WONDERS OF THE SEA AT TA’AKTANA

Images courtesy of TA’AKTANA

A Season of Stillness, Guided by the Ocean

The ocean doesn’t always ask for attention. Sometimes, it simply invites you to slow down. In the Flores Sea, this quieter rhythm arrives with the return of manta rays—moving gently beneath the surface, guided by currents rather than time.

It is within this calm that TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo, shapes its most contemplative experience of the year. Wonders of the Sea: The Manta Season Experience is less about pursuit and more about presence—allowing moments to unfold naturally, both at sea and within oneself.

From November to March, plankton-rich waters draw manta rays closer, creating rare yet unforced encounters across designated manta points. This period also marks one of the most serene times to experience Labuan Bajo, when the resort’s gardens are at their lushest and the atmosphere feels quieter, more intimate—ideal for guests seeking restoration rather than crowds.

Guests journey across emerald islands aboard the resort’s private boats, moving at an unhurried pace toward protected manta sites. Beneath the surface, coral gardens reveal themselves slowly, while manta rays glide in wide, effortless circles. There is no sense of spectacle here—only quiet observation and a deep connection to the rhythm of the sea.

“This experience is designed as a moment to slow down—where nature leads, and every detail is shaped to restore balance and perspective,” said Peter-Paul Kleiss, General Manager of TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo.

Presented by Magran Living

Back on shore, the sense of calm continues seamlessly. Architecture and interiors are shaped by light, open horizons, and natural textures that echo the surrounding landscape. Afternoons settle gently into Nera’s signature tea ritual—Tea Omakase for suite guests and Afternoon Tea for villa stays—an intimate pause that feels personal rather than ceremonial.

Wellness unfolds quietly at DI’A Spa, a two-storey sanctuary inspired by the ethereal beauty of Rangko Cave. Here, a 60-minute post-sun treatment offers a restorative close to the day—focused not on indulgence, but on recovery, allowing the body to unwind and the mind to soften.

Throughout the journey, thoughtful details shape the experience. Days begin with breakfast at Leros, followed by a curated lunchbox and refreshing beverages prepared for time spent at sea. Gentle water activities—kayaking, stand-up paddling, snorkeling, or simply drifting above clear waters—offer simple ways to stay connected to the ocean without disrupting its calm.

Accommodation adds another layer to the sense of place. With thoughtfully designed suites, private villas, and rare Overwater Sea Villas, TA’AKTANA offers one of the few opportunities in Labuan Bajo to experience life directly above the water—where mornings begin with open sea views and evenings dissolve into stillness.

Beyond the shoreline, the resort’s connection to Flores is felt in quieter moments as well—from its in-house Coffee Roastery, celebrating the island’s rich coffee heritage, to curated island-hopping journeys that feel personal rather than programmed.

More than a seasonal experience, Wonders of the Sea reflects TA’AKTANA’s approach to modern luxury—intuitive, intentional, and deeply human. With a minimum three-night stay and seamless round-trip airport transfers, guests are invited to fully inhabit the natural rhythm of Labuan Bajo, where the ocean becomes not just a backdrop, but a quiet companion in restoration.