For decades, Bali has drawn travellers with its hypnotic beauty. Temples rise above emerald rice terraces, beaches glow in the late afternoon sun, and a vibrant culture endures as vividly as it did centuries ago. Yet just beyond Bali’s familiar shores lies a constellation of more private escapes. These are not simply places to stay. Instead, they are immersive experiences in villas that blend home, hideaway, and adventure basecamp.
In this guide, we spotlight some of Indonesia’s most captivating villas. From Nihi Raja Mandaka to Cap Karoso on Sumba’s serene coast, and the architectural wonders of Lombok’s Tampah Hills, each destination offers something unique. However, all share the same devotion to privacy, sustainability, and discovery.
Nihi Raja Mandaka, Sumba: Where Surf Meets Soul
Often named one of the world’s best hotels, Nihi Sumba has become shorthand for barefoot luxury. Raja Mandaka, its crown jewel villa, feels like the epitome of castaway chic. Think sweeping sea views, soaring thatched roofs, and infinity pools that spill toward the horizon.
More importantly, it is the experiences that leave a mark. Mornings often begin with world class surfing at Occy’s Left, one of the most coveted private waves on Earth. Later, guests may ride horses along empty beaches where Sumbanese horses gallop freely against the tide. Others trek through jungle paths to hidden waterfalls for a picnic. As evening falls, candlelit feasts unfold under the stars, where Indonesian spices meet international flair.
Cap Karoso, Sumba: The Design Savvy Escape
On Sumba’s southwest coast, Cap Karoso redefines the villa experience. Here, modern design meets wild seascape. The sculptural villas combine clean lines and concrete softened by natural textures. At the same time, sustainability is central, supported by an organic farm where much of the produce is grown.
Days here flow effortlessly. Guests might start with sunrise yoga overlooking the ocean, take exploratory dives among kaleidoscopic fish, or linger by the saltwater pool with a book. Moreover, the property’s culinary philosophy stands out. Local ingredients, freshly caught fish, Sumbanese greens, hand harvested sea salt become refined dishes deeply rooted in place. Dining here is not only about food. It is also about tasting the island itself.
Villa Boe, Tampah Hills: Modern Tranquillity
Cross the strait to Lombok, where Tampah Hills has quietly redefined the private villa experience. Perched above the curve of Tampah Bay, Villa Boe is a lesson in contemporary elegance with sleek lines, glass walls that dissolve into the landscape, and infinity pools that mirror the sky.
What makes Villa Boe unique is its sense of calm. There is an ease here, whether you are taking a private cooking class with Lombok’s rich Sasak flavours, enjoying sambal laden feasts and fragrant coconut curries, or heading down to Tampah Beach for a surfing session on gentler waves than Bali’s. When the day winds down, the villa’s open plan living spaces are designed for sunset gatherings where golden light washes over the hills in near silence.
Kastil Utara, Tampah Hills: A Contemporary Castle
If Villa Boe whispers, Kastil Utara makes a statement. Bold, geometric, and sprawling across the hillside, it feels like a modern day castle. The villa’s scale allows for large groups and multi-generational stays, yet it never loses the intimacy of its setting.
From the terraces, the view stretches endlessly with rolling hills, untouched coastline, and the distant shimmer of the Indian Ocean. The real luxuries lie in the curated experiences. Wellness retreats led by visiting practitioners, private chefs tailoring menus around your tastes, and easy access to Lombok’s surf breaks that rival Bali’s without the crowds. Here, every day can be both grand and deeply personal.
Beyond Bali: A New Luxury Frontier
To stay in these villas is to redefine what an island escape can be. They are not simply accommodations but self contained worlds, offering both seclusion and immersion. Whether chasing waves in Sumba, savouring farm-to-table dining at Cap Karoso, or stepping into the architectural drama of Tampah Hills, each villa invites travellers into a story that is uniquely Indonesian yet globally appealing.
For those willing to venture just beyond Bali, these sanctuaries offer something rare: a sense of discovery that feels as exhilarating as it is indulgent.
Planning Your Stay in Bali
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