The Escape: Cap Karoso

For this edition of The Escape and with the Eid holidays around the corner, we take a look at Cap Karoso in Sumba, Indonesia. Founded by culinary bloggers Fabrice & Evguenia Ivara, Cap Karosois an inviting design hotel offering you fantastic experiences from art residencies to various healing treatments. The contemporary structure blends well with the tropical surroundings and the owners have worked hand in hand with local artisans and craftsmen to deliver a world-class experience blended with local flavour.

Nestled on the stunning island of Sumba in Indonesia, Cap Karoso is a luxury resort that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and exquisite architecture. The resort is known for its mesmerizing design that seamlessly integrates traditional Sumbanese elements with modern aesthetics, creating an enchanting and immersive experience for guests.

Upon arriving at Cap Karoso, guests are immediately captivated by the resort's breathtaking architecture. The design of the resort is inspired by the traditional Sumbanese houses known as "Uma Mbatangu" or "peaked houses," which are iconic symbols of the local culture. These houses are characterized by their high-pitched thatched roofs and distinctive peaked shapes, which are beautifully recreated in Cap Karoso's design.

The resort's main building, which serves as the reception area and lounge, is a stunning example of Sumbanese architecture. The thatched roof soars high above, creating a sense of grandeur, while the intricate wooden carvings on the walls and pillars add a touch of elegance. The use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and thatch throughout the resort creates a harmonious connection with the surrounding environment, blending seamlessly with the pristine natural beauty of Sumba.

One of the most striking features of Cap Karoso's architecture is its unique layout. The resort is designed to resemble a traditional Sumbanese village, with individual villas scattered across the lush landscape. Each villa is designed as a separate "house" with its own private courtyard, evoking a sense of intimacy and privacy. The villas are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, featuring traditional Sumbanese elements such as high thatched roofs, wooden beams, and intricately carved doors and windows. The use of natural colors and textures in the interior design creates a warm and inviting ambiance, inviting guests to relax and unwind in the lap of luxury.

Another highlight is its stunning infinity pool, which offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The pool is ingeniously designed to blend seamlessly with the horizon. Surrounded by lush gardens and comfortable sun loungers, the pool area provides a serene oasis where guests can soak up the sun and take in breathtaking vistas.

An additional standout feature of Cap Karoso's architecture is its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness. The resort has been designed with a strong emphasis on using locally sourced materials and traditional building techniques, minimizing its carbon footprint and preserving the local environment. The use of thatch roofs, for example, not only pays homage to the local culture but also helps to regulate the temperature inside the villas, reducing the need for air conditioning. The resort also employs sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting and waste recycling to minimize its impact on the environment. They also have their own farm, so the chefs use produce grown by them. 

Cap Karoso also offers a range of unique design elements that add to its charm. The resort's interiors are adorned with an impressive collection of local art and crafts, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Sumba. Intricately carved wooden sculptures, traditional textiles, and handmade pottery are just some of the exquisite artworks that adorn the resort's common areas and villas, adding a touch of local flavor to the overall design. The hotel also offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture through various activities and experiences such as traditional Sumbanese ceremonies, learning about local customs and traditions, and even visiting local villages to interact with the friendly Sumbanese people. The resort's commitment to cultural preservation is evident in every aspect of its design and activities, providing guests with a truly authentic and enriching experience.

All images are courtesy Design Hotels.