Cap Karoso
Sumba Island

Cap Karoso in Kodi is perched between turquoise lagoons and traditional villages on one side and the shores of a coral reef on the other. With 47 rooms and 20 villas, this pioneering place brings age-old craft and contemporary art and design to create a stay that is unlike anywhere in Indonesia. Its three restaurants, that are only animated by guest chefs, provide an unforgettable dining experience. This is one of the best beach resorts where you can soak in nature and explore the culture of the Indonesian island of Sumba.

You can be a part of the thriving community of artists, musicians, chefs, agricultural experts and creators, who are present for short residence at this sanctuary or simply indulge in a private tropical leisure. In harmony with nature, each suite and villa are dotted with chic furniture, antiques and art inspired by the local culture. All the spaces, designed to bring the lush, soothing outdoors inside are a minute’s walk from the beach. Led by their Executive Chef, the Beach Club at Cap Karoso provides delectable cuisine made from the products from their own farm. If you prefer a more intimate space, then Julang is the dining area for you, where a maximum of 20 guests per dinner can sit around the chef’s table. We highly recommend their yoga and Malala spa sessions which is set in a traditional Sumbanese house with spa rituals inspired from local shamanic techniques of healing and rejuvenating.

With the assistance of local communities, you get the unique chance of experiencing the island’s ancient culture and witness traditional fishing, ikat weaving, and Sumbanese sandalwood horse riding. You can hike or ride a bike to explore forested landscapes, savanna, dry plains that are all home to a diverse flora and fauna. Cap Karoso offers an ideal opportunity to swim as well as snorkel in the calm waters of Karoso Lagoon and the Weekuri saltwater lake.

Sumba Island is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Summer Holiday Destinations in Asia.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson