Beach resort in West Sumba
The Sanubari
A resort of private pool villas on a 100-hectare reserve in Lamboya, West Sumba, with two kilometres of white sand beach and surf right out front.
From$334a night on thesanubari.com
- Beachfront
- Surf
- Spa
- Families
- Community
About
The Sanubari is a resort on a 100-hectare reserve in Lamboya, West Sumba, within the ancestral lands of the Marapu people. Every villa sits on its two kilometres of white sand beach, and there are seven beaches close by.
There are four types of villa, each with its own pool, from garden villas to two-bedroom villas on the beach. Cooking is farm to table, with herbs and vegetables from the resort's own farm.
Why we recommend it
A pool villa on the beach
Every villa has its own pool, on two kilometres of white sand.
Surf, horses and rivers
Three waves out front, swimming with horses and river paddles through the rice fields.
Guests rate it highly
4.9 on Google and Tripadvisor, with 256 of 275 reviews giving 5 stars.
The Sanubari's social programmes drill 80-metre wells and build toilets and wash stations at local schools, and train young people from Sumba in tourism and languages. The Sanubari
The experience
There are three surf breaks right out front, and horses to ride at sunrise or sunset, or to swim with bareback in the sea. Guests paddleboard down rivers through rice paddies and villages, and take guided trips to Lapopu and Matayangu waterfalls and to megalithic villages.
Back at the resort there is a main pool, a beachfront restaurant and the Jungle spa, with massages and facials. Classes in ikat weaving and pottery show guests the island's crafts.
Service
The staff come up in 189 of the 247 positive written reviews we read, often by name. In 13 reviews, guests say the team remembered their names.
Guest Service books activities and trips, and private airport transfers can be arranged. In-room dining and private dinners on the beach are on offer.
Villas
Four villa types, each with a private pool, air-conditioning, fans and Wi-Fi.
CouplesGarden Pool Villa
Pick it for privacy
- 110 m2 with garden views
- King bed
- Private pool
- Ceiling fans and a safe
CouplesBeachfront Studio Pool Villa
Pick it for the ocean
- 110 m2 with ocean views
- King bed
- Private pool and outdoor shower
- Study desk
CouplesBeachfront One Bedroom Pool Villa
Pick it for space
- 180 m2 with ocean views
- King bed and a living room
- Private swimming pool
- Ensuite with a bathtub
- Families
Beachfront Two Bedroom Pool Villa
Pick it for families
- 230 m2 with ocean views
- Two bedrooms with king beds
- Private swimming pool
- Lounge and outdoor shower
Getting to The Sanubari
Fly from Bali to Tambolaka Airport, about 50 minutes. The team meets you at the airport, and the resort is a scenic one-hour drive away. Private airport transfers can be arranged.
Best for
- Beach time125 positive reviews praise the beach
- SurfersThree waves out front, praised in 77 positive reviews
- Horse lovers63 positive reviews mention the horses
- FamiliesKids' surfing, riding and biking, mentioned in 46 positive reviews
Key facts
- Minimum stay of two nights
- A private pool with every villa
- One-hour drive from Tambolaka Airport
- Free Wi-Fi in villas and common areas
Dining
Beachfront restaurant
Farm to table: Indonesian dishes, fresh seafood and international food, with herbs and vegetables from the farm
Private dining
Sunset dinners and beach dinners for two, on request
In-room dining
Meals served in your villa
Amenities and services
- Free Wi-Fi
- Beachfront
- Private pools
- Spa
- Surfing
- Paddleboards
- Snorkelling
- Guided trips
- Airport transfers
- Bikes
- Free parking
- EN · ID
Guest reviews, compiled
Scores from 277 reviews on Google and Tripadvisor · checked 31 Oct 2026
Guests rave about the staff, the villas, the food and the beach. In 15 reviews, guests call it the best place they have ever stayed, and swimming with the horses is a favourite.
256 of 275 Google and Tripadvisor reviews give 5 stars
Staff and service189 reviews
Warm, attentive staff who make guests feel like family.
Villas142 reviews
Spacious, beautiful villas with their own pools by the sea.
Food130 reviews
Excellent cooking, from Indonesian dishes to tasting menus.
Beach125 reviews
A pristine white sand beach, often all to yourself.
Themes counted across 255 written Google and Tripadvisor reviews.
We had the most fantastic time here and really didn’t want to leave. The sunsets from the beach, the food, the beautiful room… it just doesn’t get better.
5 out of 5 starsFran · Google A fabulous family stay; the children loved surfing, Dad enjoyed walks in the villages, rice paddies, and surrounding beaches, and Mom took advantage of the spa.
5 out of 5 starsSarah · Google This resort is also run by a family who care - both for the island, it's cultures, it's people and ensuring all of these things are respected.
5 out of 5 starsDebbie · Google The villas are a beautiful, simple aesthetic, yet luxurious and immaculate. The staff could not have been warmer and more helpful and the food was fantastic.
5 out of 5 starsKristin, San Diego, California · Tripadvisor
Frequently asked questions
How far is The Sanubari from Tambolaka airport?
About a one-hour drive. The team meets you at the airport, and private airport transfers can be arranged.
Is there a minimum stay at The Sanubari?
Yes. Every booking is for at least two nights.
Do all villas have a private pool?
Yes. All four villa types, from the Garden Pool Villa to the Beachfront Two Bedroom Pool Villa, have their own pool.
Is The Sanubari good for kids?
Yes. Families are welcome, and children can surf, swim, ride horses, bike and join cultural activities.
Can I ride the horses?
Yes. There are sunrise and sunset beach rides, and you can swim with the horses bareback. Riders must weigh 70 kg or less.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, free in the villas and common areas, though speeds can be slow given the remote location.
