP, fishing, diving and snorkeling, and the additional leisure boats for the Lako di’a fleet at AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach.

Launching September 2018, AYANA will be bringing an exciting program of ‘stay and set sail’ opportunities for AYANA’s global travel community. Due to the exclusivity aboard AYANA Lako di’a and the resort’s additional fleet of water vessels, guests are invited to pre-book their 2018/2019 reservation to ensure availability of on land and aqua activities of their choice. Guests may choose from day-tripping adventures as well as one, two and three night voyages to explore prodigious landmarks such as the UNESCO World Heritage site, Komodo National Park. The Park comprises of Komodo Island, Rinca, and Padar, plus 26 smaller islands. This global conservation priority area protects unparalleled terrestrial and marine ecosystems including the famous Komodo Dragon — the world’s largest species of lizard, which cannot be found anywhere else on earth.