Hotels and Hospitality – Meridian Capital Limited

Category: Hotels and Hospitality

Valet Diving Experience in Raja Ampat with Meridian Adventure Dive

From the start of your first diving course, you are usually heavily involved with packing, moving, and washing the diving equipment. While this is an essential and invaluable skill and safety requirement of becoming a competent and autonomous diver, there are times when you wish someone would take care of it all for you.

At Meridian Adventure Dive, you are treated to a valet experience when it comes to equipment, whether bringing your gear or using the freediving equipment available at the resort.

You need not worry about dragging your gear bags all over for those traveling with your own equipment. From the moment you arrive at reception, the team will meticulously log your equipment, tag and label it as needed, and ensure it is safely stored until you are set to dive.

Fear not for those who choose to use the state-of-the-art Aqualung equipment available at no additional cost; the selection and fitting process cannot be more straightforward. The team will make a note of all your required equipment and requests. From here, you can visit the on-site dive center at your leisure.

The professional dive team takes the time to introduce you to all the equipment available and find your perfect fitting equipment in a few minutes. In addition, they are always available to answer any questions you may have, even regarding your equipment.

As a guest, this is the only input the team requires from you. The equipment is labeled, moved to your assigned high-speed dive boat, set up, tested ready for your diving adventure.

These high-speed custom speed boats are designed with comfort and ease for the diver, with dedicated secured slots for your equipment and ample deck space to enjoy the thrilling ride to the dive site. You are provided with safe storage space for divers with specialised camera equipment for your precious gear.

The dive team will meet you at the restaurant daily before your dives and escort you to the dive boats in the private marina, where you will be shown your labeled spot on the boat and given a boat safety briefing. Before each departure, all guests are encouraged to run through their pre-dive equipment checks and ensure they have all the required equipment. The dive team also makes sure to pack spares of all dive equipment in various sizes and a host of spares and tools, so there is always a reason to take advantage of an incredible dive.

While on the trip, you will be treated to personal attention by the dive team, including interesting facts about the area or even just a chat about the incredible marine life you spotted on the dive.

Snacks and drinks are also provided between dives while you chill on white beaches surrounded by crystal-clear waters, all while the dive team prepares the boat for your next dive. All cylinders are changed for you, equipment checked and neatly stowed back in your dedicated spot. Again all you need to do is a final gear run-over.

At the end of your diving day, you can step off the boat and enjoy the luxuries the resort offers to the guests. The cylinders are filled, and all equipment is washed and set up for the next day. While the team also goes the extra mile washing the boats, ensuring that guests always return to a clean and inviting boat.

The beautiful mangrove restaurant terrace has a dedicated camera station for photo enthusiasts, from charging and storage space to charging points. So you can review and share your footage while sipping on a drink or a snack.

Finally, when the sad last day of diving arrives, the team removes, washes, and checks all of your equipment for the last time. As far as possible, equipment will be dried as much as time allows before departure. The team will even neatly repack your equipment bag, ready for departure.

All equipment is returned to the reception team, where final checks are made to ensure everything is accounted for.

This is just an ordinary day for the team at Meridian Adventure Dive, where the guests’ comfort and experience are the top priority—the perfect diving vacation. So you get to dive, and the rest is taken care of.

About Meridian Adventure Dive

Situated in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Meridian Adventure Dive is a PADI 5 Star Resort and winner of the PADI Green Star award. Scuba divers enjoy our professional services that have become synonymous with both the PADI and Meridian Adventure names.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: DIVERNET

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Raja Ampat, Indonesia is a stunning limestone Archipelago

When visiting Raja Ampat, one of the most awe-inspiring moments is when you first encounter the limestone cliffs along the coastline. These towering structures stretch high into the air and deep into the depths of the water forming the base of the reef systems the area is so well known for.

The history of Raja Ampat goes back millions of years, and many believe that the earliest archipelagos were formed as far back as 420 million years ago and, with time, grew into the incredible structures you find all over the area now.

The four main regions of Raja Ampat, Waigeo, Misool, Salawati, and Bantanta form the geopark area—an initiative to preserve this natural beauty for the local community and tourists. The most significant structures are on Waigeo, where the mountains reach 900m above sea level.

About Meridian Adventure Dive

These limestone formations are rich with foliage; green trees and shrubs grow on the small pinnacles and high mountains that rise out of the ocean and provide a natural habitat for many wildlife, from the birds of paradise to the world-famous coconut crabs.

These islands and pinnacles are spread all over the region. As you travel around the area by boat, you often pass through channels and passages where the limestone formations tower over you on both sides. The Passage is the most famous natural saltwater river that flows between landmasses in the Western parts of Waigeo.

These limestone formations also offer great viewing points for visitors to enjoy Piaynemo and Wayag, the most famous, and allow guests to enjoy incredible vistas of natural lagoons, valleys, and passages after a short hike on the wooden walkways to the top. The perfect spot to take that Raja Ampat ‘selfie.’ While these are the most famous, there are many less-known lookouts to explore, such as Pencil rock in the Waigeo region. Book a fast boat tour to explore all these on a non-diving day, or incorporate it into your surface interval.

While the limestone formations are awe-inspiring from the underwater surface, they become even more spectacular. This is because the structures stretch far below the surface and form the perfect base for hard and soft coral growth that Raja Ampat is famous for. These structures have been eroded over the years due to the tides and currents and now offer some of the best naturally formed structures for divers to explore.

Raja Ampat has everything from natural caverns and swim-throughs to colourful reef slopes and walls. Some of our personal favourites include Red Rock in the northern part of Waigeo. One of the most colourful coral formations is a large island with towering limestone formations, small enclaves with white sandy beaches and palm trees, and a 30m wall on the island’s south side.

When starting your dive, you will be in awe of the massive structure above the water and gently drift along the wall until, gradually, the wall slopes up, and you end your dive at the foot of a white sandy beach. A memory you will never forget.

Other incredible dives you need to experience are the limestone structures like Mike’s Point, Friwen Wall, and the Passage. Raja Ampat is a truly unique destination with a long history and has remained mostly untouched. The Last Paradise. This is the closest we can see the earth as it should be in its natural state.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: DIVERNET

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Meridian Adventure Dive Offer a Unique Paddle Boarding Experience

With clear waters, white beaches, and lush forests, the Raja Ampat islands are the perfect tropical retreat for all. Exploring the incredible underwater world, the dense forests, and magical beaches might be the most common and obvious ways to experience the area and well worth your time. However, there are many other ways to explore and appreciate the last paradise.

The clear, calm waters of the area provide the perfect conditions to participate in several water sports, including paddleboarding. While the sport may seem intimidating to many, it is easy to learn and a safe water sport, especially in these fantastic conditions. It is even possible for those who are still hesitant to take part whilst sitting or have a guide to double up with you for the experience.

Raja Ampat is well known for the reefs and incredible marine life but what many do not know is that most of these reefs are shallow and readily assessable to all. Because of this, it is possible to enjoy the wonders of the underwater world from the surface. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you can have the best experiences while on a paddleboard. Meridian Adventure Dive has perfected paddleboarding safaris and offers top-of-the-range equipment, including inflatable paddle boards for guests who wish to participate.

Almost every reef and island offers the opportunity to explore on a paddleboard. It is still a great holiday activity for the entire family, even when not spotting marine life. What sets Meridian Adventure apart is the unique locations and routes that they have discovered for their guests.

Imagine a late afternoon traveling on a custom-built dive boat through the most breath-taking landscapes to a hidden bay where your paddleboards are waiting for you to start your journey after an experienced guide has shown you the ropes of using a paddleboard. You set out on an incredible route twisting through towering limestone formations and channels you didn’t even notice before. Over shallow reefs with clear water, into naturally formed caves and overhangs, the guides are there to assist you and give you information on the area.

You can hear and spot large groups of jolly birds in the trees, and below you, the coral is rich with fish coming out of their daytime hiding spots. As you make your way around the last bend, you will be amazed by the incredible sunset that appears on the horizon. The evening offers shades of orange, yellow, and red you have never experienced before. At this point, you are encouraged to take a few minutes of silence to take in all around you as the sun sets before being transferred to your waiting dive boat, where you can enjoy refreshments on your journey back. This experience is one example of the team’s many paddleboarding experiences.

From sunset paddleboarding through the limestone formations, sunrise paddleboarding around a tropical island seeing the local fruit bats returning from their night-time adventure, or even paddling on a winding saltwater river surrounded by lush mangrove forests to find natural waterfalls and pools waiting for you at the end. These are but a few of the possibilities available to you. For those even more adventurous, why not rent a paddleboard for the day and explore on your own. Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is fast becoming a popular water sport and is a great way to explore the untouched and get closer to nature. The perfect way to explore Raja Ampat in a new and exciting way

About Meridian Adventure Dive

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: SCUBADIVERMAG

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Located in the heart of the jungle is the stunning Blue River.

Afentra acquires stake in two blocks offshore Angola. Afentra expects to sell its first cargo of crude oil in the third quarter of this year.

British oil and gas company Afentra has concluded the acquisition of a 4% stake in two blocks offshore Angola from Croatia’s INA-Industrija Nafte.

The acquisition in Block 3/05 and Block 3/05A marks Afentra’s foray into the Angola oil and gas space.

In April, Block 3/05’s gross output averaged 19,000 barrels of oil per day.

Afentra noted that its working interest in Block 3/05A would increase from 4% to 5.33%, subject to final approval of the allocation of the China Sonangol International interest to the remaining joint venture partners.

The deal, which was first announced in July 2022, received the nod from Angola’s Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas in January 2023.

Afentra CEO Paul McDade said: “The indicative transaction metrics upon sale of crude inventories speak to the competitiveness with which we have been able to structure this deal and we are pleased to mark the inception of our partnership with Sonangol in Blocks 3/05 and 3/05A.

“It is also highly encouraging that the terms for the Block 3/05 licence extension award have been agreed; this represents a major step towards completion of the Sonangol transaction within our previously guided timeline.”

The deal, according to the British company, results in a net upfront consideration of $17m, which is mitigated by the company inheriting crude oil stock with a value of around $16.6m at $80 per barrel.

Additionally, the company has set aside $10m as a “escrow deposit at completion” that will be paid to INA following the formal completion of the Block 3/05 licence extension.

Afentra also noted that it expects to sell its first cargo of crude oil in the third quarter of this year.

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Meridian Adventure Dive Raja Ampat Scuba Diving Specials

Meridian Adventure Marina Club and Resort, Waisai is a PADI Five Star Resort excelling in providing scuba divers with incredible, amazing and unbelievable experiences by providing professional and outstanding service.

No set arrival or departure days, book your package to suit your travel plans.

7 DAY / 6 NIGHT PACKAGE
– Bed & Breakfast
– 10 guided boat dives with full equipment rental
– Free 24hr Wifi and GoPro footage from all dives

Double – $1,343 per person
Single – $1,526 per person

Upgrade from 10 to Unlimited dives – $733 per person

11 DAY / 10 NIGHT PACKAGE
– Bed & Breakfast
– 18 guided boat dives with full equipment rental
– Free 24hr Wifi and GoPro footage from all dives

Double – $2,259 per person
Single – $2,552 per person

Upgrade from 18 to Unlimited dives – $1099 per person

Get in touch!
TEL: +62 951 317 6120
MAIL: reservations@meridianadventuresdive.com

Terms and conditions apply
Please quote MADINT2022 when booking.
Booking Period: Now to 31 December 2022.
Travel Period: Now to 31 December 2023.
Rates are in USD and exclude sales tax.

About Meridian Adventure Dive
Situated in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Meridian Adventure Dive is a PADI 5 Star Resort and winner of the PADI Green Star award. Scuba divers enjoy our professional services that have become synonymous with both the PADI and Meridian Adventure names.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: SCUBADIVERMAG

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Diving and sailing around Raja Ampat, Indonesia: One of the last few pristine marine reserves

Christopher Silvester enjoys a diving adventure with a twist off the Indonesian coast in Raja Ampat

Sean Galleymore is a man on a mission. This South African diving expert is a visionary who wishes to transform the yacht chartering business worldwide. He hates the wastefulness of megayachts.

There are too many ‘backpacker’ deckhands, too many accidents in yachting. His passions are the extraordinary variety and fecundity of marine life and the cadet programme he has created for the purpose of training crew to a superlative level.

‘They can’t be specialists,’ he says. ‘They have to know everything.’

West Papua is the base for Meridian Adventure SAIL, a fleet of eco-friendly, 19.9-metre catamarans, which offer luxury accommodation for groups of travellers seeking a unique diving experience.

I am here with a group of travel writers and yacht brokers, as well as a Hong Kong billionaire and his wife. ‘We are not a charter company, we are not a dive company, we are an adventure club,’ Galleymore explains.

Guests can book a catamaran or up to all six vessels for a customised diving and sailing adventure around Raja Ampat, one of the last few pristine marine reserves – perfect for an entrepreneur’s corporate jolly or, indeed, his multi-generational family holiday. ‘We’re not seeking cabin-based bookings,’ says Galleymore.

‘We prefer families who’ve already had megayacht experiences. Our fleet gives autonomy, it’s independently anchored, and it creates a village effect.’

To reach Raja Ampat, an archipelago of four large islands and hundreds of tower karst islets, you must cross the Dampier Strait, a rough expanse of ocean, in a fast tender (which means getting wet) or a closed-cabin boat, a journey which takes 90 minutes. You don’t need to have a PADI certificate or, indeed, any significant diving experience.

There are highly skilled divers on hand to teach you everything you need to know, and you can take your first dive with oxygen after about an hour’s training.

However for those who prefer to snorkel there is plenty to see, and a couple of the cadets will lead you on guided outings while the hardcore divers head down beneath you ur first dive is in the Dampier Strait.

We spot a pilot whale rising briefly to the surface a few hundred yards away. While I am snorkelling, a turtle passes beneath me. Our second dive is at Yeban Shallows. Galleymore describes this as a pimple rising out of the sea with a long sand bank connecting it to other rocky outcrops.

There I see a black tip shark patrolling the reef below. Its presence doesn’t alarm me, as I know it isn’t dangerous to humans. At Pef, we go on a paddleboard safari, following narrow channels through the mangroves, skimming across corals while small fish jump up onto our paddleboards.

On another occasion we embark on a night-time paddleboard safari in the darkness, the only illumination being coloured LED lights underneath our paddleboards. We make our way through a low tunnel cave, which leads to an inlet, and we form ourselves into the circular shape of a flower head, with each board serving as a petal. Galleymore instructs us to lie back in silence and gaze up at the stars as he switches off all our LEDs with a single remote switch.

It is a moment of sublime rapture, an opportunity to fulfil his oft-repeated mantra about presence of mind. At an islet, we snorkel and swim through a gap in the reef to reach a beach where we gather in a circle for an aerial photo by drone.

At Waigeo island, we explore one of the conical tower karsts by trekking to its summit. Then there is swimming with sharks, and not in the metaphorical sense. We arrive at an island village where a ranger proceeds to feed a school of black tip sharks in the shallows while we swim among them.

Aside from wanting to improve the available pool of superyacht crews, Meridian’s raison d’être is its slow-travel mandate. That means craft with low emissions and detoxification of waste. Local villages are important.

‘We are in their back garden, at their request,’ says Galleymore. ‘People protect what they love. I believe in the power of the ocean to cleanse and challenge, to revitalise.’

The biggest threat to the marine reserve is the vast number of unregulated phinisi sailing junks, known as ‘liveaboards’. The phinisis have deficient treatment systems, anchor near reefs and dump their waste on to reef systems. Nor does the local economy benefit from their presence.

Their crews are not locals, they don’t buy their supplies locally, and they don’t spend money in Raja Ampat. Meridian, on the other hand, assists the villages when it comes to electricity generation, water conservation and waste management.

At Friwen, Meridian supports the local village with homestays (whereby their guests can stay the night in a village dwelling and eat village food), and it pays for its guests to be on the beach, where they can drink coconut juice and use Seabobs or electric hydrofoil surfboards.

Indeed, Meridian is training numerous homestays to become hotels on their own terms, providing chefs who teach them how to enhance food. The Meridian DIVE resort at Waisai, where academy cadets do their eight days’ PADI training, is a five-star facility, with the best compressors in the world.

‘Private yachts should only anchor in specific places,’ says Galleymore. ‘Meridian employs Indonesians, educates them, but crucially it learns from their local knowledge. Our crown jewels are the diving experiences. We’ve even converted a fishing vessel into a cargo carrier.

‘The superyacht industry is owned by 1,000 people who run the world,’ he adds, therefore to give them self-actualisation experiences while educating them about marine conservation is ‘a way of shaping minds and lives’.

And that brings me back to Galleymore’s favourite phrase once again. In all things, cultivate presence of mind. It’s good for the planet as well as good for the soul.

Meridian Adventure SAIL’s all-inclusive, semi-private Raja Ampat voyage starts at $8,250 per day, per vessel (6-8 guests; one week minimum). Group expeditions with six vessels start at $49,500 per day, with up to 21 cabins available. sail.meridianadventures.com Qatar Airways offers flights from London to Jakarta from £533 return. (From Jakarta, Raja Ampat can be reached via a domestic flight to Sorong.) qatarairways.com

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Craving a treat after all this misery? Hire a yacht in the Med for your bubble- The Mail on Sunday

Caroline Hendrie – The Mail on Sunday

The article takes a look at the various luxurious sailing holidays currently available, mentions a quote for Meridian’s six nights’ charter in the Greek islands.

See the full article here.

See more about Meridian Adventure Sail here.

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Meridian Adventure Sail is a private members club for voyages at sea – GLOBETRENDER

Meridian Adventure Sail is a ‘private explorers’ club that arranges ‘leave no trace adventures’ to far-flung corners of the world. Olivia Palamountain reports

Meridian Adventure Sail offers exotic catamaran adventures in unexplored climes combined with all the luxury services and amenities one would expect from a premium sailing trip.

See the full article here.

See more about Meridian Adventure Sail here.

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Why your next adventure should be a low-impact sailing trip – Forbes

Nicole Trilivas – Forbes

Though we can’t say for certain what travel will look like once restrictions are lifted, responsible travel is one industry trend that we hope will resurge as a key priority for many travelers.

With the one-two punch of sustainability and slow travel, sailing allows for full immersion with the natural world without leaving a heavy footprint behind. However, not all boats—or tour operators—are created equal. No one knows this better than the team behind the newly introduced Meridian Adventure SAIL, a collection of six high-end, eco-friendly catamarans currently based in the Indonesian marine paradise of Raja Ampat.

A Look At Meridian Adventure SAIL:

With a slow-travel mandate and environmental responsibility at heart, Meridian Adventure SAIL operates as a members club to ensure that only environmentally focused and adventure-loving travelers attend their trips. Once accepted into the club, likeminded members are able to book a catamaran (or up to six catamarans) for a custom-crafted expedition through the world’s most pristine paradises, such as Raja Ampat.

Slowly garnering a reputation as one of the most staggeringly beautiful diving locations, Raja Ampat is a biological hotspot with a dizzying amount of marine diversity, which is all the more reason that it should be explored via a sustainable outfit like Meridian Adventure SAIL.

See the full article here.

See more about Meridian Adventure Sail here.

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Caroline Hendrie – The Mail on Sunday

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Nicole Trilivas – Forbes

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© 2022 Meridian Capital LimitedMeridian Capital (HK) Ltd. All rights reserved

© 2022 Meridian Capital Limited
Meridian Capital (HK) Ltd. All rights reserved