WHEREVER checks out the newest offering from the luxury brand in the Pacific Ocean. Direction: The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon in Palau, Micronesia.

Luxury hospitality group, Four Seasons, have launched a new route inviting travellers to explore Palau’s pristine natural beauty aboard the luxurious Four Seasons Explorer catamaran.

Located in the Western Pacific, Palau is known for its untouched landscapes and rich cultural heritage dating back 4,000 years. This 39-metre catamaran, previously used to explore the Maldives, offers a unique way to experience Palau’s ecological diversity, featuring a PADI 5-star dive centre, multiple water sports options, a spa, and luxurious accommodation. With over 340 islands and vast marine protected areas, Palau’s ecosystem includes vibrant coral reefs and a UNESCO-listed Rock Islands Southern Lagoon.

The Four Seasons Explorer provides flexible boarding with no minimum stay, allowing guests to personalise their itineraries, from diving expeditions to cultural excursions or relaxation. The team, led by Regional Vice President Armando Kraenzlin, collaborates closely with Palau’s tourism agencies to uphold sustainable tourism practices. Palau is the world’s first shark sanctuary and preserves nearly 500,000 square kilometres of its waters, contributing to the protection of marine biodiversity, including over 1,400 fish species and 500 coral species.

“One highlight is the Milky Way excursion, a volcanic ash “lake” known for its mineral-rich mud baths and relaxing ambiance.”

The catamaran’s dive centre offers guided tours to renowned dive sites like Blue Corner and Chandelier Cave, as well as exclusive access to hidden marine gems. Additionally, visitors can snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or relax in the region’s warm waters. One highlight is the Milky Way excursion, a volcanic ash “lake” known for its mineral-rich mud baths and relaxing ambiance.

Palau’s landscapes extend beyond its seas, with jungle hikes to waterfalls, bird-watching and historical tours on Peleliu Island, a WWII site filled with military ruins and memorials. Palau’s history also includes ancient monuments like the Badrulchau stone monoliths and Ulong Island’s rock paintings, offering a window into the island’s cultural legacy.

With flexible schedules and inclusive rates, the Explorer covers accommodation, meals, diving, water sports, wellness sessions and cultural events, including beach barbecues and lectures from a marine biologist. Culinary offerings are curated to suit international tastes, including on-board dining and beach picnics. What more could you possibly wish for?

If you prefer not to share, the Explorer also offers private charters for up to 26 guests. Palau’s accessibility from nearby hubs like Singapore, Taipei and Guam makes it an ideal destination for further exploration of Oceania.