Sumba Creative Retreat

Be a part of this six creatively infused days of architecture, textiles, culture and workshops on one of the most picturesque and untouched island of Indonesia.

You will experience natural dyes with Sumba’s master weavers and dyers, exploring various plants and colours, mud dye and Indigo. You will visit a royal village, have talks and demonstrations, on Ikat and Pahikung.  Apart from these incredible workshops and village visits, there we will be swimming in the ocean, enjoying morning and sunset walks.  All with like-minded people that love textiles and exploring cultures.

Sumba is a unique Island of Indonesia with a very strong and unique culture, a particular vast and dry landscape due to the fact that it is the only island not situated on the ring of fire and volcanic soils. Untouched by tourism, the East part is much less travelled than the West (you will probably not see other visitors apart from our group).  It is where most of the traditional IKAT weavers are with communities still doing natural dyeing and traditional weaving actively.

Sumba IKAT is one of the most famous and prized textile for world collectors and you will be lucky to meet some of the most talented remaining weavers of those special textiles. We will be warmly welcomed within 6 and more communities of artisans, dyers, weavers and makers during this journey.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to Sumba

Fly from Bali domestic airport to Sumba Waignapu airport arriving 16:30pm
From here you along with the other guests will transferred to the hotel to settle in before gathering together for dinner at the hotel.  This evening will be for everyone to meet each other and rest before the busy days of adventures to come …

Day 2 – Natural dye workshop

The day starts with an early morning walk to view the sunrise and incredible hills of Sumba.  After breakfast, we will make our way for our full day natural dye workshop with a master weaver and dyer of Sumba. Starting with a botanical dye garden tour, we will follow with the story of the motifs, design and textiles of the island.  Visiting a Royal traditional village with a few traditional Sumba homes and famous megalithic tombstones. Here we are welcomed by the wife of the village’s King, Sarah, who is from Australia, in their newly built bamboo home. This afternoon will include walking around the village, viewing of Ikats, a talk and presentation on local life, culture and textiles with Rambu Sarah.

Day 3 – Natural dye workshop

Early morning kayaking on the river for those who want to!
In the morning, we will resume our natural dye practice then drive to the beach Pantai Walakiri for an afternoon swim and sunset viewing and to see the famous mangrove trees growing in the sea.  Dinner this evening is local fresh grilled fish at the beach.

Day 4 – Indigo demonstration

Today is a visit to a  special region famous for their indigo dyers.  The village family will show us the most divine Indigo Ikat weavings and demonstrate the process of Indigo dyeing.  Lunch will be at the community home.  The afternoon will be spent at the beach swimming and watching the sunset. Dinner will be at the beach with a special fish barbecue made by Ibu Ika.

Day 5 – Dyeing with mud and Pahikung weaving demonstrations 

This morning will be for MUD dye workshop, exploring mud to create dark greys and blacks!   Lunch will be at the community home, then visit a Royal village specialising in a special weaving: Pahikung, where Ana, a very respected young weaver will welcome us and be  introducing the special technique of weaving. We will also meet the jewellery makers of  the famous Sumba “mamuli”, a very important symbol of this island.

Day 6 – Farewell

Early morning good byes!  Its an early transfer to the airport for the departing flight at 06:35am that arrives at Bali at 08:10am

For those wishing to explore the West part of the island with surfing and white sand beaches and waterfalls, we can arrange car transfer and accommodation.

Includes

• 5 nights accommodation in room of choice
• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners
• Workshops and materials, including your own dye journal and fabrics
• Adventures, talks, presentations, and tours
• Contributions on your behalf to all villages and people visited during our trip
• All vehicle transport on retreat
• Return economy flights between Bali and Sumba (East)

Not included

Travel insurance, Textile purchases or other items bought at the markets or from the local villages Alcohol drinks or other required items of a personal nature.

Pre and Post

Pre and post stays in Bali or Sumba (West or East) can be arranged.

Hosts

Irma Yasandikusuma, founder of a wearable designs studio IRMAWY STUDIO, who will be the co-host during this experience in Sumba. Irma is an Indonesian born designer who grew up in Switzerland and studied Fashion in Paris, using jewellery and clothing design to express her creative identity and Indonesian heritage.
Irma will share her connection with the Indonesian culture, natural fibres and natural dyes, local metals and stones that she uses in her processes.

Studying Hotel Management at the Ecole hoteliers de Lausanne in Switzerland, Almanusia Founder Diane arrived in Bali in 2014 to manage the iconic boutique hotel Bambu Indah, owned by John and Cynthia Hardy.  She naturally used the hotel as a platform for creative expression, cultural exchanges and creating beauty, while looking after a refined international market of likeminded people searching for
experiential travel experiences. Diane has always considered hospitality as a medium for bigger changes and collaborative explorations. She has the heart for hosting people and creating memorable experiences with a positive impact. Traveling through the islands of the archipelago – and the world with recent trips to visit remote communities in Mexico and India – she is always expending her network while weaving special connections with local artisans and professionals involved in all kinds of creative expressions (natural dyes, textiles, basketry, ceramics, architecture, art…).
Her aspiration is to support heritage preservation and traditions, while building connection between international artists, students, curious individuals and local artisans, allowing them to shine with their own art and co-creating magic.

Accommodation

Hotel is locally owned, clean and comfortable for the little time spent there to sleep at night and is  located 10 minutes out of the main town of Waignapu.  East Sumba doesn´t have the luxurious options of stay that Bali offers.
The days are filled with adventures, rides and community visits, therefore a lot of time is not spent at the hotel.

Food

Traditional Indonesian breakfast is included.  Please, be aware that Sumba island is not stocked as well as Bali and the East region is much less touristy and off the beaten path, therefore food options are very limited.

• 6 Days / 5 Nights
• From per person
• $2,718 – Standard twin floor bed shared room
• $2,888 – Standard double floor bed room
• $2,959 – Deluxe double bed room
• $3,088 – Super deluxe double bed room