Nasara Resort — Hotel in West Sumatra

TL;DR: I really wanted to love this resort but found that it is both poorly managed and overpriced. Booking was handled unprofessionally, basic information was withheld, and service fell far below expectations. The property feels half-finished and disorganized, with unreliable amenities, unclear policies, and poorly planned activities. i would have been okay with my experience if it was a budget stay, but it was a $300/night resort. I do not recommend Nasara unless major improvements are made. I have receipts of all info below as well.

I had a disappointing experience with Nasara Resort, primarily due to the unprofessional handling of the booking and the significant gap between what’s promised and what’s delivered.

From the start, communication with Steven, who managed the booking, was difficult. He didn’t share basic details like how the booking process worked, what transportation was available, what to do in case of ferry cancellations, or that there was a two-night minimum stay—something I only learned after following up myself. I had to ask for every detail, and when I did, Steven responded in a dismissive and rude tone, despite my efforts to remain polite and clear throughout.

I shared my itinerary—including a 3-day jungle trek without phone service—several times, yet Steven waited until the last minute to confirm pickup and became frustrated when I didn’t respond immediately. When we arrived at Sipora harbor, there was no one to greet us as promised. He later claimed he didn’t know our ferry time, even though ferry schedules are public and there are only a few options each day.

Steven also got our check-out date wrong. We were only made aware of this when we asked to leave early—and discovered that we would’ve been left without accommodations on our final night. Fortunately, it aligned with our decision to cut our stay short, but it easily could’ve created a serious issue leaving us stranded had we not spoken up.

The activities were also poorly organized. We had planned to dive at 8 a.m., but it was delayed to 9 without explanation, even though the weather was perfect. Afterward, we were dropped off at Sipora and left waiting at a convenience store for an hour because the person in charge didn’t know where to take us for the dive.

When we finally arrived at the resort, the quality did not match the price point. The room and towels reeked of cigarette smoke. The towels were worn out, the linens were low quality and irritated my skin, and beach towels were not provided in the room—we had to ask for them each time. The Wi-Fi also doesn’t always work in the rooms. It was unclear what was included in the rate, and there was no welcome or anything to help navigate the experience.

Meals were extremely limited—lunch and dinner consisted of just two buffet-style options with no à la carte menu. The food did not accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies, which is concerning for guests with specific needs. Additionally after one of the meals, I ended up getting food poisoning.

There was little to no structure or clear information around activities or experiences, making the stay feel aimless and unorganized. The resort itself seems partially unfinished, and the way it’s run leaves guests to push for information and chase for their own logistics.

For this price point in Indonesia—where you could stay somewhere in Sipora and have everything taken care of with ease—Nasara falls short. The guest is left to chase information, navigate unclear service standards, and deal with poor management. It gave the impression that ownership doesn’t fully understand the expectations of a hospitality business at this level.

The only bright spot was the rest of the staff, who were kind and helpful. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to outweigh the lack of professionalism, disorganization, and overall value.

I do not recommend Nasara Resort unless there are major improvements in both guest communication and...

Nasara Resort is an idyllic paradise, a breathtakingly beautiful and joyful destination you absolutely must visit.

As seasoned travelers who explore the world together, my partner and I meticulously research the finest hotels for every trip. After extensive research into surf resorts in the Mentawai Islands, we found Nasara Resort standing out with glowing, transparent reviews, a rarity in a region with sparse online presence.

From the moment we booked, it was clear this place was special, and it surpassed every expectation.

Arriving on this near private tropical island, you’re greeted with warm, genuine smiles from the staff. A heartfelt thank you to Cia, whose exceptional service elevates the experience, and to Steve, the owner, who personally ensured our trip was flawless. Their dedication creates an atmosphere of effortless comfort.

For a seamless start, I highly recommend their all-inclusive package. It includes airport pickup in Padang, a night in a comfortable hotel, and a smooth transfer to the fast ferry (tickets included) for a round-trip journey. While other travelers seemed stressed and disorganized, we arrived relaxed and ready to soak in paradise.

The resort is a vision of serenity. Opt for an ocean-view room, spacious, modern, and offering stunning vistas of the sparkling sea. Waking up to the sight of gentle waves is nothing short of magical.

The dining experience is exceptional, with fresh, organic meals that are as delicious as they are plentiful. As someone who loves hearty portions, I was impressed by the variety and quality, ensuring no one leaves the table hungry.

The rooms are inviting, with comfortable beds that promise restful nights. Complimentary water and evening air conditioning (from 7 PM) provide a cool retreat after a day of adventure, whether surfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or relaxing by the pristine pool.

Nasara caters to water enthusiasts with complimentary paddleboards, snorkels, and kayaks, plus surfboards and fishing gear for rent. For just $25 USD per person, the staff escort you to nearby surf breaks, each a natural wonder. As surfers, my partner and I were thrilled by the world-class waves at Suicides, just 500 meters away, a perfect hollow right-hander. I loved the pristine breaks at Telescope and Icelands, while my beginner-intermediate girlfriend thrived at Tikkas, catching 15 waves in one session with her private Nasara surf coach.

Snorkeling and paddleboarding are extraordinary, with vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish creating an underwater spectacle that’s simply unforgettable. It’s like swimming in a pristine aquarium.

Nasara’s atmosphere is one of pure tranquility, an untouched island oasis where stress fades and relaxation reigns. Whether you’re diving into water sports or lounging poolside with the ocean as your backdrop, every moment feels perfect. The photos speak volumes, but experiencing it is on another level.

To Steve, Cia, and the outstanding Nasara team, thank you for an unforgettable holiday. This was more than a getaway, it was a journey to one of the most beautiful, peaceful, and joyful places on Earth. We’re already planning our return. Nasara Resort is a must visit destination for anyone seeking an exquisite blend of adventure and relaxation...

Looking for a place to stay in Mentawai is difficult if you are not a surfer and/or planning to stay for only a couple of days. I was on the verge of being so desperate when I met Nasara’s owner (Stephen). This place is perfect for my family of 12. We only stayed 3 days and since we have grandparents and toddlers, we don’t really do extreme activities. My 2 problems were immediately crossed out with Nasara. First thumb up.

We booked the place around 2 months before and Stephen helped to prepare everything, bed arrangement, food (some of us allergic to certain food, we have vegetarian pax, etc), and boat arrangement. He also sent us photos and videos of the beautiful resort and we were realllyyyy looking forward to this holiday.

When we arrived at Tuapejat harbor, my phone didn’t have network service. I was almost panicking but Nasara team has already waiting for us there. My second thumb up for them. We went directly to Nasara with their private boat and were welcomed with food and fresh coconut. This felt like heaven since the 3.5 hours boat trip made several of us vomited😛

Our experience with Nasara is priceless. The island is gorgeous with white sand and warm water. They took us to mangrove forest, paddle boarding, snorkeling, fishing, or simply just swimming in their pool while sipping the fresh coconut. On my last day, I went paddle boarding with 1 of the staff and we chilled on the private beach on the far side of the island. It was tiring but the ocean view was breathtaking.

The food they prepared for us was veeery yummy. Everyone in the family loved it. My sister even asked for the recipe lol. The food was always available so we were never hungry.

All the staffs were very friendly and always ready when we needed them. They helped us from the second we arrived at Tuapejat, up until we were back in Padang. Stephen, who was also present during our stay, also very kind to us.

It was 11/10 experience. Hoping to...