Meet Our Team of Indonesia Experts
The soul of Private Yacht Retreat is our people. Our team is a collective of seasoned professionals from the worlds of luxury hospitality, maritime operations, holistic wellness, and marine conservation. Each member brings a unique expertise and a shared passion for delivering extraordinary experiences in the Indonesian archipelago. We are not just planners; we are specialists who have spent years navigating these waters, building relationships, and understanding the nuances of creating seamless, world-class journeys.
Budi Santoso
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Credentials: MBA, INSEAD; PADI Advanced Open Water Diver; 20+ years in Southeast Asian hospitality investment with Juara Holding Group.
Bio: Budi is the visionary behind Private Yacht Retreat. Raised in a family with deep roots in Indonesian shipping, he combines a lifelong passion for the sea with a sharp business acumen honed at Juara Holding Group. He saw the potential to create a truly world-class luxury brand that celebrates the Phinisi tradition while setting new standards for sustainability and service. Budi personally oversees vessel partnerships and guides the company’s strategic commitment to conservation, ensuring that every journey contributes positively to the regions we visit.
Sari Dewi
Director of Operations
Credentials: Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS); ASITA Certified Travel Professional; ex-Operations Manager, Four Seasons Sayan.
Bio: Sari is the logistical heart of our operations. With over 15 years of experience managing high-end resorts in Bali and beyond, she possesses an unparalleled understanding of five-star service delivery in a uniquely Indonesian context. Sari manages the complex web of permits, port clearances (KSOP), and supply chains that stretch from Bali to the remote corners of Raja Ampat. Her meticulous planning and network of contacts ensure that every aspect of a guest’s journey, from the moment their Garuda Indonesia flight lands to their final departure, is flawlessly executed.
Dr. Iwan Kusuma
Head of Marine Experiences & Conservation
Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology, IPB University; PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer; Published researcher on coral reef ecology.
Bio: Dr. Iwan leads our commitment to creating dive and snorkel experiences that are not only breathtaking but also educational and responsible. A respected marine biologist, he has collaborated on projects with WWF Indonesia and The Nature Conservancy, focusing on manta ray populations in Komodo and coral health in the Bird’s Head Seascape. He trains all our onboard guides, develops our conservation briefing materials, and ensures our itineraries adhere to the strict guidelines of marine protected areas like Komodo National Park and the Raja Ampat Marine Park.
Isabelle Dubois
Lead Wellness Curator
Credentials: Yoga Alliance E-RYT 500; Certified Breathwork & Meditation Facilitator (International Breathwork Foundation); Specialist in Trauma-Informed Yoga.
Bio: Isabelle is the architect of our transformative wellness programs. With a background in both classical Hatha yoga and modern somatic practices, she designs bespoke retreats that cater to the unique needs of our clients, from stress-reduction for corporate leadership teams to rejuvenating flows for families. She personally vets and trains our network of onboard wellness practitioners, ensuring they meet our high standards of expertise and intuitive guidance. Her programs are designed to harmonize with the natural rhythm of the sea and the profound tranquility of the Indonesian islands.
David Chen
Head of Client Relations (Corporate & Family Office)
Credentials: B.Sc. Finance, National University of Singapore; 10+ years in wealth management and private client services in Singapore and Hong Kong.
Bio: David is the primary point of contact for our corporate and family office clients. His background in private banking gives him a deep understanding of the need for absolute discretion, bespoke customization, and flawless execution. He works closely with executive assistants, family office managers, and corporate retreat planners to design journeys that meet specific strategic objectives or family milestones. David excels at translating a client’s vision into a detailed, perfectly orchestrated Indonesian odyssey.
Continue exploring Private Yacht Retreat:
Our Private Yacht Retreat Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
Crafting your bespoke Indonesian odyssey
Imagine the gentle sway of a handcrafted phinisi beneath a sky ablaze with stars, the scent of salt and exotic frangipani on the breeze, as your private yacht retreat glides towards an untouched horizon. At Private Yacht Retreat, we believe true luxury lies in the art of the bespoke—a journey meticulously tailored not just to your itinerary, but to the rhythm of your soul. Our specialists are not merely travel agents; they are architects of dreams, transforming the vast Indonesian archipelago into your personal playground. From the moment of your first inquiry, our team delves into your deepest desires, your passions, and your vision of the perfect escape, ensuring every detail reflects your unique taste.
This commitment to personalization