Inge De Lathauwer first stepped foot on Sumba in 2013; she was overwhelmed by the natural beauty and authenticity of the island, yet saddened to see the living conditions of the local people.
Due to its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, Sumba was poised for a surge in tourism development, therefore potentially creating an influx of indispensible job opportunities. While this was an exciting prospect, many Sumbanese youth are underprivileged and do not have access to the relevant education and training that would be required to occupy these positions. This is when the initial seed was planted and Inge’s idea of The Sumba Hospitality Foundation flourished into a beautiful reality.
Since the opening of The Sumba Hotel School on July 1st, 2016, there has been an extraordinary transformation. What once was an arid landscape is now abundant with life; the farm and gardens are blossoming with fruits, vegetables and medicinal herbs, which make delicious ingredients for the meals and drinks served in the Bar and Restaurant. Additionally, the implementation of the solar panel farm and water treatment system allow the school to be self-sufficient and present the campus as a model of conservation and green energy throughout the island. Inge believed that sustainability and environmental awareness were paramount in creating the school; she also believed that this ideology should continue across the island and that something needed to be implemented to ensure other investors and developers had the same vision.
Nihi Sumba proudly works in partnership with the Sumba Hospitality Foundation. We take in students to experience a 2-week cross-training internship at Nihi Sumba, and the best performing have the opportuntiy to join our team upon graduation. The Sumba Hospitality Foundation also runs a fully operational 9-room resort in the heart of its campus. Called the Maringi Eco Resort, it represents a full-time training platform for students and a unique and meaningful experience for guests.
The Maringi Eco Resort
The Maringi Eco Resort is one of a kind, blending comfort and high-quality service with community education and environmental awareness. With a unique bamboo infrastructure and innovative design, the entire Eco Resort is solar powered and has a zero-waste policy. Its restaurant offers a mix of local and international dishes composed of fresh, organic ingredients sourced directly from the resort’s permaculture garden. As a guest, you will be an important part of the Sumbanese students’ progress as they receive concrete experience in an effort to achieve their dreams.
Located only 20 minutes from the Tambolaka airport, the Maringi Eco Resort can be your first approach or last memory of Sumba. We highly recommend you to visit for a day trip or if you decide to prolong your stay on Sumba, we can help you book a room and experience our wonderful partnership.
You may also contact the resort school directly via email at
[email protected].