Boutique retreat in West Sumba
Alamayah
A six-suite boutique retreat in a beachside village in Lamboya, West Sumba, run by its founders, with surf guides, horses and a farm.
From$426a night on Booking.com
- Surf
- Wellness
- Families
- Couples
- Farm to table
About
Alamayah is a boutique retreat with six suites in Patiala Bawa, a beachside village in Lamboya, West Sumba. Its founders, Dan and Jess, moved to Sumba in 2017 and built it with local workers they trained, many of whom now run the hotel.
Every suite has a king bed, air-conditioning and a private terrace with ocean or jungle views. Food comes from the hotel's permaculture farm and local farmers.
The experience
Surfers get full-time surf guides, a jet ski and two boats to reach the waves, with free boards for guests. There are horse rides on the beach, waterfall hikes, village visits, snorkelling and fishing.
The spa has a steam room, ice bath and plunge pools, and yoga runs daily on the rooftop overlooking Kerewe Beach.
Service
Service is the most praised part of a stay: 239 of the 285 positive written reviews we read mention the staff, and Booking.com guests score every category 10 out of 10 except value, at 9.8.
A nanny is available full time, all staff are first-aid trained, and laundry is offered every day.
Suites
Six suites, each with a king bed and a private terrace, from 43 to 62 sqm.
- Couples
Ocean-view suites
Pick it for the view
- Tahik (62 sqm), Watu and Mahi
- King bed
- Private terrace with ocean views
- Air-conditioning
CouplesJungle and garden suites
Pick it for quiet
- Tana, Wala and Amu, about 45 sqm
- King bed
- Amu has a bathtub on its terrace
- Air-conditioning
Getting to Alamayah
Fly from Bali to Tambolaka Airport, 60 to 90 minutes depending on the airline. Alamayah is about 90 minutes from the airport by private transfer, which the hotel can arrange.
Best for
- Personal serviceStaff rated 10 / 10 on Booking.com
- Surf tripsSurf guides, boats and free boards for guests
- Families60 positive reviews mention kids or family
- Eating well149 positive reviews praise the food
Key facts
- Check-in 2pm to 6pm, check-out by 11:30am
- Six suites, each with a king bed
- Restaurant open 6:30am to 9pm
- Starlink Wi-Fi and backup power
Dining
The Alamayah Lounge
Open-air restaurant by the pool, for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Farm to table
Herbs, fruit and vegetables from the hotel's permaculture farm
Hand-caught fish
Fresh fish and sushi on the menu, plus locally grown coffee
Amenities and services
- Starlink Wi-Fi
- Pool
- Spa and ice bath
- Daily yoga
- Gym
- Surf boats
- Surf guides
- Snorkelling
- Nanny service
- Laundry
- Airport transfers
- Restaurant
Guest reviews, compiled
Scores from 367 reviews on Booking.com, Google and Tripadvisor · checked 31 Oct 2026
Guests praise the staff and owners, the food and the activities, and 94% of recent reviews give 5 stars. The few complaints are about price and, from people who ate there without staying, the minimum spend for outside diners.
- Staff
- 10 /10
- Comfort
- 10 /10
- Location
- 10 /10
- Value
- 9.8 /10
318 of 339 recent Google and Tripadvisor reviews give 5 stars
Staff and service239 reviews
Caring staff and hands-on owners.
Food149 reviews
Fresh food, much of it from the hotel's farm.
Rooms110 reviews
Comfortable, well-designed suites.
Activities and trips88 reviews
Surf, horses, waterfalls and village visits.
Themes counted across 291 written Google and Tripadvisor reviews, newest first.
What to consider
Price3 reviews
A few guests felt it was expensive for what they got.
Cancellations
Payments are non-refundable. Cancel 30 or more days ahead to reschedule at the new rate.
Small and remote
Only six suites, about 90 minutes from the airport, so book well ahead.
Outside diners2 reviews
Visitors who are not staying pay a minimum spend at the restaurant.
Fantastic location, 5 star amenities. Staff that actually care about you and nothing is too much trouble.
5 out of 5 starsSusan, Melbourne, Australia · Tripadvisor The moment you enter, you feel truly welcomed, like a member of a big loving family.
5 out of 5 starsJade, Melbourne, Australia · Tripadvisor Their lapopu waterfall tour / experience was also great. The Toyota Hilux setup with bean bags in the back was perfect. Extremely relaxing.
5 out of 5 starsLuis · Tripadvisor Nice hotel with good food nice rooms with lots of activities.
5 out of 5 starsEdgar, Copenhagen, Denmark · Tripadvisor
Frequently asked questions
How far is Alamayah from Tambolaka airport?
About 90 minutes by private transfer, which the hotel can arrange.
How many rooms does Alamayah have?
Six suites, from 43 to 62 sqm, each with a king bed and a private terrace.
Can you surf at Alamayah?
Yes. There are full-time surf guides, a jet ski and two boats, and boards are free for guests.
Is Alamayah good for kids?
Yes. There is a child-friendly pool and a full-time nanny, and the staff are used to children.
What is the cancellation policy?
Payments are final and non-refundable. Cancel in writing 30 or more days before check-in to reschedule at new rates.
What time are check-in and check-out?
Check-in is from 2pm to 6pm and check-out is by 11:30am, per Booking.com.
Places to visit nearby
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