About Us

We help travelers and long-term partners discover Sumba responsibly—protecting culture, supporting communities, and building for the long run.

Our Story

Kabisu was born from a shared love for Sumba and a deep respect for its culture. Our team has called Indonesia home for up to 20 years, giving us the privilege of living and working across its diverse islands.

Two of our founders, Thomas Despin and Gilles Brignardello, bring decades of combined experience in building and operating resorts in some of Indonesia’s most remote locations. They understand the unique challenges — and the rewards — of developing projects far from urban infrastructure.

We are nature lovers at heart, and the rest of our team brings solid, hands-on expertise in managing on-site construction for villas and hospitality projects. For years, we dreamed of building in Sumba — but the island’s infrastructure simply wasn’t ready. Now, the time has come.

We believe in small-scale, respectful developments that work in harmony with the environment and the local community. For us, the island is not “the next big thing,” but a place to protect, celebrate, and share responsibly. Every project we take on is guided by one simple question: Does this honor the island and its people?

Our Mission & Values

At Kabisu, we believe that development and preservation can — and must — go hand in hand.
We see Sumba not as a blank canvas to be exploited, but as a living island with a history, culture, and ecosystem worth protecting.

Our guiding principles:

• Respect for the Island
  From sourcing materials locally to minimizing environmental impact, we ensure that our project benefits Sumba’s communities and landscapes.

• Small-Scale, Big Impact
  We choose quality over quantity — creating intimate spaces that blend into their surroundings rather than dominating them.

• Long-Term Stewardship
  Our work isn’t about chasing quick revenue — it’s about creating something lasting, designed to deliver steady value for years to come, and something we’d be proud to pass on to the next generation.

For us, success means that the island remains as captivating, wild, and welcoming in twenty years as it is today.

Why Sumba

Sumba is unlike anywhere else in Indonesia.
While Bali and other islands have long been known to the world, Sumba remains a rare place where wild horses still run free, beaches stretch for miles without footprints, and ancient traditions are a part of everyday life.

We dreamed of building here for years — but the timing wasn’t right. Roads were rough, power was scarce, and infrastructure for even the simplest projects was missing. We knew that to create something truly respectful and sustainable, the island had to be ready.

Now, Sumba stands at a turning point. Improved access, better utilities, and a growing awareness of responsible tourism make it possible to welcome guests without compromising the island’s character.

For us, it’s about more than just a destination — it’s about helping shape a future where development and tradition can thrive side by side.

Join the Journey

Kabisu is more than a project — it’s a commitment to Sumba’s people, culture, and future.
Whether you’re a traveler seeking untouched beauty or a partner sharing our vision for sustainable development, we invite you to be part of a story built to last. Reach out to us – let’s shape the future of Sumba together.