Hi everyone! It’s almost the end of the year, what’s better than treating yourself? What about staying in the beautiful Lelewatu Resort, Sumba?
Lelewatu Resort Sumba is a 5-star resort located on a cliff, built by a local. This luxurious resort will pamper you with a beautiful, quiet sea view. It gives a similar vibe to luxury resorts in Bali ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
By the way, this isn’t a paid post. I usually travel on a budget, but at the beginning of the year, I decided to book a one-night stay here as my birthday present.
Why I Chose Lelewatu Resort Sumba
Because I love the sea! I love hearing the ocean waves when sleeping (it’s like a lullaby) and waking up to a sunrise view.
Since NIHI, the World’s 10th Best Hotel, was out of my league, I chose Lelewatu Resort. The prices couldn’t be compared, guys… RM14,8k/night vs RM1,5k/night in September (around 3,329 USD vs 337 USD) 🫠 🫠 🫠
There are a few 5-star hotels in Sumba, but I chose Lelewatu Resort because it was located on top of a cliff. And oh my, the staff at Lelewatu Resort were so friendly!
They gave me a special villa in which the private swimming pool was located in front of the bed. According to the staff who accompanied me to Villa No.6, this villa had the best sea view.
But boo-hoo, I travelled solo. So, no sexy, romantic times 😂 😂 😂
Well, enjoy your single days because… every day is Independence Day. Ahahahhaha 😆 😆 😆
Also read: “Chasing Hills, Savannas, and Sunsets in Sumba”
Also read: “Chasing Beaches and Waterfalls in Sumba, Indonesia”
Going to Lelewatu Resort Sumba: Grabcar or Hotel Airport Transfers?
Alright, we all know that airport transfers are pricey, especially for hotel pick-up. So, should you go for Grabcar or look for a private driver?
First, I don’t think Grabcar (similar to Uber) exists in Sumba. Most of the locals live modestly and don’t own a car. If you’re looking for a private driver, I suggest getting one from a tour company.
Second, 5-star hotels in Sumba are usually far, far away from the airport because they’re near the beach. For example, Lelewatu Resort, Cap Karoso, and NIHI are around 2 hours drive from the airport.
For a 2-hour drive, I guess the difference isn’t much if you compare the prices between private drivers and hotel airport transfers.
Lastly, if you’re a solo female traveller, choose safety.
At the airport, some people will offer you private driver services to your accommodation. They may be professionals, but I personally felt safer with hotel airport transfers.
We’re talking about an island where sometimes there’s no phone or internet signal #susahsinyal
I don’t know how much they charge since I asked Lelewatu Resort to pick me up from the airport.
My family knew where I stayed in Sumba on the first day, so if they didn’t hear from me, they could ask the hotel.
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Lunch with Stunning Sea View at Lelewatu Resort Sumba
My stomach was already grumbling halfway in the car. When I reached Lelewatu Resort Sumba, the staff greeted me with cold towels and welcome drinks.
Since I wrote “two people” when booking the room, they prepared two towels and welcome drinks. Me being a budget traveller, I kept the other drink for after lunch, so I didn’t have to order a drink 😁😁😁
If you stay in Lelewatu Resort, try its oxtail soup! It was sooo yummy 😍😍😍
After lunch, I had a short photoshoot with my selfie stick and with the help of some of the hotel staff. Thank you for the photos! 🙏😊📸
CLARA15
Also read: “Baliem Valley Festival Budget Tour: Day 1”
Also read: “Baliem Valley Festival Budget Tour: Day 2”
Lelewatu Resort Sumba – One Bedroom Pool Villa Ocean View
I stayed in a One Bedroom Pool Villa Ocean View, the cheapest villa at Lelewatu Resort Sumba. The distance from the hotel lobby to the villas was near, but a bit steep.
After lunch, I went to my villa with a buggy. Although it was a short ride, I really enjoyed it because of the fresh air. Plus, the road was surrounded by a flower garden🌺🌻🌼
I was excited when I entered my room at Lelewatu Resort Sumba. I loved the interior design, the design of the sinks which resembled seashells, the traditional kimonos, and even the hotel slippers!
The villa was big enough for couples. It had a bathtub, a sofa, a table + chair, a shower, and a toilet.
There were a sea-facing swimming pool, a coffee table, and chairs outside. If you want to enjoy the sea view comfortably, you can sit on a spacious sofa beside the swimming pool.
Did I mention that the WiFi was great? 😉
I opened the sliding doors wide and enjoyed a stunning sunset view from the wooden deck. The wind blew my hair softly and some birds were chirping.
Just me, a cup of hot tea, and a lovely sea view 🌊❤️🌅
Since I had a late lunch and wanted to save money, I ordered a cheese banana fritter for dinner.
I asked the staff to make a chocolate cheese banana fritter while imagining my favourite traditional Indonesian snacks.
However, the cheese banana fritter at Lelewatu Resort Sumba was made in Western style: topped with grated cheese, granola, and crushed nuts. The staff gave me a cup of chocolate spread at the side.
It tasted good, though! The batter was thin and wasn’t oily, the bananas were sweet. When in Sumba, you have to try the local bananas because they taste good 🍌🍌🍌
I had a good sleep and the next day, I decided to have breakfast in the villa. Afterwards, I went to the lobby to try Sumbanese traditional clothes (for free).
Thank you for the beautiful memory, Lelewatu Resort Sumba! It was a lovely stay ❤️❤️❤️
CLARA15
Also read: “Baliem Valley Festival Budget Tour: Day 3”
Also read: “Baliem Valley Festival Budget Tour: Visitting Obia Village on Day 4”
