Floating between Bali and Timor, on the western edge of the Savu Sea, lies a place where wild horses still roam across golden-green hills and through tropical forests. Where you will have pristine, palm-fringed beaches all to yourself and you can buy seafood straight off the fisher boats as they come in with their morning hauls. That place is called Sumba. A few islands east of Bali, Sumba’s nature is as beautiful as its culture is rich. Here you will find indigenous art, megalithic tombs, and traditional houses with soaring meter-high roofs.

The kampung villages with thatched pointy-roofed homes are one part of the indigenous belief system called Marapu. In Marapu locals worship the spirits of their ancestors and part of the belief is that the high roofs create a stronger connection with the spirits.

On the island’s wild western edge in the unexplored Kodi region, sitting on the shores of a coral reef and surrounded by turquoise lagoons lies the newly opened Cap Karoso. Modernist villas, surrounded by lush vegetation open onto the beach, with swimming surfing, fishing, and snorkeling at your doorstep. With 47 rooms and 20 villas, this is a big addition to the Sumba hospitality offering. They crafted the term ancient modern, where traditional craft, temporary art, and modern design come together. Spacious, modern structures with nature-inspired plant-based roofs are set onto the beach. The rooms and main areas are polished concrete mixed with rattan, bamboo teak wood, and natural plaster. There are two swimming pools, two restaurants, and a bar.

*This is an official Intentional Studio production