Our Story


A note from the creators...

Dan and Jess moved to Sumba in 2017 after falling in love with the island—and more importantly, its people. Their vision for Alamayah was to create a socially conscious gateway where travelers could explore Sumba’s raw, rugged beauty while enjoying a locally built and operated luxury oasis. A harmonious contrast, proudly crafted by the Sumbanese people.

Dan and Jess are immensely proud of the vision they brought to life. Jess, the architect, and Dan, the builder/project manager, trained the local community for hundreds of hours in high-end modern construction techniques, something previously unseen in Sumba. The Sumbanese work ethic and eagerness to learn enabled them to create an architectural masterpiece built to world-class standards.

Many of the workers who contributed to the construction team have since transitioned into the hospitality and operations teams at Alamayah. Their ultimate goal was to build a hotel focused on local education, enhancing life and career skills for the community. This vision has flourished on an island that truly deserves it, stimulating local education and fostering a social circular economy through staff training and the construction program.

The result is more than just short-term benefits typical of major developments—it’s about long-term, sustainable growth. Alamayah's vision focuses on future employment opportunities, both within Alamayah and beyond, improving local infrastructure, and boosting the local economy in a meaningful way.

At Alamayah, we believe true sustainability starts with the people.

We encourage you to explore and connect with the rich Sumbanese culture during your stay. Our heartfelt hospitality ensures a seamless, stress-free experience, allowing you to focus on what matters—your perfect getaway.

Choose from a variety of experiences, from adventure to relaxation, including surfing, spa treatments, cultural immersion (village tours highly recommended), hot/cold hydrotherapy, hiking, mountain biking, and more. Let us take care of the details while you enjoy the journey.

We look forward to hosting you.