Autumn is almost upon us and winter is approaching. We are gearing up to a season full of wonder, fun and amazing adventures.

Autumn is almost upon us and winter is approaching. At Life Butler & Dive Butler we are gearing up to a season full of wonder, fun and amazing adventures. The Maldives, Seychelles, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand in the far east or Antigua and the Leewards islands in the Caribbean are just a few options for spending the coldest months of the European winter surrounded by tropical beauty. Life Butler & Dive Butler can prepare a bespoke itinerary and our butlers can accompany you through enriching experiences.

As yacht owners become more and more adventurous we are seeing a change in the trend of diving itinerary planning. We have seen an increase in requests for cross-boarder itineraries. One of our favourites was preparing a bespoke itinerary to cruise through Maldives, Sri Lanka, Andaman Islands, Myanmar, Thailand, East and West Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines, spanning over 14.000 nautical miles. Some of the new breed of yacht owners have the resources, the hardware, and the desire to participate in the discovery and explorations of areas previously inaccessible, in some case this has led to the discovery of new species, new wrecks, even in some instances the protection and creation of “marine protected areas”. Dive Butler has increased its reach and the ability to provide experts in more regions – allowing us to organize unique journeys. Exciting times indeed.

Let us share with you some of our personal highlights from these areas.

No matter how many times we have visited the Maldives every time we go is a bit like returning home, to use our daughter Maia’s words: “When I put my feet in the water, then I know I am home.” There is a certain je ne se quoi about this beautiful country, which makes it the perfect escape for everybody. Imagine cruising through the beauty of the turquoise waters of the Maldives, swimming and snorkelling with dolphins, manta rays and whale sharks. Enjoying the adrenaline of drift diving with grey reef sharks, big schools of tuna fish and giant trevallies. Relaxing on the white sand of a deserted island, maybe while having a deep tissue massage. In the distance the laughter of your family and friends waiting for a delicious, healthy meal prepared by your own private chef. Star gazing at night and if you are lucky experience the magic of phytoplankton bioluminescence during the moon-less nights, a once in a lifetime experience where the shoreline turns into an ocean of stars.
Come and discover our favourite Atolls: Ari for big pelagic fish, Baa atoll an Unesco world heritage site for its adrenaline current diving, incredibly colourful walls and overhangs, Vaavu for its feeling of remoteness and simplicity, the perfect atoll to feel like Robinson Crusoe.

8 years ago we took a leap of faith and moved to Bali, discovering Indonesian land and waters where culture, history, and adventures blend with a breath taking landscape. Bali is a very spiritual place and has become a mecca for well-being. Over the years we have met some amazing individuals and Life Butler has gathered some of the most knowledgeable experts who have explored this country in all directions. They enchanted us with fascinating myths and tales while taking us through a journey of discovery and wonder, which only a few have walked. We want to share this with you; rest assured you would not be disappointed. Our life butlers can lead you through a path where the attention is on you and your family (or friends) well-being. From Spa treatments, yoga instructions, diving, and incredible adventures, to the discovery of new culinary flavours we can create a dream team for your specific needs.

Winter is the perfect season to cruise through Raj Ampat or ‘Four Kings’ to use its mythical name. The four major islands found here are Waigeo, Misool (which is home to ancient rock paintings), Salawati, and Batanta. While the landscape may look like a dream, this is not an illusion. As you embark on your dive, the word “discovery” takes on new meaning as pigmy seahorses swim around your fingers, Manta Rays and wobbegongs glide right by you. Tuna fish, giant trevallies, snappers, and barracudas are all to be found here. The natural, untouched beauty of Raj Ampat is home to the world’s largest bio-diversity both under and above the surface. Be ready to take home once in a lifetime memories.

Some of our old favourites are Antigua and the Leeward Islands, always a great highlight of the winter season and diving is a must. We have increased our portfolio of dive butlers in this region to serve our clientele better. Both Antigua and Barbuda are almost completely surrounded by well-preserved coral reefs, walls and shipwrecks. The southern and eastern coasts of Antigua and virtually the entire coast of Barbuda are surrounded by shelves, providing excellent conditions for spectacular shallow diving and snorkelling. St. Kitts is a beautiful island with great diving along the north coast; filled with long finger coral formations, it gives the feeling of diving in tunnels filled with curious fish, graceful turtles and the occasional bright nudibranch. Night dives in these waters are some of our favourites. Saba is also high on our list. The island’s volcanic origins means there are spectacular under water formations and structural diversity, which makes the Saba National Marine Park one of the best places in the world to dive.

Whether you are staying at a private villa or cruising on board a super yacht Life Butler & Dive Butler are delighted to be at your service.