When you start talking shaman experiences and one of the rarest religions that has been around since the Bronze Age, you know you’re in the middle of nowhere. But then you see Cap Karoso, and maybe you’re exactly where you need to be.
Public service announcement for all travelers seeking a paradisiacal, wellness-focused destination in Indonesia: Forget Bali, Sumba is where it’s at. More specifically, the beach resort of Cap Karoso is the place to be. Cap Karoso brands itself as a sanctuary for modern travelers — and it’s not an exaggeration. The luxury resort sits on the remote eastern shore of the island of Sumba, away from any hustle and bustle. Guests can spend their days blissfully dipping in and out of the turquoise waters of the Savu Sea or the outdoor infinity pools. And in between swimming sessions, they can take full advantage of the wellness offerings available.
Accommodation
Cap Karoso boasts 44 rooms and 20 villas are inspired by local art and craftsmanship. Since the color scheme is all teak wood, bamboo and terazzo (plus, carved walls inspired by Sumbanese ikats), you just feel one with the earth. Many of the rooms and villas include private decks or gardens, open-air bathtubs, and custom furnishings.
And if you visit and fall in love with the ambiance (or, forgive us, when you do), there are actually villas available for purchase as part of the Cap Karoso Village development. That way, you get all of the above, but in a place of your own. Of course, you still get to take advantage of the restaurants, beach club, bars, and services. And the best part is, you don’t have to worry about maintaining your villa when you leave to go back home — they’ll worry about all that hassle for you. You just worry about coming back.
Food + Drink
You have three dining options at Cap Karoso. First, there’s the Beach Club. It’s slightly more casual (albeit refined), serving dishes inspired by Mediterranean and Indonesian cuisine. All the ingredients come from their own farm (of course). Next, you have Julang, which is your local fine dining spot with a community table. Julang has guest chefs on rotation from all over the world, who curate menus for intimate dinners for a maximum of 20 guests (also from local farm ingredients). And last but not least, Apicine is the chic cocktail and wine bar, which serves Indo-Basque-inspired finger foods. You definitely won’t go hungry.
Physical and Spiritual Wellness at Cap Karoso
Like any luxury resort worth its salt, Cap Karoso has a gym equipped with all the bells and whistles of modern fitness. Unlike in other resorts, however, the gym is located in a traditional Sumbanese house with a striking thatched peaked roof. And the same goes for the spa, where treatments inspired by local shamanic healing techniques range from massages to hair care. The resort offers its guests daily meditation and yoga classes, but for those who want a more in-depth mindfulness experience, Cap Karoso proposes shamanic healing journeys.
The shamanic healing journeys consist of seven-day immersions into the Sumbanese traditional healing methods based on the beliefs of the Marapu religion. These healing journeys are exclusive, so if you’re interested, you have to go through an application process. Space is limited to not only provide applicants with a transformative, tailored experience, but also to protect the local people and their ancestral traditions.
Outdoor Pursuits
If you’d rather look for serenity in nature, Cap Karoso can deliver that too. Sumba is a top surfing location for both beginners and pros. Hiking and biking around the island’s diverse landscape is also incredibly easy. Expect gorgeous waterfalls and magnificent tropical forests.
FAQs
Q. What is the nearest airport to the hotel?
A: Tambolaka airport is the closest airport. It is located 50 minutes away from the resort by car.
Q. How many suites and villas are there?
A. Cap Karoso consists of 44 rooms and 20 villas, the latter of which are available for purchase.
Q. How many restaurants and bars are there at Cap Karoso?
A. Cap Karoso is home to two restaurants, The Beach Club and Julang. Apicine is the on-site bar.
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