Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The Sanubari resort endorses a perfect balance of culture and remoteness with comfort and quiet luxury to reinvigorate your body, mind and soul. Set on two kilometers of pristine beachfront, the resort forms the heart of our ancient reserve in the forgotten land of the Marapu on Sumba islands. Our 100 hectare property is a sanctuary for the explorer and nature lover searching for unique, personalized experiences in one of the world's last living megalithic cultures. Enjoy kilometers of private white sand beaches, Indonesian quality waves to unique once in a life time island adventures when you're visiting.
The Sanubari is a once in life experience that you’ll always cherish however will never quite replicate. I first visited the resort when I was staying at Nihi, we travelled to the end of Sanubari’s beach because we heard there was good surf close by. We ended up staying at the resort the entire day, surfing out the front and meeting the properties owner who invited us for lunch. We ventured back the next day and did the entire experience again, spoiled with fun surf and incredible hospitality.
This year I travelled back to Sumba with my family (wife and 2 children) and we booked the Sanubari in their Two Bedroom Pool Villa. The resort has been designed to almost entirely disappear into the landscape, only discoverable as you’re close enough to see the sand and waves breaking. The villas are incredibly private, hidden behind foilage-lined pathways and positioned right on the beach.
The interior is minimalist with white walls with Sumbawanese furniture and decorative art. Everything within the villa has been thought of meticulously to have a high level of luxury, while allowing the incredible view of the outside (pool > beach > ocean) be the hero of the villa.
The resort has a real community feel, everyone barefoot strolling the beach in the morning towards the restaurant to enjoy their morning coffee, surfboards lined up for when the waves turn on and kids playing together. All staff constantly smiling and really enjoying the guests and that they get to work in such a magical environment.
Food and service throughout the trip was excellent and well-priced. Nothing was too much trouble, we requested boardgames to be delivered to the room, bikes to go exploring etc, all came at a timely manner with no fuss.
One highlight was taking the family on the Sandalwood horses for a ride in the water, an incredible experience that we’ll never forget.
Although the days were active, evenings were incredibly relaxed, sitting by the firepits enjoying a beer, playing cards, or chatting to other guests before enjoying a delicious meal.
Highly recommend for anyone who likes barefoot luxury, surfing, honeymooners, or exploring natural landscapes.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our second visit to The Sanubari and I wasn’t sure what to expect considering there were now twice as many villas. To my relief it was just as peaceful, just as magical as before. When you go to Sanubari you are not just paying for a room, you’re paying for a feeling of peace, calm and healing. The staff have a unique blend of kindness, professionalism and alertness to your needs.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Just relax and soak it in!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If your reading this, you've already had the privilege of discovering The Sanubari, do yourself a favor and book your stay immediately—you won’t find a place like it anywhere else. This hidden gem in Sumba is nothing short of a dream, offering an experience that is truly one in a billion.
1. Warmth of the People & Exceptional Service From the moment we made our reservation, everything was effortless. The attentive and kind staff ensured every detail was taken care of, from seamless airport transfers to the exceptional service at the restaurant. Every team member we encountered made us feel special, forming meaningful connections with us that enhanced our stay in ways words can’t fully capture. The people of Sumba, with their genuine warmth and hospitality, are truly the heart of this paradise.
2. A Breathtaking Location & Design The Sanubari is nestled in one of the most pristine locations we’ve ever visited. The resort itself is a work of art, with beautifully designed rooms, spacious bathrooms, and the most comfortable beds. The pools, with their inviting azure waters, and the jaw-dropping views of the surrounding coastline, created an atmosphere of pure tranquility. Having visited beaches around the world, I can confidently say that this one stands out as one of the most stunning and unspoiled.
3. Owners Who Truly Care Meeting the owners of The Sanubari was a highlight of our stay. They are some of the most genuine, clever, kind-hearted individuals we've ever met, and their passion for Sumba is infectious. You can feel the love they have for the people of this island and the community they're nurturing. Their vision for the future of The Sanubari is inspiring, with plans for even more thoughtful developments, such as a mineral pool, ice baths etc, that will elevate the experience even further. Their commitment to making a difference on this island is a beautiful part of the resort’s magic.
4. The Surf For surf lovers, The Sanubari is paradise. My husband, daughter, and our friends spent countless hours enjoying the incredible surf break that’s renowned and sought after. It’s the perfect spot to catch some waves and embrace the ocean’s natural beauty.
5. Access to Hidden Beaches & Unmatched Sunsets One of the most memorable experiences was visiting another breathtaking beach owned by The Sanubari. We were treated to an unforgettable sunset after being driven to this secluded spot, complete with a packed esky for sunset drinks. The beach, with its caves and serene atmosphere, was utterly magical and felt like a secret treasure.
We left The Sanubari with full hearts and minds, knowing that we had experienced something extraordinary. Words can’t fully capture the magic of this place, and we’re already planning our return. If you’re lucky enough to have the chance to stay at The Sanubari, don’t hesitate—this is a destination that will stay with you forever.
Thank you team Sanubari- you guys are the best!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I just returned from my 5 night stay at the Sanubari. This is a new boutique property that has been open for about 6 months with only six individual villas . As soon as you pass the entry gate you are greeted be a mesmerizing vista of lush hills, rice paddies, an incredible stretch of idyllic beach , crashing surf, and the coast line beyond. All of this in its own 100 hectare reserve and no vestiges of anything else around as far as the eye can see. The staff is welcoming with warm and informal service. They will treat you like family. The food is outstanding. The villas are light and breezy, spacious, oceanfront with floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors allowing you to enjoy the intoxicated view and the rhythm of the ocean. The villas have individual pools which are meticulously cleaned daily. The golden sand which is swept clean daily slopes gently into swimmable waves. The restaurant is the perfect, cozy spot to watch the sun go down. If you are a surfer and have the means you can chase the breaks and come home to casual luxury. Or if you just want to while away the day reading a book in the tropical breeze this is the perfect spot. Immersive experiences such a SWIMMING WITH HORSES, waterfall tours, scooter rental, pottery making or ikat weaving can all be easily arranged. I would like to send a special thank you to Rowan, the owner, for making our stay perfect.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hopi Burn, Owner at The Sanubari
Responded 25 Apr 2023
Dear michael b, Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful experience at Sanubari with us. It brings us great joy to hear that you had a memorable stay in our property. We are thrilled to know that you were captivated by the stunning vista of lush hills, rice paddies, and the picturesque beach that surrounds our property. It is truly a breath taking sight that we are proud to share with our guests. Our team is delighted to hear that you enjoyed the warm and informal service provided by our staff. We take pride in making sure our guests feel like family during their stay with us. It is also fantastic to hear that you relished the food prepared by our talented chefs. We strive to provide an outstanding culinary experience for all our guests. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed our golden sand beach, which is meticulously maintained daily, and the opportunity to swim in the gentle waves. Our restaurant is the perfect place to watch the sun set while enjoying a delicious meal. Your kind comments regarding our immersive experiences, including swimming with horses, waterfall tours, and pottery making or ikat weaving, have been greatly appreciated. We pride ourselves on providing unique experiences for our guests that allow them to experience the local culture and beauty. Thank you for choosing Sanubari, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable stay soon. Kind regards, The Sanubari Management team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Sunubari, is an located on the pristine and untouched island of Sumba. The location is breathtaking and the resort it’s self is stunning in every way. There are beautiful touches of traditional Sumbese culture in the stylish luxury rooms, which have the most comfortable beds!
We went with our family, my husband, our two kids and my Mum to celebrate my 40th Birthday and celebrate we did!
There was so much to see do and explore… >> We visited the most incredible waterfall with aqua marine water, the Sunubari packed us a picnic which our guide bought to the waterfall. >> We rode horses in the ocean >> Played put put golf on the rolling green grass by the sea >> Rode bikes around the resort gardens >> Visited a village that makes traditional Ikat (hand woven throws) as well as a local village.
For my birthday dinner my husband and the staff at Sunubari arranged a private sunset dinner, with a traditional Indonesian feast and last but not least a firework show.
I couldn’t recommend the Sunubari more, it felt like a dream set in paradise.
Thanks to the owners Rowan and Micha as well as the friendly staff for making my 40th Birthday so special!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Sanubari , Owner at The Sanubari
Responded 24 Sept 2023
Dear Candice, Thank you for taking the time to review your experience with us. It's alway extra special to have people celebrate birthdays at the resort and it means the world to us that you and your family enjoyed your stay. We hope to see you back in Sumba soon and thank you again for choosing to spend your special day with us. Much love The Sanubari team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We loved the Sanubari! The beach is absolutely gorgeous and there are several surf breaks that are walking distance from the resort . I loved finishing a surf session and having someone greet me with a towel and a glass of water. Having your own pool with your villa is so luxurious . We had a couples massage and they set up tables next to our pool in our backyard, it was amazing! This beautiful resort is a must do if you’re coming to Sumba !
Read more
Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Sanubari was a magical experience. We were lucky enough to stay with some other couples in accompanying villas and it was a very special time. The staff COULD NOT be more beautiful, they were a highlight of our holiday. The villas are impeccably clean and spacious and have lots of little extras to make your stay easy. The food was incredible and there were lots of options to choose from - and it was reasonably priced. Drinking water was provided in the hotel, which was a bonus. Trust me when I say - don't pack shoes for walking around, you won't need them! A beach towel was also provided for each person. For an additional cost, there was great excursion options available, and the staff were very helpful in coordinating this - swimming with horses, waterfall experience etc. It was about a 1.5hr trip from the airport, but lots to see on the way and totally worth the time.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
On the gorgeous island of Sumba, The Sanubari sits on an impeccable stretch of sand and waves, which lull you into the best sleep you've ever had each night in the beautifully designed beachfront villas. Aside from the pristine natural environment, the staff are some of the sweetest people you'll find anywhere in the world and they're especially wonderful with little kids. The restaurant serves delicious and very reasonably priced food—we especially loved the Indonesian dishes—and you can't beat the views from every table. Do not miss the opportunity to ride their wonderful, gentle horses, especially in the turquoise water! It's such an incredibly unique and surprisingly calming experience.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2023
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hopi Burn, Owner at The Sanubari
Responded 25 Apr 2023
Dear kathrynr403, Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience at The Sanubari. It was an absolute pleasure to have you as our guest on the beautiful island of Sumba. We are thrilled to hear that you had a peaceful and restful stay in our well-designed beachfront villas.  Our staff is truly special and it warms our hearts to hear that you found them to be some of the sweetest people in the world. It's always our aim to create a welcoming and hospitable environment for our guests, including the little ones. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed our restaurant's delicious and reasonably priced food, especially our Indonesian dishes. Our team takes great care in preparing each meal with the freshest ingredients to ensure a memorable dining experience. Thank you for choosing The Sanubari, and we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back in the near future. Kind regards, The Sanubari Management team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Sanubari is open! It is honestly heaven on earth. The landscaping, the staff, the attention to detail is exceptional!
I heard talk of a great wave within a stones throw of The Sanubari so decided to check it out. I was in communication with Panca and he made everything so effortless. Huey (wave god) didn’t deliver the waves I had wished for during my stay but that didn’t stop the fun. The surf was small and I was luckily able to rent the right board for the conditions onsite. A beautiful custom softtop log. Sharing a party wave with Timmy (The Sanubari SurfGuide) highlights how relaxed the environment is. Immediately after surfing I dived head first into the beach bar with Yanto and Nobe (a couple of wizards with a shaker). The Sanubari cocktails are next level. They’re well priced, pack a flavoursome punch and served with a warm smile. Minimum spend at The Sanubari for visiting guests is 350k but it’s easily achievable at the bar. I’d also like to highlight Seva and Lola. They’ll always greet you with contagious energy.
Rowan, Thankyou for putting together such an incredible team. It’s very evident that you lead by example and make everyone feel at home. Can’t wait to see what’s to come. See you next year!
Read more
Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hopi Burn, Owner at The Sanubari
Responded 21 Apr 2023
Dear 861kanem, Thank you very much for your wonderful review about your recent stay at The Sanubari! We are overjoyed to hear that you had such an amazing experience with us. It's great to hear you enjoyed our beautiful landscaping, outstanding staff, and attention to detail. We are also thrilled that you enjoyed our delicious cocktails served by our talented bartenders, Yanto and Nobe. They always create drinks with a flavoursome punch and a warm smile!  We are so proud of our team at The Sanubari and are glad that their contagious energy and friendly personalities made your stay even more enjoyable. We appreciate your kind words about our hotel and our team members. We are honoured to have made such a positive impression on you and we look forward to welcoming you back next year! Warm regards, The Sanubari Management Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
When you travel a lot you stay in some beautiful hotels and resorts but every once in a while you stay somewhere very special . The Sanubari was very special in every way possible . Part of its uniqueness is the simple luxury that you find in very few places . The transfer , the arrival , the perfect pool villa , the amazing staff the stunning beach and crashing waves as you slept at night . Thank you Sanubari for giving us perfect memories we will treasure forever . We will return ♥️
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Sanubari , Owner at The Sanubari
Responded 1 Dec 2023
Dear Julie, What a pleasure to have you with! It makes it all worthwile when guests enjoy their stay and leave with memories that will last a lite time. We envisioned a space that feels homely, a space to recharge, be with oneself, family and friends with the little touches of luxury we all enjoy. Thank you for coming and joying them with us and taking the time to write this review! We look forward to welcoming you home soon. Much love your Sanubari family.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are more places to choose from in the Lamboya area.
LOCATION
IndonesiaEast Nusa TenggaraSumbaLamboya
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
