A small eco-resort with a huge heart

Maringi was created with a purpose - to instill hope for Sumba and educate young individuals for a better future. However, it also serves a more practical purpose by providing aspiring hotel students with a platform to practice and hone their skills, ensuring they receive the world's best experience. And you indeed do! It is not just a hotel but a "happy place" offering a holistic experience you will never forget.

One could almost believe that Maringi was created for Journey´s Intent, and we are closely linked since we actively support the Sumba Hospitality Foundation - the organization responsible for creating Maringi.

We do this because they do everything right regarding sustainable and responsible tourism - ultimately providing you with a better experience while preserving the essence of Sumba, which you have traveled so far to experience.

A genuine "Happy Place"

The woman behind Maringi and Sumba Hospitality Foundation is Inge De Lathauwer. When we asked her how guests experience staying at a hotel school, her response was honest and heartfelt:

"Our hotel is a "happy place". You can immediately sense the energy, the local atmosphere, and the interaction. The students are eager to learn, curious, and ask questions about the travelers' world."

The joy, pride, energy, and willingness that the students radiate are difficult to replicate - because it does not just come from a hotel manual; it comes from the heart.

A thoughtfully designed, beautiful eco-resort

From the beginning, holistic sustainability has been the focal point of all decisions. That is why Maringi is built with beautiful, natural, and sustainable materials; primarily bamboo - and the work is done by and with local craftsmen.

At its very best, it is eco-chic and full of atmosphere and character. There are only nine bamboo pavilions and villas, so you will never experience it as crowded. Families are also welcome, and the villas have space for extra beds. The children may appreciate the pool too.

Fresh produce from their own permaculture farm

A large part of the area is dedicated to an extensive, organic permaculture farm. You are welcome to join in on tour to learn more - just as the purpose is to educate both the students and the local community on sustainable farming.
Really good! The farm produces the ingredients for the hotel and restaurant Makan Dulu, which, like Maringi, acts as a learning space. So it is literally "farm-to-table" that you will be served - and the food is excellent.

The lunch and dinner menu changes daily and mixes local and international dishes served in the restaurant or the garden. While enjoying a glass of freshly squeezed juice, beautifully accompanied by the students' chatter and laughter from a nearby classroom.

Perfect base for experiences in northwest Sumba

Unlike other resorts in Sumba, Maringi is magically located in the middle of nature in the northwest part of Sumba. Along the northern coastline, there is less wind and, therefore, more peaceful beaches.

You can borrow bikes at Maringi and bike the 10 minutes to Mananga Aba Beach - or explore the countryside and visit the small villages.

Read more about what you can do in Sumba in our mini-guide.

Of course, you can also choose to stay at Maringi and immerse yourself in the project - take a campus tour, visit the spa, taste the local Sumba coffee in the garden, or take a yoga class.

And remember: Every Rupiah you will spend will be invested in a better future for the people of Sumba.

Combine with South coast beach resorts

Maringi is located close to Tambolaka Airport and is a great place to start as a unique introduction to Sumba's culture and essence. Then continue to one of the southwest coast's hotels - Ngulung Kalla, Alamayah, or NIHI - for a completely different style, atmosphere, and landscape.