Guest Experience and Dining Manager

JOIN OUR TEAM

We're looking for someone who brings together a love for food, a natural instinct for hospitality, and the ability to lead a team in a remote destination immersed in nature.

About Konda Maloba

Set along a sheltered bay on the southern coast of Central Sumba, Konda Maloba is a private six-villa destination in Pantai Aili, set across more than 14 hectares of forest, hills, and beachfront, with 700 metres of coastline.

Surrounded by tropical forest, hills, and the Indian Ocean, we offer a considered approach to hospitality, rooted in nature, local traditions, thoughtful design, and a genuine sense of place.

We are looking for a Guest Experience & Dining Manager to lead the guest experience and dining team at Konda Maloba, bringing together service excellence, thoughtful hospitality, and a strong food and beverage culture.

With only six villas, we have the opportunity to create something truly personal. We want every stay to feel considered, from the food served at the table to the experiences guests discover on land and at sea.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who understands that a memorable stay is created through both the details guests experience and the systems working quietly behind the scenes.

Our team currently comprises around 50 people across management, housekeeping, gardening, kitchen, and food and beverage, with further recruitment underway. We are looking for someone who can work collaboratively with our existing team, strengthen the way we operate, and help bring our vision for Konda Maloba to life.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience & Relations

• Build genuine connections with guests from prearrival and throughout their stay at Konda Maloba

• Be a visible and approachable presence during breakfast, dinner and key moments of the guest stay.

• Anticipate guest preferences and create personalized experiences and thoughtful surprises.

• Respond to guest feedback and resolve concerns with confidence and care, in coordination with the Resort Manager.

• Share local knowledge about the area and help guests discover Sumba

• Maintain confidentiality regarding guest information and personal preferences.

• Represent the image and values of Konda Maloba through professional appearance and communication.

Dining & Evening Experience

• Curate the overall evening experience, from sunset drinks and bonfires to dinner and after-dinner moments.

• Coordinate with the chef and service team to ensure smooth timing, presentation and service.

• Ensure the atmosphere, lighting, music, table settings and service details reflect the Konda Maloba's character.

• Develop creative dining and guest experiences in collaboration with the team.

• Maintain a consistent standard of warm, attentive and professional hospitality.

Team Coordination & Service Standards

• Brief and support the service team before key guest experiences.

• Ensure operational readiness and clear communication between departments.

• Lead by example through hands-on involvement and attention to detail.

• Identify opportunities to improve service, guest satisfaction and the overall experience at the Konda Maloba

• Work closely with the Resort Manager to maintain consistent standards across the property.

• Work Skills & Experience Requirements

• Experience in guest relations, guest experience, boutique hospitality, luxury resorts or high-end food and beverage service.

• A natural host who enjoys engaging with guests and creating genuine connections.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple moving parts.

• A creative eye for atmosphere, detail and memorable experiences.

• Confident communication, problem-solving and team leadership skills.

• A hands-on, flexible attitude and the ability to work independently.

• An appreciation for local culture, design, authenticity and the unique character of Sumba.

• Previous experience in F&B, or a genuine passion for food and beverage, sustainability and locally inspired dining.

• Basic financial awareness, with the ability to review figures, understand budgets and monitor costs, or a strong willingness to learn these skills.

• Fluent in English and Bahasa Indonesia.

• Previous experience working on a remote island or in a remote hospitality environment is highly desirable.

The Person We Are Looking For

• You are someone who combines strong operational discipline with a genuine passion for hospitality. You understand the numbers, but you also know how to create an atmosphere and make people feel at home.

• You have a strong background in food and beverage and understand how dining can become one of the most memorable parts of a guest's stay. Beyond the restaurant, you have a natural instinct for curating experiences that connect people with their surroundings, whether through local food and culture, a quiet afternoon by the ocean, or an adventure across the island.

• You are resourceful, hands-on, and comfortable working in a remote environment where flexibility, initiative, and sound judgement are essential. You enjoy spending time in nature, feel at home by the beach, and have a genuine appreciation for the ocean and water-based activities.

• At Konda Maloba, we want to create a place that is not only beautiful, but meaningful. This means looking beyond standard hospitality and finding thoughtful ways to make each guest's stay personal, memorable, and connected to Sumba.

• We are looking for someone who shares this outlook and can translate it into both exceptional guest experiences and a well-run, financially sustainable operation.

What This Role Offers

• The opportunity to shape the hospitality and operational identity of a design-led destination.

• A leadership role with the freedom to develop ideas and create meaningful guest experiences.

• A working environment immersed in nature, with the ocean, forest, and local culture at its heart.

• Live-in accommodation and all meals included