Updated: June 2026
Meet Our Team of Sumba Specialists
The Experts Behind Your Extraordinary Journey
The soul of Sumba Private Tour Atelier is our people. We are a collective of seasoned Indonesian luxury travel experts, logistics masters, and proud Sumbanese cultural ambassadors. Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills and a shared passion for delivering an unparalleled Nihi Sumba experience. Our credentials are not just titles; they represent years of on-the-ground experience, rigorous training, and deep relationships within the community. We are proud to be licensed and recognized by Indonesian tourism authorities like Kemenparekraf and to uphold the highest industry standards. (See Marapu (religion) for context.)
Budi Santoso
Role: Managing Director, Juara Holding Group
Credentials: Certified Senior Tour Planner (Kemenparekraf), 25+ years in Indonesian Luxury Hospitality, Member of ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies) Advisory Board.
Bio: Budi is the visionary leader behind Sumba Private Tour Atelier. With a career spanning leadership roles at some of Indonesia’s most iconic luxury properties, Budi founded our parent group, Juara Holding, with a mission to showcase the archipelago’s authentic soul. His deep understanding of the global luxury traveler, combined with his extensive network across Indonesia’s government and private sectors, ensures that our operations are seamless, compliant, and always at the forefront of excellence. Budi’s philosophy is simple: true luxury is not about opulence, but about rare, meaningful, and flawlessly executed experiences. His decision to focus an entire Atelier on Nihi Sumba stems from his belief that it represents the pinnacle of this philosophy.
Dewi Lestari
Role: Head of Guest Relations & Cultural Liaison
Credentials: Born and raised in West Sumba, 15 years of experience with Aman Resorts and Four Seasons, Certified Cultural Guide (Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia – HPI).
Bio: Dewi is the heart of our connection to Sumba. As a native of the island, she possesses an intuitive understanding of the local customs, the Marapu faith, and the subtle nuances of Sumbanese hospitality. Before joining our Atelier, Dewi honed her skills in guest relations at world-renowned resorts in Bali and Java, but her heart always remained in Sumba. She is our clients’ primary cultural guide, facilitating authentic interactions, from visiting traditional villages with respect and understanding to explaining the intricate symbolism of Ikat textiles. Dewi’s relationships with local elders and community leaders are invaluable, granting our guests access and insights that are simply unattainable for the ordinary traveler.
Agung Wijaya
Role: Director of Logistics & Aviation
Credentials: IATA Certified Agent, Advanced Diploma in Aviation Management, former Operations Manager for a leading Indonesian private jet charter.
Bio: A journey to a remote paradise like Sumba requires logistical perfection. Agung is our master of precision. He manages every aspect of our clients’ travel from their home country to the shores of Nihi. His expertise covers commercial airline partnerships with carriers like Garuda Indonesia, private charter flight coordination, and VIP services at both Bali’s Ngurah Rai (DPS) and Sumba’s Tambolaka (TMC) airports. Agung’s meticulous planning, which includes real-time flight monitoring via AirNav Indonesia data and contingency plans for any travel disruption, provides our clients with complete peace of mind. He ensures that the journey to Nihi is as serene and luxurious as the stay itself.
Isabella Chen
Role: Lead Experience Curator
Credentials: M.A. in Sustainable Tourism Management, PADI Divemaster, certified equestrian guide.
Bio: Isabella is the architect of our clients’ adventures. With a background in eco-tourism and a passion for the outdoors, she specializes in designing experiences that connect guests to Sumba’s incredible natural environment. Whether it’s arranging a private session with a surf pro at Occy’s Left, planning a multi-day equestrian trek along the coast, or organizing a guided tour of The Sumba Foundation’s impactful community projects, Isabella ensures each activity is unique, safe, and enriching. She works closely with Nihi’s own on-site teams to create bespoke itineraries that align perfectly with our clients’ interests and fitness levels. Her work is guided by our strict curation methodology, ensuring every experience we recommend is personally vetted and of the highest quality.
Made Artawan
Role: Safety & Compliance Officer
Credentials: Certified in Occupational Health & Safety (K3), former Maritime Safety Officer, certified Emergency First Responder.
Bio: In a destination defined by its wildness, safety is a non-negotiable priority. Made is responsible for ensuring that every aspect of our operation, and that of our partners, adheres to the strictest international and Indonesian safety standards. He conducts regular audits of our ground transportation fleet, verifies the safety certifications of all activity providers, and maintains our comprehensive Emergency Response Plan. Made’s diligence ensures that our clients can embrace adventure with the confidence that their well-being is our primary concern. He is the silent guardian of every journey, embodying our commitment to professionalism and trust. You can learn more about our commitment in our Safety & Compliance statement.
Continue exploring Sumba Private Tour Atelier:
Our Sumba Private Tour Atelier Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
Crafting your bespoke Nihi Sumba journey
The early morning mist clings to ancient megalithic tombs, a silent testament to Sumba’s profound heritage, offering a glimpse into the authentic encounters our team meticulously crafts. At the heart of many extraordinary Sumba adventures lies Nihi Sumba, formerly known as the legendary Nihiwatu resort. Our specialists possess an unparalleled intimacy with this iconic property, understanding not just its luxurious offerings but also its soul. We don’t just book your stay; we design an immersive narrative, ensuring every moment, from the thrill of surfing on Occy’s Left to a tranquil spa safari, resonates with your deepest desires. Our direct relationships within the resort grant our clients access to the most coveted villas, exclusive experiences, and personalized service that transforms a vacation into a profound personal journey.
This deep connection is why we consistently deliver experiences that exceed expectations. We curate days filled with unparalleled adventures, whether it’s exploring hidden waterfalls, riding Sumbanese horses bareback along the pristine coastline, or engaging in a culinary journey tailored precisely to your palate. Our team understands the nuances that elevate a simple stay into a collection of cherished memories. It’s this intimate knowledge and foresight that has enabled Nihi Sumba to be consistently recognized, notably earning the title of “World’s Best Hotel” by Travel + Leisure readers in both 2016 and 2017.
Deep roots: Our local expertise and community connections
While Nihi Sumba offers an unparalleled sanctuary, the true magic of the island extends far beyond its luxurious confines. Our team’s local expertise is the bedrock of our service, with many members being proud Sumbanese themselves. This ensures an authentic lens through which your journey unfolds, providing insights into the island’s rich Marapu culture, intricate ikat weaving traditions, and the daily rhythms of village life. We facilitate respectful, meaningful interactions, allowing you to witness ancient rituals or visit a traditional compound, fostering a genuine appreciation for Sumba’s unique heritage.
Sumba, an island roughly 11,153 square kilometers (4,306 sq mi) in size, is a tapestry of diverse landscapes and communities. Our specialists navigate this intricate landscape with ease, opening doors to experiences that remain hidden to the casual visitor. This isn’t just about access; it’s about ethical engagement. We are deeply committed to sustainable luxury and empowering local communities, ensuring that your extraordinary journey also contributes positively to the island and its people. Every curated excursion supports local artisans, guides, and initiatives, creating a virtuous circle of cultural preservation and economic upliftment.
The art of Sumba luxury: Beyond the itinerary
True luxury on Sumba is not merely about opulent accommodations; it resides in the seamless execution of every detail, the anticipation of every desire, and the profound sense of ease that permeates your entire journey. Our specialists meticulously orchestrate every element, from the moment you consider Sumba to your reluctant departure. This includes arranging private charters for a swift, scenic flight from Bali – a journey taking just over an hour – to personalized ground transfers in premium vehicles, ensuring comfort and privacy from the moment you touch down.
We believe the art of luxury lies in the unseen efforts, in the quiet confidence that every contingency has been considered. Whether it’s securing a sought-after reservation, arranging a private chef experience under the stars, or providing a dedicated concierge to cater to your spontaneous whims, our team is committed to delivering a flawless experience. This holistic approach to luxury travel ensures that your time on Sumba is not just a series of planned activities, but a fluid, enriching exploration, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the island’s captivating allure without a single worry. For more on Sumba’s allure, visit Indonesia.travel.
