The resort was shaped by the vision of the entrepreneur and philanthropist Chris Burch, and it holds Three MICHELIN Keys. Horses run free on the beach, and the Sandalwood ponies have been part of the resort since the start. Round-trip transfers from Lede Kalumbang Airport, formerly Tambolaka, are included, in open-air safari vehicles.
No two villas are alike. Most have a private deck, an indoor-outdoor living space and a plunge pool, and from many the surf at Occy's Left is in view. Raja Mandaka is the principal residence of the estate, with an uninterrupted view of the coast. Marangga Estate stands high above the surf break, and Kanatar Sumba House has privacy and space on the hill above the other villas. The Treehouse sits in ancient forest, with three king bedrooms raised among the trees and looking out on the Indian Ocean, and Mandaka Sumba House has two bedrooms on a jungle slope. Villa Rahasia is the remote, romantic villa at the end of the Spa Safari.
The Spa Safari is the signature journey. Guests walk 120 minutes along the coast, ride for 90 minutes or drive 15 minutes to the Nihioka Valley, where breakfast is served on a treehouse platform above a private cove. Therapists then work in a private bale on emerald cliffs, with an infinity pool and wild beaches nearby, over a half or a full day. A therapeutic massage for horses can be added.
The Riding and Racquet Club opened in June 2026 beside the newest villas. It has the Sandalwood Stables, an international tennis court, a clubhouse lounge and bar, and a Monday evening barbecue on the beach beside the horses. Other days go to surfing, paddle boarding, polo on the beach, trekking to waterfalls, and visits to the hilltop villages of Lamboya and the rice fields of Wanukaka.
The resort suits families, honeymooners, surfers and riders who want an island that few people visit.
