For Warren Twisleton, relaxation is paramount — in both his work and personal life. Warren founded Lujo in 2007 with an aim to create relaxation-inspired furniture that encouraged customers to tap into small moments of tranquility. On a recreational level, Warren also uses travel as a means to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Here, he shares how Indonesia has become a soothing respite and inspiration for a calm lifestyle.
Destination: Sumba, Indonesia
Month traveled: October
Duration of trip: 9 nights
Temperature range: 30-34 degrees
Solo trip or vacation with family/friends? Vacation with the family
First visit or repeat destination? This is our third trip to Sumba. We love it so much it’s becoming an annual escape.
What drew you to this locale?
Sumba has a raw, untouched beauty and energy that is absolutely captivating. For me, it offers the perfect blend of design-led retreats with wild coastlines, untamed culture, and a sense of calm that washes over you instantly. I love its rhythm of life; it’s slower, more intentional, and the way luxury here feels entirely unforced and seems to work in harmony with the natural surroundings. It’s a place where you can reconnect with nature, yourself, and the simple pleasures of slow living.
The lodgings…
This time, we split our time between The Sanubari and Cap Karoso — two distinctly different experiences on opposite sides of the island, yet equally captivating.
The Sanubari can feel like you are on your own private island with its secluded villas, raw textures, and endless surf breaks. Cap Karoso, meanwhile, is all about refined modernism: breathtaking architecture, clean lines softened by natural materials, and thoughtful touches that speak of design integrity and cultural connection. Both embody that effortless blend of relaxed perfection — they’re impressive yet understated, intentional, and deeply connected to the land.
Must-sees for design lovers…
Sumba’s design language is rooted in its landscape and traditions. Definitely visit the local Marapu villages with their megalithic stone tombs and soaring thatched roofs, which are unique expressions of local craftsmanship and spiritual roots. Cap Karoso itself is a study in sensitive modern design: refined, yet always in harmony with its surroundings. For design lovers, it’s a lesson in restraint — how minimalism can coexist beautifully with cultural authenticity and soul.
Postcard moment…
Sunsets at Cap Karoso always blow my mind. The sun slips below the horizon, and the entire lagoon turns to golden hues. You spend these sunsets captivated by local fishermen casting their nets in the shallows, children playing along the water’s edge, and Sandalwood horses wading through the water. It was a moment of contrast: modern luxury meets natural simplicity.
Souvenirs…
Without sounding too cliché, we took only photos and left only footprints!
Lasting influence…
Sumba reminded me that design is about creating a balance between materials, place, and purpose. Sumba captures perfectly what we seek to create through Lujo — sanctuaries where design and setting meet in perfect harmony, inviting life to slow so people can simply be immersed in the moment.
Greatest takeaway…
Sumba always reminds me that slowing down is fundamental for both living and creating more profoundly. Modern life is often chaotic, but it’s in these moments of pause and reflection that the real work gets done.
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