Arasatu Villas & Sanctuary

Very comfortable room with the sockets in the right places, comfortable bed, large terrace with huge sunlounger. Outdoor shower for rinsing off after swimming. Beach towels.

The overpowering smell of mothballs in the shower room and the open air aspect of the shower room (for fear of mosquitoes). No TV.

great place good people I go back in November

lot of bugs in the room

We had the most magical, beautiful and restful stay at Arasatu Villas & Sanctuary! From the beginning, even prior to our stay, mba Yola has been very reachable and full of great advice for our arrival to the island, its proposed activities and the type of room that will please us. And from there, it was just a dream on the island. The room was beautiful, clean and comfortable. Richness of the ocean was just below our feet and we could snorkel from our room and watch the Milky Way of stars from our bed. Food & drink was also very delicious, Mas Vikri was very nice and welcoming, he was always careful to our food preferences, presenting the menu and providing some activities advises too. As for the island, it’s a hidden gem, one of the most beautiful corals I’ve ever seen close to shore! This trip felt like a 2nd honeymoon for us and we can’t thank enough Arasatu Villas & Sanctuary for everything!

None, everything was perfect

The staff was fantastically accommodating and kind. The villas and the reef were stunning.

Location on a remote island around two and a half hours by boat from BEJ airport (occasional flights to local airport on the island exist but didn't fit our travel plans). Crystal-clear water directly accessible from the water villas. Snorkeling is very nice, the reef just in front of the hotel has beautiful corals and lots of marine life. Diving arrangements can be made directly with the facility, as well as other activities like tours to other islands, and the underwater views are spectacular - Barracuda-tornado included. Other places to visit include the fascinating blue-water caves in the South or the pier location with many sea-turtles. Rooms are very spacious, the open-air restaurant has a good selection of food. Staff were very friendly and helpful, though English can be an issue at times (but we always got to the point :) ).

The hotel doesn't provide a price list for services and excursions, so there is some confusion (at least for the guests) about the actual cost, and what is included - that should be made clearer. Services by other providers in the vicinity (e.g. diving) tend to be cheaper and equally well organized. Should not be seen as a complaint, rather some things to consider: - The island is very small, about 30-40 minutes from one end to the other by car / scooter. - There are additional options for food and drink, though definitely by far not as developed as on the more tourist-oriented islands further South-East (which can be a good thing). - Internet / cell data connection can be very flaky.

Maratua is unbelievably amazing, some of the most beautiful water I’ve seen anywhere in the world. The property is also extremely beautiful, with an astounding variety of coral and fish right off the restaurant, or from your own villa, just jump in. Amazing and rare opportunity to spend time alone with whale sharks and see tons of turtles!

Communication in English was a real struggle. Prices for snorkeling/diving weren’t published anywhere, weren’t communicated effectively and were exorbitant compared to other areas in Indonesia, like Raja Ampat. Every tiny thing is extra (as a surprise at the final bill) and it’s to the point of ridiculousness. For example the property charged 500,000 IDR for a 9 minute shuttle ride to the nearby village….ridiculous when I just took a grab road for over an hour in Jakarta for 147,000. It adds up quick.