cap karoso, sumba
Opened in March 2023, Cap Karoso is a 64-key resort nestled on Indonesia's secluded Sumba island, offering a unique blend of sustainability, culture, and community engagement. Situated on the breathtaking Karoso beach, the Resort caters to modern, conscious travelers.
Guests can immerse themselves in Sumba's rich heritage and wild landscapes, with opportunities to explore untouched scenery, ancestral culture, and diverse wildlife.
Offering a wide range of activities, including cultural excursions, surfing, and wellness & spa services that celebrate local traditions. Adding a touch of hedonism, the Resort also focuses on gastronomy, music, and art, creating a vibrant atmosphere for all. Cap Karoso is proud to be a member of Design Hotels.
destination
Just an hour from Bali, Sumba is a remote and exotic island in eastern Indonesia, that invites visitors to dive into an authentic experience, immersing themselves in deep-rooted traditions and untouched natural wonders.
Sumba stands apart with its rugged, undulating savannahs and low limestone hills, fringed by breathtaking beaches and blue seas. It's a place where traditional ways of life persist, offering a glimpse into a world where ancient tribal cultures and rituals such as the Pasola, a traditional spear-fighting tournament, still thrive. Beyond its cultural richness, Sumba is known for its natural beauty, from the dramatic waterfalls cascading through tropical forests to the pristine, white-sand beaches that are a haven for surfers and nature lovers alike. This hidden gem offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and serenity, making it a captivating destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Indonesia.
Sumba's culture is deeply rooted in its ancestral traditions, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in indigenous practices and beliefs. The island is renowned for its megalithic tombs, traditional villages with high-peaked thatched roofs, and Ikat weaving, a textile art form that's not only a craft but a significant part of Sumba's cultural identity. These handwoven textiles are often used in important ceremonies and rituals, and their patterns and motifs tell stories of the island's mythology and history.
The Marapu religion plays a central role in the lives of the Sumbanese people, influencing their social structure and daily activities. This animistic belief system involves ancestor worship and a deep respect for the spirits of nature, which is reflected in the elaborate funeral ceremonies and ancestral tombs scattered across the island. These ceremonies are often vibrant and elaborate, involving animal sacrifices, feasting, and traditional dancing, to honor the dead and ensure harmony between the spiritual and physical worlds.
the resort
Wellness: Cap Karoso Spa invites guests to delve into the timeless wisdom of Sumba and its ancient shamanic heritage. Honoring centuries-old healing customs cherished by the Sumbanese, Malala Spa harmoniously integrates local practices and sacred ingredients into a range of body and hair treatments, curated with the invaluable guidance of indigenous shamans.
The architecture of Malala Spa itself was conceived to pay homage to the traditions of this mystical island. Treatment cabins are housed within traditional buildings, with tall thatched roofs believed to welcome the spirits of ancestors. Here, the focus transcends mere techniques; it's rooted in profound intention and an earnest desire to nurture both body and soul, fostering holistic well-being and a sense of connection with the healing power of the island.
Experiences: Cap Karoso is dedicated to offering its guests an unparalleled blend of luxury and cultural immersion, creating a unique bridge between the contemporary comforts of the Western world and the untouched natural beauty and traditions of Sumba. The experiences on offer range from indulgent gastronomic delights and agricultural tours to adventurous off-the-beaten-path explorations and lagoon foraging, ensuring that every visitor discovers something new and extraordinary. This carefully curated selection of activities allows guests to delve into the heart of Sumba's remote wilderness and its rich cultural tapestry, promising not just a stay, but a journey filled with discovery, luxury, and unforgettable moments.
Dining: Cap Karoso emerges from the vision of infusing the secluded and wild landscapes of Sumba with the quality and creativity of contemporary French gastronomy. Featuring menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs and esteemed mixologists, Cap Karoso promises an exquisite dining experience, utilizing fresh produce from the farm and selections from a specially curated wine and spirit cellar. Various dining venues, including the casual all-day Beach Club right at the beach, the poolside Apicine with its farm-fresh, contemporary small-plate menu, and Julang, a fine-dining space hosting star chefs for intimate dinners of up to 20 guests, invite visitors to explore the communal joy of eating. Additionally, Off-Script and In-Villa Dining options cater to those who love to cook or wish for a personalized meal experience, ensuring every dining moment is unique and deeply connected to Sumba's cultural significance.
sustainability
Architectural Harmony: Cap Karoso's architecture is designed to blend seamlessly with Sumba's natural landscape, featuring sustainable materials and construction methods that minimize environmental impact while reflecting the island's cultural aesthetics. This approach ensures that the resort not only respects but also enhances the beauty of its surroundings, creating spaces that are both modern and reflective of Sumba's rich heritage.
Transformation of Land: Previously unused and rocky land has been transformed into fertile organic gardens, enriching the resort's menu with fresh ingredients that were once unavailable on the island.
Cultivation with Care: French agriculturist Philippe Guiglionda carefully selected crops that thrive in Sumba's unique ecosystem and climate, catering to the resort's culinary needs while respecting the local environment.
Community Empowerment: The farm operates a training program for the local community, teaching landscaping and farming techniques to local farmers and offering hospitality landscaping skills to the youth, fostering self-sufficiency and skill development.
Environmental Preservation: Cap Karoso is committed to preserving Sumba's delicate ecosystem through meticulous practices, including the removal of non-indigenous weeds, selecting eco-friendly plants, and rehabilitating damaged areas.
Sustainable Practices: The resort employs eco-friendly measures such as water treatment systems, solar panel energy, a ban on plastic packaging, and initiatives to reduce food waste, underscoring its dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
