Sumba, an off-the-beaten-path island just southeast of Bali in Indonesia, boasts a new luxury hotel on 15 acres of beautiful beaches. Cap Karoso blends Indonesian and French influences to create an experience that travelers will savor.
With 47 rooms and 20 well-appointed villas, Cap Karoso is the realized dream of first-time hotel owners Evguenia and Fabrice Ivara. The couple wanted to take advantage of the stunning sunset views along the remote island’s beach and provide visitors with a base for exploring the less-developed villages that dot the coastline.
Cap Karoso features the Beach Club, an open-air area with a pool, bar that features one-of-a-kind cocktails imagined by famed French bartender Nico de Soto and a spacious eating area with menus created by executive chef Antoine LeVacon and assembled in the nearby open kitchen. Indonesian favorite dishes are served all day, as well as custom pies from the high-end pizza oven. Guest chefs come for stints in Julang, a restaurant that will feature prix-fixe dinner menus and a communal table; alternatively, guests can visit the Apicine restaurant to sample tapas and pintxos.
Rooms incorporate carved wood details, textured ceramic surfaces and outdoor bathrooms with soaking tubs. A six-room spa and a fitness center give guests the full resort experience.
The resort also arranges tours and recreational options, including guided or self-guided tours by car, e-bike or e-Mini Moke. Guests can surf, snorkel or stand-up paddleboard, either on-site or very close by.
Cap Karoso is currently in its “soft opening” phase but will open officially in August.
Sumba, which is often called “The Forgotten Island” of Indonesia or gets billing as a quiet alternative to Bali, can be reached via a short flight from Bali or a ferry from Ende (on the island of Flores) or Sape (on the island of Sumbawa). The best time to visit Sumba is usually between May and September, when the weather is sunny and dry.