Let’s start with the inspiration behind Oasis
Time Out named Sumba Asia’s #1 destination for 2025 and Forbes Travel Guide placed it in the top 10 global spots. What first attracted you to Sumba, and how did the vision for Oasis Sumba come to life? Was there a defining moment that made you decide this was where you wanted to build?
For over a decade, we have been traveling throughout Asia in search of the natural paradises this extraordinary continent has to offer, and from the very beginning we fell deeply in love with Indonesia, its incredible natural and cultural diversity, and above all, the kindness of its people.
In 2018, together with my father Alberto Bassi, an entrepreneur with extensive experience in the construction industry, and my best friend and designer Riccardo Monti, we decided to combine our skills and create a team with a clear objective: to develop a residential complex in the most beautiful location in Indonesia – a place to live permanently, to build a community, and to work with a long-term vision. Choosing the right location was extremely challenging given the many possibilities, and as true perfectionists, we wanted to find the perfect place with all the characteristics needed for a solid and sustainable future.
During a Christmas holiday spent in the Gili Islands, a friend introduced us to the island of Sumba, an untouched natural paradise, twice the size of Bali, with stunning beaches, lush green hills and mountains, canyons, savannahs, countless waterfalls and natural pools, marine lagoons, wild horses, colorful birds, and extraordinary vegetation. This unexpected discovery, through photos and videos shared by our friend, seemed almost too good to be true. I believe that, even if prematurely, that was the key moment; as my grandmother used to say, true love finds you suddenly and when you are not looking for it. And that is exactly what happened: love at first sight.
We decided to visit the island and experience Sumba’s potential firsthand. At the time, there were very few resorts, and among them stood out Nihi, a spectacular luxury resort with VIP clientele and extremely high prices. The more information we gathered, the more interesting the island became from an entrepreneurial perspective, which has always been central to us. Sumba already had two airports and two seaports; we landed at the main airport in Tambolaka, rented an SUV, and explored the entire island, collecting information and staying at virtually every resort available at the time.
After several trips over the years, spending entire months on the island, we realized that Sumba was a true paradise, not only the most beautiful island from a natural standpoint, but also one of the most interesting from a business perspective. It offers ideal characteristics such as a safe geographical position, being one of the southernmost islands of Indonesia and better protected from earthquakes and tsunamis, with no volcanoes that often cause disruptions, unlike Lombok and Sumbawa, which lie along the Indo Australian fault line. Added to this are breathtaking nature and beaches, world-class surf spots, and a luxury tourism-oriented market with rental and land prices already above average and rapidly growing, even back then attracting investors from all over the world, mainly from Australia, the United States, and Europe. Furthermore, the predominantly Christian culture with over 90% of the population, means fewer restrictions on food, alcohol, and mindset, similar to Bali despite its Hindu roots, while still being in an early stage of development. This created the perfect context for our vision, with virtually limitless potential.
After careful market and location research, we understood that the south western area of the island, particularly Wanokaka, Rua Beach, Nihi Beach, Kerewe, and Marosi, all next to each other would become the island’s core, the most exclusive and sought-after area. It offers the most beautiful beaches, the best surf spots, numerous nearby natural attractions, and a strategic connection to the city of Waikabubak, just 30 minutes from Rua Beach. Today, six years after purchasing our first land certificate at Rua Beach, I can confidently say that we were absolutely right. Land values in Sumba increased by 1200% between 2010 and 2024, with even higher growth in the south western area where we are located.
We selected the land for the Oasis Sumba villa complex with extreme care, guided by three fundamental priorities: safety, connection with nature, and long-term value growth. We acquired an oceanfront hill at Rua Beach, an ideal location for a luxury villa complex in an elevated, strategic, and secure position. Fully aware of the three golden rules of real estate location, location, location and aligned with our high end target, we designed a collection of large villas in the most exclusive area, offering every unit an infinity pool with direct views of the ocean and sunset, the ultimate desire of any buyer. The entire project from design to marketing and sales, through to construction, which began in July is managed and supervised directly by us.
Being emotionally invested in the project, as all three founders will live at Oasis Sumba, we shaped the complex in a unique and rare way. All villas are designed to be fully autonomous, featuring a kitchen, laundry, parking, and private access, perfect for permanent living with no time limitations. When not used by the owner, the villas generate passive income through our full management service. Owners are not required to use resort style services such as laundry and housekeeping, although these are always available, along with all resident dedicated amenities: a beachfront club with restaurant and bar, coworking area, ocean view yoga shala, gym, padel court, spa, kids’ area, minimarket, and health point.
At the heart of Oasis Sumba lie privacy and comfort, within a natural style luxury villa environment characterized by lush vegetation throughout the entire property. The villas are designed to fully immerse residents in the island’s authentic energy, built to high quality standards and equipped with all modern comforts. If I had to define Oasis Sumba in just a few words, it is a luxury villa complex within a resort-style concept.
Avoiding Bali’s Mistakes
Condé Nast Traveler calls Sumba an “unspoilt alternative to Bali,” and The New York Times notes “Sumba is not Bali—that’s the point.” What cautionary lessons from Bali’s over-tourism are you applying at Oasis to ensure your exclusive 42-villa complex avoids similar pitfalls, focusing on privacy and long-term value appreciation?
Yes, it is absolutely true, Sumba is unique for its natural beauty and its sense of tranquility. It is clear that the island’s development will increase significantly; the boom has already begun. Fortunately, thanks to its natural landscape and to the new regulations introduced by the government, whom we personally wish to thank for the work being done, in my opinion Sumba will not face cemented beaches or overly built up coastal centers like what happened in Bali, which has unfortunately lost part of the energy and authenticity it was once famous for.
This is already evident today. Even though Tambolaka Airport is located close to the sea, similarly to Bali’s airport, the surrounding areas have not seen a proliferation of resorts or tourist villas. In Bali, by contrast, the first area affected by mass construction was Denpasar, with development gradually spreading along the coastline to the north. In Sumba, on the other hand, growth is more evenly distributed, and thanks to the new regulations, seaside roads and multi-story beachfront buildings are not permitted. The authorities are also enforcing stricter rules, particularly regarding minimum setback distances from the shoreline.
Of course, I do not expect everything in Sumba to be managed perfectly, but it is undeniable that today the development process is far more controlled than in other parts of Indonesia, where growth took place many years ago under a less clear and less consistently enforced regulatory framework.
In the case of Oasis Sumba, our choice of a safe and strategic hillside location, with its highest point at approximately 90 meters above sea level, ensures unobstructed and permanent ocean views for all villas. The entire complex is immersed in greenery, maintaining a constant and harmonious relationship with nature. In addition, each villa sits on a generously sized private plot, guaranteeing green spaces around every property, enhancing both privacy and aesthetic value for all residents. This approach allows us to preserve the vision and identity of the Oasis Sumba brand over the long term.
The elevated position also helps avoid issues such as flooding or damage caused by heavy rainfall, often resulting from inadequate public drainage systems. Within Oasis Sumba, all infrastructure and urban development are designed and built directly by us, specifically for the project, ensuring safety and sustainability.
Sustainability Defined
How does the project define holistic sustainability—environmentally (e.g., preserving the hill’s terraces), socially (community involvement), and economically (balancing investor returns with local prosperity)—for Sumba’s future as Indonesia’s next luxury destination?
Your brochure emphasizes harmony with nature through sustainable materials. Drawing from previous projects, can you share examples of how Oasis integrates local communities into the development process to create lasting economic benefits?
For us, sustainability is not an added feature, but one of the core pillars of the project. We give equal importance to environmental, social, and economic aspects, because only a balanced relationship between these three elements can ensure a healthy and long-lasting future for the island of Sumba.
From an environmental perspective, the project was designed to adapt to the natural shape of the land, preserving as much as possible the original form of the hillside and creating rice terrace style levels. The villas are strategically positioned to minimize invasive earthworks and to promote natural ventilation. Our goal is to build villas in harmony with the environment: during construction, we are preserving the oldest and most significant trees, keeping them in their original positions whenever possible or replanting them within the complex. In collaboration with our landscape designer, we will also plant a large number of trees and plants once construction is completed.
On a social level, we strongly believe in the active involvement of the local community. We collaborate with local workers, construction crews, artisans, and suppliers, creating job opportunities and encouraging the transfer of skills, as we have already done with our previous project in Waikabubak. All materials used in the construction of the villas are sourced from Indonesia, primarily from Sumba: local stone for wall cladding and outdoor paving; cement, steel, and equipment purchased exclusively from local suppliers; locally rented machinery; teak wood furniture crafted by local artisans; teak plywood and beams for roofing; rock wool insulation purchased locally; marble for interior flooring sourced from Tulungagung; and electronic equipment from Java.
Oasis Sumba contributes to the long-term development of the local community by creating numerous employment opportunities, both immediately and above all once the project is completed, when a substantial team will be required to operate the residential complex. We are already receiving many résumés from people originally from Sumba who are currently working in Bali or Java to build a more prosperous future, but who wish to return to live and work on the island, where their families often still reside. This has deeply moved us. More than 90% of our staff will be Sumbanese, and thanks in part to the Sumba Hospitality Foundation’s hospitality school with teachers from around the world, the island offers professionals with strong skills and a solid command of English, ready to work in high end hotels, resorts, and restaurants.
From an economic standpoint, sustainability means creating a balanced model in which the success of the project goes hand in hand with local prosperity. We generate real value for the territory through stable employment, services, and infrastructure, such as the access road we built, which is now used daily by local residents, as well as through our active participation in charitable initiatives. Looking ahead, we plan to further strengthen this commitment through the creation of our own foundation.
Sumba has already established itself as a luxury destination in Indonesia and as a rapidly growing tourism hotspot, destined to become a key hub for the country. For this very reason, it is essential that its growth remains conscious, responsible, and shared.
Nature-Inspired Design
Oasis Sumba promises “Made in Italy excellence” integrated with Sumba’s natural aesthetic, featuring infinity pools and semi-open spaces in 1-3 bedroom villas. How do you ensure this understated luxury—praised by The Sydney Morning Herald—preserves Sumba’s raw authenticity while meeting international standards for permanent residence and relaxation?
For us, design is never an end in itself; it always emerges from the context in which it is placed.
The Italian excellence we bring to Oasis Sumba is not about ostentation, but about design and construction quality, attention to detail, and long-term functionality. Our goal is to create a form of understated luxury that can dialogue with the island’s raw and natural aesthetics without altering its essence.
Our villas are designed with clean volumes, natural materials, and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Infinity pools and semi-open living areas are not merely aesthetic features, but tools to experience the landscape authentically, enhancing natural light, ventilation, and uninterrupted ocean views.
The villas also offer all modern comforts and are designed to be fully autonomous, making them ideal for permanent living, with private kitchens, laundry rooms, parking areas, and independent access. Construction follows Italian standards, with 30 cm reinforced concrete walls and foundations, a five layer roofing system including acoustic and thermal insulation in rock wool and a distinctive local alang alang roof finish characteristic of Sumba. Premium finishes include marble flooring for interior spaces, local stone for wall cladding and outdoor paving, and high quality teak wood furnishings.
Our high construction standards translate into reliable systems, thermal and acoustic insulation, functional layouts, and comprehensive services. Each villa is designed to ensure privacy and comfort, surrounded by generous, lush green areas throughout the entire complex.
The result is an architecture that does not impose itself on the landscape, but rather integrates seamlessly into it respecting Sumba’s identity while offering an international level living experience. It is this balance between authenticity, nature, and timeless quality that defines the character of Oasis Sumba.
Investor Appeal
Vogue calls Sumba the next luxury hotspot. What sets it apart for long-term, conscious investment?
Sumba represents a unique opportunity for a conscious, long term investment, as it is still in the early stages of its development while resting on very solid fundamentals. It is considered one of the most beautiful islands from a natural perspective and one of the most compelling from an entrepreneurial and investment standpoint. The destination remains authentic, renowned for its untouched nature, spectacular landscapes, and strong cultural identity qualities that are increasingly rare in today’s global luxury landscape.
From a geographical and environmental point of view, Sumba enjoys highly favorable conditions. As one of the southernmost islands of Indonesia, it benefits from a higher level of natural protection and overall safety. This is complemented by stunning beaches, lush green hills and mountains, canyons, savannahs, numerous waterfalls and natural pools, marine lagoons, wild horses, colorful birdlife, extraordinary vegetation, and world class surf spots all of which make the island extremely attractive to high end tourism.
The island, approximately twice the size of Bali, is easily accessible via a short 50-minute flight from Bali and is already equipped with two airports and two seaports. Tambolaka Airport currently offers daily connections to four Indonesian cities and is expected to become an international airport. This infrastructure, combined with ongoing development, is positioning Sumba as a rapidly growing tourism destination and an emerging economic hub within Indonesia.
Unlike other destinations that experienced rapid and often poorly regulated growth, Sumba is evolving in a more gradual and controlled manner, supported by new regulations designed to protect the land and limit excessive urbanization, particularly along the coastline. This approach lays the foundation for more sustainable growth and more stable long term real estate appreciation. In addition, the island’s predominantly Christian culture representing over 90% of the population fosters a more open mindset and fewer restrictions regarding food, alcohol, and lifestyle, similar to Bali, while maintaining an authentic environment that is still in an early phase of development.
The real estate sector has already recorded remarkable growth, with land values increasing by up to 1,200% between 2010 and 2024, driven by steadily rising international demand. The market is strongly oriented toward luxury tourism, with rental rates and land prices well above the national average and continuing to rise. Investors are arriving from all over the world, particularly from Australia, the United States, and Europe. Several globally renowned hotel brands have already acquired land on the island for the development of five star projects, further confirming Sumba’s strong potential within the global luxury market.
From an investor’s perspective, Sumba offers an ideal balance between appreciation potential and a long-term vision. Average booking rates on the island far exceed the national average, reflecting the presence of exclusive resorts and high profile developments, with tourism driven primarily by luxury travelers, surfers, explorers, and high net worth visitors.
International celebrities and VIPs are increasingly choosing Sumba as an exclusive destination, drawn by its exceptional privacy, unspoiled beauty, and authentic atmosphere. Investing in Sumba today means positioning early in a destination destined to become one of Indonesia’s leading luxury benchmarks where economic value, environmental protection, and positive impact on the local community grow together over time.
Overcoming Challenges
How do you handle Sumba’s remote logistics and infrastructure while keeping quality and sustainability high?
Operating in a context such as Sumba certainly presents challenges, but for us it also represents an opportunity to create a stronger, more controlled, and more sustainable model. From the very beginning, we chose to address these aspects directly by planning every phase of the project well in advance and managing all key processes in house. Moreover, as this is our second project on the island, we have been able to better understand and learn how to manage the various local dynamics in the most effective way.
From a logistical standpoint, we have developed a dedicated supply chain, collaborating with selected suppliers in Sumba and across Indonesia and carefully planning material procurement in order to reduce waste, delays, and unnecessary transportation. We deliberately source only local and national materials, both to minimize environmental impact and to ensure operational continuity and consistent quality.
On the infrastructure side, we do not rely solely on public services. Instead, we design and build the project’s infrastructure internally, including access roads, drainage systems, electrical connections, backup systems, and site-specific solutions tailored to Sumba’s terrain and climate. This approach allows us to maintain high standards of safety, durability, and comfort, even in the presence of extreme weather events.
Sustainability is embedded in every operational decision, from optimizing logistical flows, to designing fully autonomous villas, to ensuring efficient long term resource management.
Surf and Authentic Experiences
Your surf guide spotlights world-class breaks right in front of the resort and close to all the best surf spots including Rua Beach, which is great for beginners and Miller’s Right, how does Oasis blend world-class surf with genuine cultural immersion?
Surfing in Sumba is not just a sport, but an authentic gateway to the island itself. Iconic spots such as Occy’s Left, Miller’s Right, and Pinna are part of a world class natural heritage, yet what truly makes the experience unique is the context in which they exist: unspoiled landscapes, local communities still deeply connected to their traditions, and a pace of life far removed from mass tourism.
Among the services we offer to our guests are guided surf experiences providing access to extraordinary, uncrowded waves, both by car and by boat, always accompanied by a respectful and conscious approach to the land and the people who inhabit it. Our surf experiences are organized in collaboration with local surf guides and instructors who possess deep knowledge of the ocean, seasonal conditions, and the unwritten rules of each spot, and who maintain an authentic, deeply rooted relationship with the sea.
Protecting Delicate Ecosystems
Sumba’s southwest coast, exposed to Indian Ocean swells, is both breathtaking, and fragile. What specific measures, like low-impact construction, is Oasis taking to protect the ecosystems around, ensuring villas coexist with the pristine nature?
The beauty of Sumba’s south western coastline is among the island’s most extraordinary assets and must be protected. It is precisely from this awareness that our design approach originates. At Oasis Sumba, ecosystem protection is not a consequence of the project, but its starting point.
We consciously chose an elevated hillside location for strategic and safety reasons: to offer ocean views to all our villas while avoiding construction directly along the shoreline. Beachfront development would provide views only to the first row of buildings and, in any case, local regulations do not allow permanent construction within 100 meters of the sea. This approach enables us to avoid any invasive intervention along the coast, excluding rigid structures such as walls, roads, or buildings in direct contact with the ocean and the beach. As a result, we reduce the impact on the natural dynamics of the Indian Ocean’s wave action and protect both the coastal environment and the built structures over the long term.
Another distinctive feature of our location is Rua Beach, characterized by an offshore coral reef that helps keep the sea calm throughout the year. This creates ideal natural conditions, with a wide stretch of golden white sand that allows swimming and enjoying the ocean comfortably during both low and high tide, without the need for artificial interventions.
Construction follows a low-impact principle: volumes are distributed to adapt to the natural morphology of the land, with rice terrace inspired levels that limit earthworks and promote natural rainwater runoff as well as natural ventilation throughout the complex. Drainage systems are designed in house to prevent erosion and surface runoff, while respecting the land’s natural water flows.
Great attention is given to vegetation. We preserve existing trees whenever possible and integrate new plantings using native species, which help stabilize the soil, encourage biodiversity, and maintain the balance of the local ecosystem. Material selection also prioritizes local and natural resources, reducing the environmental impact associated with transportation and ensuring better visual and climatic integration.
In essence, Oasis Sumba does not seek to “tame” nature, but to coexist with it. The goal is to create a project that endures precisely because it respects the land allowing the villas to blend harmoniously into an unspoiled environment while preserving the beauty and authentic spirit of the natural landscape for future generations.
Long-term Vision
The Telegraph calls Sumba Indonesia’s most beautiful island. What’s Oasis’s role in its sustainable future over the next decade? And how do you hope it contributes to balancing progress, preservation, and prosperity on Sumba.
We believe that Sumba’s extraordinary beauty also represents a great responsibility. Over the next ten years, the role of Oasis is to demonstrate that it is possible to develop a luxury project without compromising the soul of the island, on the contrary, by actively contributing to its protection and long term enhancement.
Our ambition is to become a benchmark for conscious development, where progress is not synonymous with exploitation, but with quality, thoughtful planning, and respect for the land. This means building with intention, limiting environmental impact, preserving the natural landscape, and adopting solutions that function over time, both ecologically and infrastructurally.
At the same time, Oasis aims to generate tangible prosperity for the local community by creating stable employment, transferring skills, and actively collaborating with Sumba-based professionals, artisans, and suppliers. Our goal is to support the growth of a resilient local economy, that allows the island’s talent to remain or return to Sumba and build their future here.
In the years ahead, we hope Oasis will be perceived not only as a luxury residential development, but as a replicable model of balance between nature, community, and investment. A project that proves conservation and development can coexist and that true luxury today lies in time, space, and harmony with the environment around us.