Welcome to Voices, where we sit down with the world’s top hoteliers, explorers, and luxury lifestyle insiders to uncover what’s new, next, and noteworthy in travel. Last time, we journeyed to coastal New England to speak with Brad Guidi and Jason Brown of Blue Flag Partners. In this edition, we head to the far reaches of the Indonesian archipelago, where we meet Carl Philippe Rousse, the Cruise Director of Dunia Baru—a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted phinisi yacht redefining luxury on the water. From spontaneous barefoot adventures to deeply personal service, this is a rare look inside a sailing experience where freedom, intention, and craftsmanship converge.
How would you describe the atmosphere on board Dunia Baru to someone who’s never experienced a luxury yacht charter before?
First and foremost, it’s worth mentioning to the uninitiated that chartering a luxury yacht—especially in a place like Indonesia, with its 17,000+ islands—offers a profound sense of freedom and peace. In a world that feels increasingly smaller and more crowded, the ability to reach untouched corners and claim your own slice of paradise is a rare luxury. It’s as if an entirely new world quietly opens just for you. The experience feels both expansive and liberating, yet deeply personal—a journey as much about connection as it is about escape.
As for the experience aboard Dunia Baru, which, fittingly, means “New World,” she is more than a yacht. She is a vessel of heritage and unparalleled craftsmanship, purpose-built to be the finest traditional phinisi ever made, and in many ways, the last of her kind. Guests are often captivated by the intricate woodwork, which reveals new details the longer you look. Born in Borneo and crafted by a long lineage of master shipbuilders, Dunia Baru is built from an array of exceptional woods, with Ulin ironwood at her core—a timber so rare and revered that its use has become increasingly limited over the years. It is used here in a way that may never be seen again, with a generosity and abundance that set her apart as truly one of a kind.
Imagine the privilege of being aboard such a vessel—one that embodies the romance of the spice trade and the spirit of exploration. It’s a rare blend of adventure and indulgence, where the atmosphere is relaxed yet deeply refined, barefoot luxury at its finest. Rich Indonesian hospitality shines through in everything we do, as we take every opportunity to spoil our guests with warmth, care, and attention. A sense of thoughtfulness and intention is woven into every detail, from the vessel itself to the way each moment is carefully curated.
What’s your approach to curating experiences that feel personalized and thoughtful for each guest?
Best case scenario is when we’re able to speak directly with the guests from the very first enquiry—to truly understand where they’re coming from, meet them where they are, and open the door to the full range of what’s possible.
From there, we begin shaping a tentative itinerary that feels like the right fit. But nothing is ever set in stone. One of the greatest luxuries of chartering a yacht is the freedom and fluidity it offers. While we begin with a thoughtfully tailored journey, the experience often unfolds organically. The journey reveals itself, if you will—day by day, even moment by moment—guided by the guests’ energy, interests, and desires.
My role, along with the crew, is to read between the lines through deep listening, quiet attentiveness, and genuine care. I do my best to understand who they are, what excites them, what moves them. We then aim to stay one step ahead, anticipating their needs before they’re even voiced.
Because in the end, it’s far more than where we go or what we do. It’s about crafting moments that feel personal and unforgettable, through thoughtful gestures, playful surprises, and creating space for connection, joy—and that secret ingredient: a pinch of Dunia Baru magic.
How do you plan daily activities to strike a balance between high-end adventure and relaxation?
Each family or group of friends brings its own rhythm, energy, and vision of what the perfect day looks like. But oftentimes, a winning balanced approach might be to front-load the day with adventure—making the most of the morning’s freshness—then leave space in the afternoon for leisure, wellness, spontaneity, and meaningful connection.
To paint you a picture: for the early risers, the day might begin with a sunrise hike, birdwatching, a thrilling morning dive or snorkel on a vibrant reef, or perhaps a gentle yoga session followed by a massage. As the day softens, we transition into barefoot luxury: a curated beach setup, indulgent time onboard, a spa ritual, or simply savouring the stillness of the sea.
What’s one part of your day-to-day role as Cruise Director that people might not expect?
People might not expect how much of my job is about reading between the lines—sensing group dynamics and gently guiding the experience in the direction it needs to go. I’m always trying to make sure everyone feels at ease, seen, and cared for. And to be a step ahead, seeking golden opportunities for us to go above and beyond and create special moments.
How do you ensure the sense of luxury on board always feels effortless and elevated?
Something I learned during my years with Aman Resorts is the value of being intuitive yet unintrusive—always nearby, quietly attentive, standing by but invisible all at once. It’s a delicate balance, but one that allows the experience to feel seamless, natural, and truly luxurious.
On board, we’re a team of 20, and I’m continuously inspired by our Indonesian crew. Hospitality runs in their veins—polite, warm, and discreet. Their genuine care, quiet confidence, and gracious spirit are what elevate every moment and create an atmosphere where guests feel entirely at ease.
What do you love most about the destinations Dunia Baru visits, and how do you bring that to life for guests?
To name a few:
Komodo National Park offers ease and accessibility—just a short flight from Bali and you’re in a world of natural wonder. It’s the perfect introduction to Indonesia with world-class diving, iconic hikes, pink sand beaches, and rich marine life.
Raja Ampat is unparalleled in underwater biodiversity, with heavenly beaches and lagoons. It’s vast, wild, and remote, and I can confidently say it will blow away even the most seasoned diver, snorkeller, or explorer.
The Banda Spice Islands are steeped in a history beyond imagination. Once the world’s only source of nutmeg—at a time when it was more valuable than gold—these remote islands became the epicentre of intense rivalry between colonial powers. The echoes of that era still stand today, in crumbling Dutch forts and forgotten plantations. But Banda offers more than just history. Beneath its turquoise waters lies another kind of treasure—vibrant coral gardens, dramatic drop-offs, and the presence of schooling hammerhead sharks. It’s a destination where history and nature collide in the most powerful, poetic way.
What’s one experience you’ve helped create on board that really stands out in your memory?
A dreamy day at Kiti Kiti Waterfall, where a freshwater cascade meets the sea. Remote and untouched, it’s one of the most unique anchorages anywhere on Earth. Surrounded by wild orchids, the waterfall majestically pours straight into the ocean, allowing our guests to approach it up close, and even glide beneath its spray by kayak or paddleboard.
The sheer force of the freshwater plunging into the turquoise sea left everyone in awe. We had arranged an intimate afternoon tea, tucked into a hidden cove overlooking the vibrant lagoon below—not another soul in sight all day. As we sailed away, one guest told me, “It was the most special day of my life. It truly felt as though we were alone in the world.”
What details or amenities do guests tend to notice most when it comes to the luxury experience?
The well-rounded wellness offering on board often comes as a welcome and unexpected surprise. Our crew includes two highly skilled spa therapists, each trained in a wide range of massage techniques and holistic body treatments.
Guests can also enjoy dedicated wellness amenities including a cold plunge, yoga gear, an exercise bike, and a curated selection of workout equipment—ideal for those wishing to stay active, balanced, and committed to their wellness routine while at sea.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone preparing for their first luxury charter?
Come with curiosity and a willingness to go deeper. Beyond the breathtaking landscapes and luxurious service, there’s a rich tapestry of history and culture woven into every aspect of the journey.
Learning just a little about the spice trade, the tradition of phinisi shipbuilding, or the unique cultures of the islands can profoundly enhance the experience. This isn’t just another white yacht in the Med—it’s a voyage steeped in romance, meaning, and discovery.