When people ask us where they should travel in Indonesia other than Bali, Sumba is quickly becoming one of our favourite answers.
The island has everything that many travellers say they’re searching for: spectacular beaches, stunning waterfalls, unspoilt landscapes, and a culture that still feels deeply rooted in tradition. Better yet, it is only a little over an hour away by plane, making it one of the easiest islands to combine with a Bali holiday.
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A Stay With a Bigger Story
We flew into Lede Kalumbang Airport (formally known as Tambolaka Airport) on Sumba’s west coast, and within twenty minutes of collecting our bags, we were already on our way to the Sumba Hospitality Foundation.
At first glance, it looks like the kind of boutique eco-retreat that many travellers dream of discovering. There are charming bamboo pavilions, a tranquil pool area, and sweeping views across the surrounding landscape. Spend a little more time here, however, and you’ll quickly realise that the real story goes far beyond the accommodation.
Every meal served, every room prepared, and every guest welcomed contributes towards something much bigger – helping local Sumbanese students gain the skills, confidence and education needed to build successful careers in hospitality and tourism.
Warm Welcomes Set the Tone
Our introduction to the Foundation actually began before we arrived. Waiting for us at the airport was student Angli, who greeted us alongside our driver and immediately made us feel welcome. During the short drive to the property, Angli shared stories about Sumba, pointing out places of interest along the way and chatting about daily life on the island, giving us our first glimpse into the people and culture that make this spot in the Indonesian archipelago so special.
The arrival experience itself felt equally personal. The reception is located inside a traditional Sumbanese house, and after stepping out of the car, we were greeted with cool towels, a refreshing welcome drink, and plenty of warm smiles.
One of the students then walked us through the history of the Foundation, explaining the layout of the campus and gave us an overview of what to expect during our stay. It was professional, polished and genuinely welcoming, but what made it even more heartfelt was knowing that every interaction formed part of the student’s learning journey.
A Resort With a Heart
Whilst the gorgeous surroundings immediately catch your attention, understanding the purpose behind the project is truly what makes a stay here so rewarding.
The Sumba Hospitality Foundation was established to help create opportunities for local Sumbanese youth through education, training and eco-tourism. Students build skills across the hospitality industry, including front desk operations, culinary arts, housekeeping, sustainability and spa therapy, combining classroom learning with hands-on experiences in real hospitality environments.
That practical experience takes place at Maringi Sumba, the boutique hotel located within the Foundation’s campus. As guests, you’re not simply observing the project from afar. The students welcome you at reception, serve your meals, prepare your room, and guide you through activities, ensuring they are actively applying the techniques they are learning every day.
It’s an approach that feels refreshingly authentic and allows guests to see first-hand how tourism can directly contribute to supporting local communities. The vibe here is something that can’t be manufactured. It’s simply the result of passionate people creating opportunities for future generations.
The Foundation’s director, Mathieu, is heavily involved in the day-to-day operations and education programmes, and his passion for the project is evident throughout the campus. It’s clear that helping local people build brighter futures sits at the heart of everything the Sumba Hospitality Foundation does.
Sleeping Amongst the Bamboo
One of the first things that catches your attention at Maringi Sumba is the design. We stayed in one of the bamboo pavilions, which was beautifully crafted using natural materials. The pavilion blended in perfectly with the surrounding environment, whilst still providing all the comforts needed for a relaxing stay.
Inside, the space felt airy and homey. The air-conditioning was spot on, the bed was super comfy, and the outdoor bathroom added a tropical touch that felt perfectly suited to the setting.
After arriving, one of the students accompanied us to our room and waiting inside were homemade welcome biscuits – a small but thoughtful detail that immediately made our stay feel more personal.
Guests looking for alternative accommodation styles will also find other room categories available, including pool rooms located close to the property’s swimming area.
Dining That Supports a Bigger Purpose
All meals are included as part of your stay at Maringi Sumba. Lunch is served à-la-carte and the dinner menu changes every evening, allowing students to showcase different culinary skills and cuisines.
Communication throughout our stay was excellent, with meal times, activities and important information shared via WhatsApp. It made planning our days incredibly easy and made sure we never missed a thing.
Free-flow drinking water is available during meals, whilst additional beverages and alcoholic drinks can be purchased separately. And speaking of drinks, their signature margaritas deserve a special mention. We weren’t expecting to find some of the best margaritas tucked away in rural Sumba, but they were genuinely amazing and quickly became our drink of choice each night.
Starting the Day Right
Mornings at Maringi Sumba quickly settle into a gentle island rhythm, with breakfast served in the restaurant overlooking the campus. The breakfast menu offers plenty of choice, but we found ourselves always coming back to the breakfast burritos, which were consistently tasty and fresh.
Local coffee and tea are also included, while professional barista-made coffee is available for a small additional charge. We were also pleased to find cashew milk as an alternative, which isn’t always easy to come by when travelling to more remote parts of Indonesia.
One of the Best Massages We Had in Sumba
Whilst hospitality and culinary training are perhaps the most visible parts of the Foundation, students are also coached in spa therapy, giving guests another opportunity to support their learning whilst enjoying a little well-deserved relaxation.
Our experience began with a warm ginger welcome drink before being invited to complete a consultation form and choose our preferred massage oil. The treatment rooms are impressive, creating an immediate sense of tropical tranquillity from the moment we stepped inside. Soft lighting, natural materials and peaceful surroundings made it easy to switch off completely before the treatment had even begun.
The massage itself lasted 90-minutes and, quite honestly, if nobody had told us the therapist was still completing their training, we would never have guessed. Every aspect of the treatment felt professional and attentive. It ended up being one of the highlights of our stay, and a wonderful reminder of how much practical experience the students gain through their time at the Foundation.
Slowing Down by the Pool
Although there’s plenty to see and do around Sumba, we also appreciated having time to simply enjoy the property itself. The pool pavilion area became our go-to spot wherever we returned from exploring, ideal for catching up on emails, reading a book or simply enjoying some sunshine and downtime.
And for those wondering about staying connected, the Wi-Fi was surprisingly reliable throughout our stay. Considering how remote parts of Sumba can feel, we were super impressed with how easy it was to get online whenever needed.
A Worthwhile Detour to Makan Dulu
If you’re staying at Maringi Sumba, we’d strongly recommend setting aside an afternoon or evening to visit Makan Dulu. Located around 20-minutes from the Foundation and not far from Lede Kalumbang Airport, this idyllic bamboo restaurant is another project connected to the Sumba Hospitality Foundation, which provides additional hospitality training for students.
The striking natural structure is worth the visit alone, featuring an open kitchen and relaxed upstairs dining area. Guests can choose from à-la-carte dishes or set menus, whilst cocktails are also available if you’d like to settle in for the evening.
Much like our experience at Maringi Sumba, what makes dining here so special is knowing that you’re supporting a project with a genuine purpose. Students work alongside mentors, building the practical skills and confidence needed for future careers, whilst guests enjoy fabulous food in a truly one-of-a-kind setting.
Exploring Sumba’s Natural Beauty
Of course, no trip to Sumba would be complete without getting out and exploring the island itself.
The Foundation can easily arrange drivers for day trips, although guests are equally welcome to organise their own transport if preferred. One particularly unique option is inviting students to join as guides, allowing them to practise their tourism skills whilst giving visitors a richer understanding of the local culture and daily life in Sumba.
Not only do you gain a deeper appreciation for the island, but conversations with the students often become some of the most memorable moments of the day. It’s an experience we’d highly recommend!
As for where to go, Sumba is packed with extraordinary natural attractions. Weekuri Lagoon is perhaps the island’s most famous, with crystal-clear turquoise waters that look almost too perfect to be real. Nearby Mandorak Beach offers dramatic limestone cliffs and stunning coastal scenery. Whilst Waimarang Waterfall and Tanggedu Waterfall showcase a completely different side of the island’s natural beauty. Walakiri Beach is another favourite, particularly at sunset, when its famous mangrove trees create one of Suma’s most photogenic backdrops.
Beyond the headline attractions, some of our favourite moments came simply from driving through the countryside. Rolling green hills stretch as far as the eye can see, traditional villages preserve centuries-old customs, and daily life unfolds at a relaxed pace that feels increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced world.
Compared to Bali, Sumba still feels captivatingly untouched. Tourism exists, but still only in selected parts of the island. Culture remains deeply woven into everyday life, and many parts of the landscape remain exactly as they have for generations. For travellers seeking a more authentic side of Indonesia, it’s difficult not to fall in love with the place.
A Lasting Impact
Sumba may be famous for its waterfalls, beaches and spectacular landscapes, but what we remembered most were the people. From the students who welcomed us at reception to those serving our meals and sharing their stories, every interaction offered a glimpse into the life-changing opportunities being created through Sumba Hospitality Foundation.
It’s a model of sustainable tourism that feels genuine, transparent and incredibly inspiring to witness and be a part of firsthand. In a world where the phrase “giving back” is often overused, Sumba Hospitality Foundation is a rare example of a project where you can clearly see the positive impact your visit is creating.
This is hospitality with a heart.
For more information about the Sumba Hospitality Foundation or to make a booking at Maringi Sumba, visit their website or Instagram page.
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