Do not expect "white glove" 5-star service. Expect a 4-star jungle lodge; not constructed or managed to high-end standards. Food is average. Extremely high price

Spectacular views! Unique architecture. Comfortable and relaxing villas. Super-friendly staff, always eager to assist. Yes, I encourage you to stay here, but just manage your expectations.

Stayed in July 2025

A little limited in activities as is a cliff top location with beach not suitable communication sometimes a little bit missed

Location magical accommodation perfect A quite magical spot if want to escape.. the spa was also wonderful. Not quite upto 5star in some areas like Bali but if you go to Sumba you don't expect perfection. And that's kind of the charm

Stayed in July 2025

missing standard shower in room. There was shower hose in tub.

Stayed in May 2025

Menu is repetitive and can be improved

Breakfast can be improved

Stayed in May 2025

The staff was not well organised

Great location

Stayed in April 2025

Overall everything was fabulous. Perhaps the menu could have a few more options. But it wasn't really an issue. We meal we found things we liked.

The staff were incredible and the our stay something special. Ridsa made us feel so special and welcome and bent over backwards for us, nothing was a problem. We miss her! Our Villa was stunning with the best views. We can see turtles and dolphins daily.

Stayed in January 2025

The big point to improve will be the restaurant - the food is not bad but is not good for a 5 starts hotel and specially for Indonesia. the prices are really high for the type of dishes or drinks asked for in Sumba context.

Lelewatu is a really welcome and comfortable hotel in South/East Sumba. Their Villages are really good, awesome view and really close to the sea. Amazing spot to enjoy unique sunsets. Everything was cleaned and with good facilities. The staff is really kind, some doens't speak well english but they are always available and smilling and makes part of sumba experience. Mr Bagus, hotel Manager, was always welcoming, doing his best to provide a good experience. Rysda was lovely and kind and contributes a lot for our good experience in Lelewatu. She could be responsible to improve the quality of the dishes in the restaurant. We did a massage and the therapist was really good, one of the best massages we did.

Stayed in November 2024

An Unforgettable Stay! Staying at Lelewatu Resort was one of the best experiences we’ve ever had! From the warm welcome to the cozy room with stunning views, everything was truly memorable. Service The staff at the resort were incredibly friendly, professional, and always ready to assist. They ensured all our needs were met promptly and thoughtfully, making us feel genuinely valued as guests. Accommodation The room we stayed in was exceptionally comfortable. It was spacious, spotless, and offered breathtaking ocean views. Amenities like a private pool and a plush bed added to the overall comfort of our stay. Facilities & Activities The resort offers a variety of exciting activities. We tried the traditional spa, which was incredibly relaxing – a cultural experience not to be missed! There are also local tours, horse riding, and much more to enjoy. We highly recommend Lelewatu Resort to anyone looking for the perfect getaway. We can’t wait to return!

Stayed in November 2024

For a day on the beach you had to use a car and drive for about 20 minutes. The roads were reasonable and quiet, we only experienced one traffic jam as we were passing the local Saturday market, which was a unique scene as most trades were based on barter system.

Breakfast and other meals were good, considering that a lot of western produce is not easy to source. We went for the peace and quiet holiday and away from the hectic Bali scene and got what we hoped for. We enjoyed how the local employees were doing their utmost to make you feel comfortable.

Stayed in October 2024

The view is really beautiful, but the distance is a bit far if you want to go out. Staff friendly. Breakfast is also delicious.

Stayed in September 2024

The food was not the best for the price you pay for it and for the quality of the hotel. It is also far away from surf locations and other things.

The property is gorgeous up on the cliffs with the ocean views and plunge pools and the staff is so attentive and amazing. Really beautiful there and very clean.

Stayed in July 2024

The service was appealing - we’re not able to communicate in English. Food and beverage choices were not available and the taste and cooking of what was available was horrible

The villa is beautiful with direct view to the ocean. Nice spa Nice breakfast in the room

Stayed in June 2024

Needs more variety of breakfast options

A stunning view of the Indian Ocean …beautifully decorated villa with infinity pool , the shower is with an ocean view and the hand carved marble sinks are shaped to a conchshell …very friendly sumbanese staff will do everything to make your stay as enjoyable as it can be

Stayed in January 2024

Service - while they did try to support us and help out whenever possible, it is not at the level of a 5-star resort at this price-point. We understand that its hard(er) to make things happen in such a remote area, but most of the cocktails and some of the dishes were never available, and they tried charging us 1M IDR for an extra blanket. Not sights we are used to seeing. Infrastructure aside from rooms and restaurant - it is clearly undergoing LOTS of work so it feels like an unfinished resort. The road down/up is pretty treacherous (we struggled making it up with our 4wd jeep) and it kinda takes away from the overall resort look&feel. Music - someone needs to work on the restaurant playlist. Pretty much 90% Justin Bieber, and you get ads while you're having dinner. Needs better curation.

Room - stunning. Amazing structure and space, beautiful indoor and outdoor sections. View - beautiful. Overall very nice vibes and the large balcony/pool/outdoor area is perfect anytime during the day. Restaurant setting - beautiful location with infinity pool, restaurant with fantastic sunset views, really great vibes.

Stayed in June 2023

The floor of the villa unlevel. The electricity does not work properly (seems the cablings need to be rearranged and fixed. Limited choice of foods. Minimal vibes as the bar does not operate.

The set up of the villa. The friendliness of the staff. Pool is beautiful overlooking sunset and open beach.

Stayed in July 2023

1. The hotel needs renovation in common areas. 2. At least one receptionist who speaks English. 3. Service support on arranging tours and activitites since it’s located in the middle of nowhere.

1. The villas are stunning and the view is gorgeous. 2. We found a great deal on booking and it was completly worth it. However, I’d not pay the full amount.

Stayed in April 2023

As location is remote it could be Good to have some “entertaiment” at the hotel.

View, comfort, staff

Stayed in March 2023

Unfortunately, the place itself needs lots of love. It definitely was intended as a high-end resort, and it probably was - several years ago. Place isn't really well maintained, and you definitely can tell the age of some parts of it. We had and unpleasant experience of having moldy pillows, a stained mosquito net, and a cat piss corner (perhaps, no one stayed there for a long time, and there was a cat on the premises) in our room.

The greatest thing about Lelewatu - is the staff. Everybody - our butler, managers, massage therapists, and other staff - were exceptionally friendly and welcoming, as well as very helpful and definitely did their best to help us whenever we needed anything. The location is beautiful as well, very remote and quiet.

Stayed in April 2023

Some parts of the outdoor area could use a little refurbishment, but really just minor things!!

Great location on the cliffs with stunning ocean views. The staff was very kind and helpful. The restaurant provided delicious food and cozy atmosphere. We would definitely come back to Lelewatu!

Stayed in March 2023

I understand the comments in some of the other reviews. Let me try to explain each from my perspective. For sure the place is old. The rooms were slanted a bit, and the exterior flooring had a couple nails above the surface level or a bowing board here or there. I get that it's imperfect, but the other reviews made it sound way worse than it really is. I overall didn't mind. The road in and out are very steep, so maybe book a driver if you're scared of heights. The location in general is quite isolated. 45min drive on poor quality and steep roads to get to civilation. So if you stay put its fine. But for adventures not a great choice. If you stay put though you must eat the expensive food there. The quality is average at best, but the presentation and service is always fantastic. The price is more for that than the food quality itself. So maybe bring food for the small fridge. Many aspects of the place are misleading in this way. It's a free mini bar but just 2 water and 2 soda. You get a butler, but really it's just like regular room service and answer questions at the front desk. Only difference is 1 person assigned to you 24/7 which seems crazy for that poor person. We also had a fair bit of bugs in the house but it's partially our fault not closing doors quickly and being in the middle of a forest. It was just very excessive. The AC was OK but not really powerful enough for the big room. And of course the price is very high for a place in need of maintenence and other improvements. At the end of the day though I'm just being hyper critical and I actually enjoyed my stay a lot. If you can afford it and can deal with the issues I brought up you won't be disappointed with the the beautiful villa and view off your private balcony pool and lounge space. Perfect for sunset, but you can't see sunrise. I would recommend just be prepared from my comments is all.

The room (cliff villa) and the view were spectacular. Just like the pictures. And they even elaborately decorated the room for me with a last minute request. The staff was all excellent and always trying to help. It was very private and secluded and quiet. One of the better overall setups I've stayed in worldwide. The bed and the quality of everything was top notch. All comparible to the best 5 star pool villas in Bali. Overall wifi and cable worked well. Netflix on TV went out a couple times but on my phone no issues and cable on TV no issues.

Stayed in November 2022

so why not a perfect score? Well, probably in view of the difficult times, there is a lack of staff, of cleanness also. the service at the restaurant is too slow, this in spite of the perfect dedication of the remaining staff

the room is very nice, big, there is exceptional view

Stayed in November 2022

The foundations are a little off and as a result the buildings do often have a bit of sinkage in spots. May upset some guests. Some of the equipment needs better maintenance.

great set up in Sumba. Perched on the cliff. separate pools in each bungalow was perfect.

Stayed in September 2022

For a luxury villa it might get a bit old or not super duper well cleaned.

Amazing villa with ocean view and nice private pool. Very confortable stay, friendly staff and good breakfast. We stayed there one night after many days on the road and it was great to relax.

Stayed in September 2022

This property very comfort for your retreat and honeymoon. Spend all the day and taken the ocean view from your bathroom is very amazing. The staff and service very excellent. Just keep it and the food very tasty. Perfect holiday ❤️❤️

Stayed in July 2025