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The Indonesian island of Sumba offers the kind of sanctuary that travelers yearn for.
Photo: Courtesy of Nihi Sumba
The Sumbanese way of life, in particular, is what makes this island so distinct.
Most of Sumbas residents are subsistence farmers, divided into clans that each speak a unique dialect.
They live in rural villages of traditional huts with high-peaked roofs stretched up like taffy to the sky.
Indonesia, Sumba island, Madala village
For the last century, visits to Sumba were anthropological or scientific in nature.
The only way to visit Sumba is to fly via Bali, despite Sumbas close proximity to northern Australia.
The one-hour scenic flight glides past Lombok and Sumbawa islands, with Komodo to the north in the distance.
Photo: Courtesy of Nihi Sumba
The main airport, Tambolaka, is rinky-dink at bestso travel arranged through an agency is recommended.
Where to Stay in Sumba
The top resort on Sumba is the iconic Nihi Sumba.
That enjoyment is extraordinary.
Photo: Courtesy of Nihi Sumba
Where else can you find that in the world?
Nihi Sumba is for the adventurous traveler who finds comfort in luxury.
But for the traveler who prefers serenity over adrenaline, the resorts spa delivers indulgence in a wabi-sabi setting.
Photo: Courtesy of Cap Karoso
When you come here, you feel that its another time in a different world, Eve Ivara toldVogue.
Its just completely cut off from everyday life and feels really untouched.
I think thats a treasure nowadays.
Photo: Zachary Schwartz
Cap Karosos standout characteristic is its design.
While many of the materials are sourced within Indonesia, the look has a decisively European sensibility.
All living spaces are accessorized with wicker and wood, statues and ceramics, and cement and stone.
Photo: Getty Images
Aside from the occasional roadside warung, dining in Sumba revolves around its hotels.
These are not woo-woo wellness retreats that deprive or set unrealistic expectations.
Instead, Wild Wellness promotes pushing participants outside their comfort zones with novel well-being treatments and instinctual connections.
Photo: Jesse Lender
Wild Wellness is an out-of-body experience certain to leave guests stronger, healthier, and more appreciative.
They can be purchased at hotels or in Waingapus town markets.
Photo: Courtesy of Cap Karoso
