Luxury Travel by thirdpassport

If you’re always on the lookout for off-the-beaten-path luxury—but find that most “hidden gems” have already been discovered by the masses—then let me introduce you to a truly untouched treasure: Cap Karoso, a boutique resort on the ruggedly beautiful island of Sumba, Indonesia. I stayed for five nights and can honestly say this barefoot luxury retreat is the kind of place that stays with you long after your return.

Conde Nast Traveller’s Readers Awards named Cap Karoso the #1 Resort in Indonesia, it was awarded 1 Michelin key, and got to the Tatler’s Asia Best 100 for the second consecutive year.

Whether you’re seeking spectacular sunsets, cultural immersion, or just a perfectly flaky croissant with your ocean breeze, Cap Karoso hits all the right notes.

Why Sumba, Why Now?

Clients often ask me for unique, authentic destinations—and while Bali still charms, Sumba offers a wilder, more exclusive alternative. Just a one-hour flight from Bali into Tambolaka Airport, followed by a scenic 40-minute private transfer, and you’ll arrive at a peaceful stretch of West Sumba—a place where the sunsets are fiery and the crowds are nowhere in sight.

We initially debated whether to stay three or five nights due to a flight cancellation. I’m so glad we chose five. Three would never have been enough.

The Journey Begins: Arrival & First Impressions

From the moment we landed, the Cap Karoso experience felt seamless. We were greeted by a friendly driver who whisked away our luggage receipts and escorted us to an air-conditioned car stocked with filtered water, local snacks, WiFi, and that magical holiday feeling.

As we passed rice fields and villages, the stress of everyday life melted away. The driver, proudly Sumbanese, shared stories about local traditions and culture—an authentic introduction that set the tone for our stay.

On arrival at the resort, we were handed a chilled towel and a welcome cocktail (Arak from Bali or a non-alcoholic option), then guided to the poolside for a relaxed briefing before a quick tour of the grounds. While we explored, our luggage quietly made its way to our upgraded Terrace Studio—a lovely touch that didn’t go unnoticed.

Where You’ll Stay: Understated Elegance

Our Terrace Studio was a beautiful blend of minimalism and comfort—no TV, but all the essentials (and a few delightful extras): a wine cooler, coffee and tea by TEMA (including my favourite blend Sumba Blossom), Bluetooth speaker, fruit basket, and twice daily-restocked bottled water.

The bathroom design deserves a shout-out: an indoor rain shower that opens to the outdoors, plus an open-air bathtub—a dreamy spot to unwind in the evenings, for those that appreciate a hot bath. I especially appreciated the thoughtful amenities like mosquito repellent and a full-length mirror.

Dining: Remote Doesn’t Mean Restricted

As someone who’s… let’s say “selective” about food, I had my reservations about dining options on an island with no restaurants nearby, especially when staying five nights and having breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the resort. But Cap Karoso’s culinary offering is a revelation.

Beach Club: The all-day dining hub where you’ll find some of the best pastries I’ve ever had, with a view to match. Breakfast is à la carte, with daily specials and a relaxed vibe—perfect for lingering. I often did a little bit of work here post-breakfast, undisturbed except for the occasional top-up of sparkling water.

Dinner Delights: From melt-in-the-mouth Padang Beef Rendang to international comfort fare like pulled pork bao buns and locally sourced salads (the Cap Karoso farm is at the end of the road), the variety kept me satisfied for five days straight. Every dinner began with a playful amuse-bouche—a small gesture that made each evening feel special.

Julang: A destination in its own right. This intimate restaurant hosts visiting chefs for exquisite tasting menus. Booking 24 hours ahead is essential.

Experiences: Wellness, Adventure & Cultural Immersion

Cap Karoso strikes a rare balance between luxury and sense of place. Here’s what stood out:

• Malala Spa: I loved the back & shoulder massage and daily yoga classes—great for grounding after a beach day or bike ride. Having a private yoga session in the morning was a real highlight of my stay.
• Alpice Bar: The ultimate sunset spot, complete with cocktails and canapés.
• Kids Club: Babysitting available until midnight—great for families.
• Cycling to Mandorak Beach and Waikuri Lagoon: A must-do. We took e-bikes but there’s a car option too. A sudden tropical downpour soaked us on the way back, but honestly? It only added to the adventure.
• A guided tour of traditional Sumbanese village: An important aspect of travel is about experiencing something new and opening the mind. Going on a tour of local traditional villages, meeting the locals, and understanding how they live was an eye-opening experience.

It was also great to see how well-integrated the resort is in the local community and the impact it has on Sumbanse people and the island’s economy.

Service That Feels Personal

The staff go above and beyond. Daily turndown service came with treats like cookies, sandalwood incense, and handwoven Ikat gifts. When I couldn’t find more of the Sumba Blossom tea I’d fallen in love with, a team member went above and beyond to source some for me.

Communication is effortless through WhatsApp, and when our return flight was delayed, the staff not only kept us informed before the airline did, but extended our checkout and arranged a visit to the Sumba Hospitality Foundation—a truly inspiring initiative supporting sustainable tourism.

Departure felt like something out of The White Lotus, with the General Manager and staff lining up to wave goodbye as we drove off, armed with pastries and bottled water for the road.

Book Through Me for Exclusive VIP Perks

As a Design Hotels Pro travel advisor, when you book your stay at Cap Karoso through me, you’ll unlock a host of exclusive benefits, including:

Whether you’re booking a Studio, Suite, or Villa, you’ll receive added value to elevate your stay.

Final Thoughts

This will sound corny but Cap Karoso is more than just a resort—it’s a sanctuary that respects its setting and offers authentic, elevated luxury without pretension. It’s a place where details matter, where staff remember your favourite tea, and where every sunset feels like a dream.

If you’re craving something a little different for your next escape—something truly exclusive, intimate, and meaningful—then let me help you plan your dream stay at Cap Karoso.

Ready to Go?

Let me craft your personalised Cap Karoso itinerary—from flights and transfers to exclusive perks and local excursions. Just drop me a message, and get ready to experience Sumba in style.