A sanctuary for the curious epicurean
ROOMS: 44
VILLAS 20
SERVICE: EXCELLENT
LOCATION: KODI, SUMBA
AMENITIES: BEACHFRONT POOL & BAR | TWO RESTAURANTS | FARM | KIDS CLUB | WATERSPORT | SPA | GYM | YOGA
Inspired by great explorers and dedicated to modern conscious hedonists who want to truly immerse themselves in Sumba’s rich heritage and wild topography, Cap Karoso is shaped by three core pillars: sustainability, culture and community. Expect complete immersion in Sumba’s magic and culture – with an added dash of Parisian flair, reflecting the owners’ European roots.
CAP KAROSO'S STORY
The discerning owners of Cap Karoso, a French couple Evguenia and Fabrica Ivara found their way to Sumba island in 2017, where they felt a strongly drawn to completely immerse and experience the Sumbanese cultural surroundings. Their mutual love for the wilderness, a sense of remoteness, the local craftsmanship and community of Sumba and their desire to run a hotel one day, resulted in the creation of Cap Karoso.
Unworried by the difficult unknown land - with only few roads and no nearby places to stay - the couple felt a deep bond with this wild landscape in front of the majestic Indian Ocean and started building their dream. For those knowing the Marapu culture, building a property on their ancestral lands, asks for inclusion of the local people and an offering ceremony for 600 islanders to receive ancestral blessings for their hotel opening.
Drawing inspiration from the rich craft traditions of Indonesia, the couple made a conscious choice to collaborate with talented local artisans in crafting unique items for the hotel. They have encountered a diverse array of remarkable individuals throughout their travels, spanning from skilled designers and hardworking farmers to a talented Sumbanese ikat-weaver and a creative French perfume-maker. Every person they met poured their heart and soul into the project, shaping the journey into what it was always meant to be. Evguenia and Fabrice Ivara are leaders in preserving French culture, Parisian flair and passionately delving into the ancient Marapu way of life in Sumba.
CHECK-IN
A quick 90 minute flight from Bali, overlooking three islands - Bali, Lombok & Sumbawa - from out of our plane window, we've safely landed at Tambolaka airport. A smiling team member warmly welcomed upon arrival and enthusiastically guided us to the car where he handed over a welcome note of Cap Karoso including a short story and insights of the island, hand in hand with some coconut snacks & water.
After a beautiful 50 minute drive through the green landscapes and seeing the Western coastline of Sumba, we’ve arrived at Cap Karoso! A welcoming team offered us a home brewed Hisbiscus drink and prepared our long awaited - as we had Cap Karoso on our radar since their opening - check-in.
In their incredibly well-designed lounge, you overlook a long shimmering turquoise pool wit organic shaped, rattan day beds that instantly evokes a sense of serenity, setting the tone of ultimate relaxation. A broad, winding grass-covered concrete staircase welcomes you to our exclusive suite, guiding you downwards to reveal an unexpected delight: The Beach Club, complete with yet another luxurious pool in front of the Indian ocean, beckoning you to unwind, have a chat with other guests and indulge in pure relaxation.
ROOMS & VILLAS
Cap Karoso’s modernist villas boast private swimming pools, a dash of Brutalism, and a serene sense of seclusion where their rooms offers a well-designed intimate surrounding between lush vegetation.
We've secured a reservation for a Terrace Studio, boasting an Italian shower, plush cotton linen bed, roomy closet, inviting daybed, private deck, and a well-stocked mini bar. The terrazzo flooring, limestone walls, and texture rich fabrics pay homage to the vibrant Sumbanese culture, adding a touch of authenticity. The bathroom indulges guests with its luxurious amenities, showcasing a carefully crafted robe that we found very sophisticated.
The rooms are meticulously crafted by thoughtfully reimagining the island’s abundant artisanal legacy and a touch of Parisian flair. A perfect harmony of cultural immersion & sustainable luxury.
THE BEACH CLUB
After a fresh up and making ourselves more at home, we strolled over - experiencing a seasonal rain shower - to get ourselves a first casual bite at the Beach Club's family inspired cuisine. A glassed open kitchen space within The Beach Club provides a unique peek into the intricate craftsmanship that brings the culinary creations to life. Tables are elegantly set with exquisite indigo blue linens, meticulously handcrafted ceramics, and stylish wooden design chairs.
The young & talented executive chef, Antoine Levacon grew up in Dijon (Burgundy, France) and inherited his passion of cooking from his grandmother, who taught him the basics of the world famous French cuisine. Antoine earned hisstripes in Michelin-starred restaurants in France and Paul Bocuse in Orlando. Antoine cuisine is the combination of his experience and incredible curiosity for the local products and recipes. He creates his culinary masterpieces from farm and ocean to the table, committing on a sustainable cuisine.
Handed over his menu filled with enticing options, we found ourselves in a dilemma trying to select a dish. A refreshing floral mocktail, a lovely conversation and some suggestions later, we finally made our decision: A tuna ceviche with coconut cream, lime, ginger and roasted corn - including an excellent presentation - and the homemade Sumba Gnocchi with cashew pesto sauce and tomato confit. We ended our lunch by enjoying the Cap Karoso Macaron, which was a delightful creation filled with the refreshing combination of diced dragon fruit, lychee sorbet, and a fluffy vanilla foam.
SERVICE
The service at Cap Karoso is exceptional, with a remarkably confident team trained by a small group of French hoteliers & chefs. They are easy going, always in for a chat, proudly to be Sumbanese and eager to please. It is also the ideal destination for families with young children. The resort offers a wide range of activities suitable for all ages, such as sprawling beaches, various water sports, shallow pool sections dedicated to little ones, a well-equipped beach club with plenty of toys, a dedicated kids club for entertainment, and the convenience of on-call babysitters for parents looking to enjoy some peaceful moments alone.
SUSTAINABILITY
A significant aspect of the establishment of Cap Karoso was its dedication to sustainability. Situated on Sumba Island, specifically on the coast where the resort is situated, the environment consists of a mix of farmland, forests, coastal areas, and coral reefs. Cap Karoso's development focused on preserving this sensitive ecosystem and restoring areas that had undergone damage. The resort has implemented various initiatives to achieve this goal, such as eliminating non-native weed species, opting for water-efficient landscaping, and employing an environmentally friendly water treatment system. Moreover, with fifty percent of their energy sourced from an on-site solar panel park, the resort steers clear of plastic packaging and manages food waste through the assistance of their livestock.
MALALA SPA
Entering Malala is like entering a set up of small Sumbanese villages, all with stilted floors, timber wood, rattan and thatched alang-alang roofs. It directly gives you a sense of serenity and peace due to the use of natural materials, lush green grasses and levelled pools around. Inspired by the Marapu religion, rich ancestral traditions, and ceremonies of Sumba, the spa uses botanical extracts of indigenous plants such as sandalwood, noni and turmeric resembling Shamanic healing rituals. From classic massages and healing rituals to indulgent body scrubs, luxurious body wraps, rejuvenating facials, and exquisite nail treatments, Malala's spa menu is a true oasis for your mind and body.
We decided to combine a soothing Moro Ndahaka Sumbanese Massage into our travel schedule, allowing us to unwind completely and immerse ourselves in the rich cultural heritage of Sumba.
JULANG FINE-DINING
A unique blend of rediscovering fine-dining at a cosy 20-seat communal table, ensuring an intimate experience. Julang welcomes talented star chefs from France and beyond for short residencies, bringing their individual styles and innovation to every meal they create while cooking with ingredients from the resort’s sprawling organic farm. A selection of their past chef in residencies were: Baptiste Trudel, Marine Hervouet, Oliver McGeorge, Thierry Karakachian, Katsuaki Okiyama and Maurizio Bombini.
GOLDEN HOUR
We heard that one activity not to be missed at Cap Karoso is witnessing the golden hour. As a photographer duo, we couldn't agree more - the golden hour presents the ultimate opportunity to capture the essence of a place in its most remarkable natural beauty. Situated at the island's westernmost point, the hotel offers stunning views of the most fascinating sunsets over the Indian Ocean. It completely illuminates the stunning beachfront pool, bar, and restaurant with its radiant golden rays, creating the perfect ambiance for those looking to enjoy an early dinner by the sea.
All photos above - by Daisy Sophia
A FINAL NOTE
Cap Karoso to us is a conscious, but sophisticated resort for the body mind and soul. It is undoubtedly to us the most complete and fulfilling experience on the captivating island of Sumba, offering an exquisite blend of diverse activities, rich cultural immersion, and well-deserved moments of relaxation and tranquility.
Connection is truly at the heart of the Cap Karoso experience - it embodies the essence of the founders' vision. The profound link to the ancestral lands, the close-knit bond with the local community, and the intricate connections formed between guests all contribute to the conscious sanctuary crafted by the owners for the curious epicurean.
We are eagerly looking forward to returning soon to completely immerse ourselves in the extraordinary Cap Karo experience once again!
X DAISY SOPHIA
STARTS FROM
€300,-
THIS HOTEL WILL BE FEATURED IN OUR
- SUMBA ISLAND GUIDE -
Coming Soon
Photo courtesy of Cap Karoso
