Come December 2012, Alila Hotels and Resorts is set to launch its own luxury wooden Phinisi sailing boat, the Alila Purnama, which will take guests on voyages of discovery and relaxation throughout the stunning, undiscovered waters and islands of Indonesia.

Alila Purnama, translated as The Full Moon, will be the most luxurious liveaboard Phinisi boat in the region, providing ultra-modern and relaxing accommodation for up to 10 guests, pampered by an experienced crew of 16.

The 46-metre-long Alila Purnama consists of three decks and has been built by hand in the traditional style of a Phinisi, as used by the Bugis seafarers from south Sulawesi in Indonesia. In keeping with Alila’s emphasis on style and sustainability, the furniture throughout the boat is custom-made from teak, rattan and other locally sourced materials from Indonesia.

On board are four well-appointed cabins, all air-conditioned with queen-size beds, en-suite bathrooms with shower, writing desk, separate toilet, and double wardrobes.

In addition, there is the master suite, expansively designed with large, wraparound windows offering 270-degree views of the ever-changing yet incredible landscape. Its bathroom features shower, bathtub, two washbasins and an enclosed separate toilet, while a private balcony and large sundeck with daybed and deckchairs provide the ultimate space for relaxation.

Aside of the cabins, this luxury vessel features a library, lounge, bar, indoor dining area seating up to 12 people, and plenty of space outside to unwind and enjoy the views. It is also equipped with complimentary WiFi access, enabling guests to upload their trip photos on a daily basis.

Guests will be able to dine at leisure in the air-conditioned dining room or on the outdoor deck. Meals and an extensive list of non-alcoholic beverages are all-inclusive while alcoholic beverages including wines, beers and cocktails are available for an additional charge.

After dinner or in between dives, guests can relax over coffee or cocktails in the bar and lounge, furnished with sumptuously comfortable sofas, as they swap stories, review the day’s underwater or land adventures, or curl up with a book, magazine, DVD, music or board game from the library.

The main outdoor deck has large oversized daybeds shaded by umbrellas – perfect for relaxing day or night and enjoying the fresh sea breezes. And with a spa therapist aboard the vessel, guests can succumb to the soothing pleasures of a signature Alila massage onboard or on a nearby beach.

Alila Purnama also has its own fully licensed PADI dive centre, catering to qualified divers. Development courses offered onboard range from Advanced Open Water Diver to over 16 specialities, including Enriched Air Nitrox, Deep, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Drift and Underwater Naturalist. There is plenty of equipment for all guests onboard as well as a dedicated freshwater rinse tank for camera equipment.

For those with a taste for adventure, kayaking, surfing, fishing, snorkeling, visiting local islands and pearl farms are among the many other pursuits on offer.

Inaugural expedition around the islands of Raja Ampat

Alila Purnama’s first sailing will set off this December from Raja Ampat in Indonesia’s West Papua province. Guests will arrive by flight from Bali to Sorong for a magnificent 6-day escape, with all booking details and transfers taken care of by Alila.

Setting out from Sorong, Alila Purnama will take guests on an amazing sea and island-hopping adventure, winding a course past several of the Raja Ampat islands including Gam, Miskon and Yangello.

Along the way, guests will encounter some of the most pristine dives sites, with the opportunity to dive by day and by night in calm blue waters adorned with beautiful coral reefs and teeming with diverse marine life – wobbegong sharks, manta and eagle rays, schools of barracuda, to name a few.

When not being mesmerised underwater, guests can choose to relax on golden sandy beaches, perhaps with a picnic and a chilled glass of champagne. Or explore island life, taking a walk through villages or tropical rainforests, glimpsing beautiful birds of paradise in their natural habitat.

While sailing on the Alila Purnama promises to be a truly magical experience in itself, guests can begin their journey even before taking to the sea with a one-night stay in Bali at the spectacular Alila Villas Uluwatu. Located not far from the airport, its magnificent clifftop setting and ocean views provide a wonderful prelude to the voyage ahead. Upon the return flight to Bali, guests may also choose to spend two nights in beautiful west Bali at the serene Alila Villas Soori – a wonderful way to wind down after an unforgettable sailing adventure.