The Sanubari

Our stay at The Sanubari in Sumba was nothing short of extraordinary — one of the most magical and memorable parts of our honeymoon. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the beauty of the setting, the thoughtfulness of the service, and the peaceful, soulful atmosphere of the entire property. Our villa was absolutely stunning — spacious, beautifully designed, and just steps from the ocean. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves each night was truly special. The private pool and tranquil surroundings made it feel like our own little paradise. The food was some of the best we’ve ever had — fresh, delicious, and bursting with unique, vibrant flavors. The chefs are incredibly talented, and every meal felt like something special. And we have to mention the cocktails — they were truly next level. Creative, beautifully crafted, and easily the best and most unique we’ve had at any hotel. Every drink felt like a little work of art. The staff were incredible — warm, attentive, and genuinely lovely. They made us feel so welcome from the start, and the service throughout our stay was outstanding. On our final night, they organised a private dinner for us, and it was unforgettable — incredible food, a magical setting, and so much care in every detail. We also took part in some unforgettable experiences, including swimming with horses, which was surreal and completely magical — a true highlight of the trip. We left The Sanubari feeling completely recharged and full of gratitude. It’s a rare and soul-stirring place that offers luxury, connection to nature, and heartfelt hospitality all in one. We can’t wait to return. — Imogen & Mounir

The Sanubari is the best hotel we’ve ever stayed at in Indonesia. Not just because of its incredible facilities, but also because of the service. Staff members ensure the best possible guest experience. They take care of every single detail. The food is spectacular. The beachfront villas are wonderful – 100% recommended. We also recommend the surfing and early morning horseback swimming activities. It’s a place where, thanks to the low light pollution, you can see the stars incredibly well.

I stayed at The Sanubari in early April and only just got around to writing this, but it’s been on my mind ever since. The whole experience was absolutely breathtaking—so peaceful, beautifully designed, and one of those rare places where you instantly feel like you've stepped out of the world and into a slower, more intentional rhythm. We had a beachfront villa with our own pool, and it genuinely felt like we were on a private island. Most days we barely saw another soul, just the waves in front of us and the sound of nature all around. Watching the sunset from the beach each evening was pure magic—nothing but the ocean and sky changing colours right in front of us. The staff were incredibly warm and kind—so genuine in their hospitality. You can tell they truly care about making guests feel at home. The service was flawless, always attentive but never intrusive. The food was also a standout—every dish fresh, flavourful, and really great value. As a first-time visitor to Sumba Island, it was eye-opening to see how much the island has been overlooked in terms of infrastructure and basic resources. It was saddening in parts, and a reminder of how unevenly development is spread. What really stood out, though, is the positive role places like Sanubari can play. It’s not just a beautiful resort—it’s bringing real opportunities to the local community, through jobs and a growing tourism presence that has the potential to open more doors for the island in the future. That kind of thoughtful, responsible approach is rare and deserves recognition. Can’t recommend it enough—and I’m already dreaming about going back.

I stayed at The Sanubari to celebrate my birthday, and it was one of the most magical experiences I’ve ever had. The place feels like a hidden paradise, calm, raw, and beautifully remote.beach in the front, and garden in the back, From the moment I arrived, the staff made me feel so welcomed. Everyone was kind, friendly, and genuinely warm, which made the whole experience even more special. The food? Absolutely incredible. Every meal felt thoughtful and full of flavor definitely a highlight of the stay. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape surrounded by nature, amazing people, and unforgettable moments, I can’t recommend The Sanubari enough. Can’t wait to come back one day. ❤️