Our methodology

How we vet boats, resorts and guides

Every Phinisi, resort and activity we recommend is scored on a weighted rubric and inspected by our operations team at least twice a year.

Ask the planner See the rubric

15: weighted criteria
3: scoring areas
2× a year: partner site visits, minimum

Why a method

Luxury is execution, not just amenities

Opulent cabins are the easy part. What matters is seamless execution, authentic immersion and real peace of mind.

So we evaluate every facet of an experience — the vessel, the itinerary, the people and the service — before it earns a place in a proposal.

Safety and sustainability weighed alongside comfort
On-the-ground checks, not just paperwork
No commissions or incentives behind a pick

Our editorial standards

Scoring rubric · Phinisi charters

Vessel quality and design

Six weighted criteria for every Phinisi we consider, from traditional build quality to the dive compressor.

Criterion	Weight	What we check
Build & maintenance	25%	Structure, craftsmanship and maintenance records; certificates from Ditjen Perhubungan Laut.
Amenities & comfort	20%	Cabin space, en-suites, air-conditioning, common areas, deck space and finishes.
Safety equipment	20%	Life rafts, life jackets, fire suppression, satellite phone, VHF radio and first aid.
Sustainability features	15%	Waste management, water purification, fuel efficiency and eco-friendly materials.
Crew facilities	10%	Comfortable, safe crew quarters and ethical employment.
Navigation & dive gear	10%	Navigation systems, dive compressors, tanks and water-sports gear.

Build & maintenance

Weight: 25%
What we check: Structure, craftsmanship and maintenance records; certificates from Ditjen Perhubungan Laut.

Amenities & comfort

Weight: 20%
What we check: Cabin space, en-suites, air-conditioning, common areas, deck space and finishes.

Safety equipment

Weight: 20%
What we check: Life rafts, life jackets, fire suppression, satellite phone, VHF radio and first aid.

Sustainability features

Weight: 15%
What we check: Waste management, water purification, fuel efficiency and eco-friendly materials.

Crew facilities

Weight: 10%
What we check: Comfortable, safe crew quarters and ethical employment.

Navigation & dive gear

Weight: 10%
What we check: Navigation systems, dive compressors, tanks and water-sports gear.

Safety checks are cross-referenced with our Safety & Compliance standards.

Scoring rubric · Trip & service

Experience and service, scored too

Permit-backed access to Misool and Piaynemo (Wayag by liveaboard only, when open), PADI or SSI-certified dive masters, fresh local produce and responsive support all carry weight.

Experience design & itinerary

Destination access · 30%
Activity diversity & quality · 25%
Expert guides & crew · 25%
Cultural immersion · 10%
Flexibility & customisation · 10%

Service & hospitality

Crew-to-guest ratio · 30%
Culinary standards · 30%
Guest feedback & reviews · 20%
Pre- and post-trip support · 20%

Site visits & audits

We check in person, not on paper

Our operations team inspects partner Phinisi vessels and resorts, then keeps watching between visits.

Ask about a partner

1

Twice a year+

Site visits

Unannounced and scheduled inspections of cleanliness, maintenance, safety compliance and service quality.
2

Every partner

Partner audits

Operating licences (e.g. SIUP-Pariwisata), insurance including BPJS Ketenagakerjaan for crew, crew certificates and environmental policies.
3

Ongoing

Performance monitoring

Guest feedback forms, direct communication and incident reports keep standards consistent.