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In this exclusive interview, we sat down with Eve Ivara, one-half of the husband-and-wife duo behind Cap Karoso, to uncover the inspiration and vision that brought this idyllic beachside retreat to life.
Before arriving in Sumba, we travelled extensively, often feeling a sense of disappointment in far-flung destinations that had become too globalized and busy, losing the essence of their original beauty. In stark contrast, Sumba - which we discovered by chance when talking with a stranger in Bali - was pristine, raw, and wild. There was an incredible energy and magnetism to it. Here, we found a sense of true exploration, far removed from the modern world—a rare experience we had always longed for.
We envisioned Cap Karoso as a heartfelt tribute to the beauty of Sumba, serving as a bridge between travellers and the island’s rich culture. The design incorporates numerous references to Sumbanese aesthetics and symbolism, with local crafts and artworks inspired by Sumba adorning the spaces. More importantly, we’ve fostered a coexistence between Cap Karoso and local life. Guests often see local children playing in the waves or fishermen tending to their boats at Karoso Beach, just as generations before them have done. To enrich this experience, our local team offers complimentary workshops on Sumbanese culture twice a week, a perfect starting point to learn about the Marapu culture before visiting the villages.
Our deep affection for Sumba, an unspoiled island with a delicate coastal ecosystem, motivates our commitment to minimizing environmental impact. We enhance energy efficiency by maximising natural light and ventilation, with communal spaces oriented to harness natural airflow. Our planted roofs help mitigate heat, and semi-open bathroom units create a seamless connection with nature.
Water conservation is critical on Sumba, given its limited rainfall. We’ve designed our gardens with native plants that require minimal watering, while extensive tree planting enhances soil moisture retention. Our water treatment system recycles wastewater for garden irrigation, and this helped us create a vibrant ecosystem on a place of a rocky field that initially covered the land at Karoso.
Another part of our sustainability journey is the 3 hectare farm we developed before the opening of Cap Karoso. It helps us minimise freight, avoid plastic packaging, and offer our guests fresh produce which is both organic and local.
Our daughter Clémence, born just before we began building, was a great inspiration for our family experiences. When she first visited Sumba at five months old, I realised what I had been missing as a mum of a baby traveller - and today we are catering to families with babies, offering them all those little things that can become an enormous problem when you don’t have them.
We envisioned our kids’ club as a space where our daughter and her friends would love to spend time while also learning about Sumba and nature. Each activity in the Kids Club is designed to engage children, offering Sumbanese dance classes, nature treasure hunts, and farm workshops. Beyond the club, what our daughter and other kids at Cap Karoso cherish are the wild adventures—hunting for crabs on the beach or exploring under the majestic Karoso trees, all while feeling safe in an expansive environment.
I’ve always viewed travel as the most beautiful opportunity to learn about the world and myself. It allows us to disconnect from routine and gain a broader perspective. I am drawn to places with distinct spirits and strong connections to their locality rather than to luxurious, standardized establishments that create a comfortable yet hollow experience. Cap Karoso embodies this philosophy. It’s the place to slow down, immerse yourself in the Sumbanese nature, learn about this remote island's traditions, chat with our local staff or like-minded travellers. Ultimately, it’s the place that gives you a sense of transformation. And isn’t it what we are seeking away from home?
With Cap Karoso now established in Sumba, we aspire to set a precedent for mindful tourism that respects the environment and local communities. There’s a genuine market for sustainable projects here, and we hope our efforts will inspire future investors to approach development on Sumba with care and responsibility.
Sumba is in eastern Indonesia, easily accessible from Bali with daily flights from Denpasar airport. Speak to one of our expert travel consultants to plan your holiday to this untamed corner of the Indonesian Archipelago. We can advise on the most suitable flight times and connections to make your journey from home as seamless as possible.
Photography credits: Images by Cap Karoso
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