Aspirational travel at it's finest.
Aspirational travel at it's finest.
There is no more luxurious – or flexible – way to discover the magic of Palau. Four Seasons Explorer offers daily embarkations and disembarkations, with no minimum stay to accommodate every schedule. Daily changing offerings depend on the day of the week and the cruise route joined, from exploring the underwater world and sightseeing cultural hotspots by bicycle to raw adventures into the traditional soul of this tiny island nation.
One of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World, Palau is as remarkable as it is remote, but once you’ve journeyed to this Micronesian marvel, Four Seasons Explorer takes over, offering unrivalled access to 500,000 square kilometres (193,000 square miles) of protected marine territory, 340 emerald isles, and bucket-list dive, snorkel, surf and island adventures. Underwater caves and blue holes, ancient monoliths, dense jungle surrounds and 4,000 years of culture await.
More than 600 varieties of hard and soft corals thrive in Palau’s kaleidoscopic waters. Discover an underwater wonderland of stalactite caves, canyons, reefs, wrecks, drop-offs and blue holes – where vast schools of jack, wrasse, sweetlips, barracudas, batfish and tuna are shadowed by placid reef sharks, manta and eagle rays, turtles and whale sharks, while saltwater crocodiles and stingless jellyfish can be found in the lakes on the many islands.
Palau’s inhabitants are distant relatives of Malays, Melanesians and Polynesians, while its culture bears Spanish, German and Japanese influences. Awash with symbolism – from bead money and ancient chants to modern music (beches chelitakl) and story-telling dance – this inspiring culture is rooted in a deep respect for the bountiful environment that has sustained countless generations.
Hike to the stunning Ngardmau waterfall. Bathe in the mineral-rich white mud of the Milky Way Lagoon. Swim in some of the world’s clearest waters and explore secluded shorelines by kayak or paddleboard. Indulge in a soothing massage on an isolated beach or relax with yoga and pranayama in sublime jungle surrounds. Extraordinary Palauan days of wonder are yours for the making.
Women are at the heart of Palauan culture. From controlling clan money and owning land to selecting chiefs and performing days-long rituals, the matrilineal thread has run through Palau's society for thousands of years. Here, women are responsible for the men – arranging marriage settlements and burying them when they die. Perhaps most importantly, Palauan women are caretakers of the environment, a resonant responsibility in a delicate wilderness.