Togat Nusa Retreat
Barefoot, salty, and smiling
The surf
Situated on Pitojat Island, off the northern end of Sipora Island, guests to Togat Nusa Retreat have access to several quality breaks, all within a short boat ride of the Island. Here, you can surf all year round.
Breaks
The lodge
We count with four traditionally inspired bungalows, each uniquely designed and built in the same style as the main building. We made everything at our retreat using recycled timbers and driftwood.
The funky interior design incorporates hand-built custom furniture and antique lighting and fixtures from Dutch fishing vessels. Each bungalow is set up to accommodate up to two guests, and we receive eight guests on the island at a time. Every single one has a private bathroom with running hot water.
Our bar, food, and sunsets
Influenced by the design of traditional Mentawai Umas, the bar has been built with the owner/builder's (John E Ocean), truly a one-of-a-kind. We also have a platform built entirely of recycled timber and driftwood collected from the surrounding beaches. The high-pitched sago palm-thatched roof is supported by a center beam made from the trunk of a massive coconut tree. We call this our "Cold beverages and sunsets" spot.
Our experienced Indonesian chef combines traditional and western recipes to create the most delicious meals. We thrive on traditional and western recipes with an emphasis on locally sourced fresh meats, fish, fruit, and vegetables, as well as home-baked bread and pastries.
Food allergies and special dietary requirements are not a problem but should be specified before your arrival to ensure we are prepared. Please also inform us of any birthdays or special occasions during your stay so we can help make them extra special.
Activities
Our varied activities include beachcombing, fishing, snorkeling, surfing, swimming, yoga, taking a local sampan/canoe for a paddle, and much more.
Boat
Daily transport to optimal surf breaks is included. Powered by two 40 horsepower Yamaha engines will transfer you safely to and from the surf at speeds of up to 20 knots. Built locally, this style of boat is designed for travel in local waters and, while the ride can sometimes be a little wet, the hull's length and shape help it cut efficiently through the surf for a smoother ride than a western-style speedboat.
Turtle hatch
When the turtle's hatch comes, this is truly a fantastic experience that can be lived at Togat Nusa Retreat. At night, we turn all the lights off because the turtles get disorientated by them. It is like a turtle Easter egg hunt. You can find them everywhere! They are so strong and little, ready to start their lives in the sea.
The perfect day
The perfect day is 3-5ft, a few fluffy clouds floating by, some dolphins swinging by to say hi, an eagle fishing, and some stoked smiling friends to trade waves with. The Mentawai is an adventure to get to, but adventurous clients are rewarded with pristine waves, water quality and a tropical paradise! Our clients enjoy nature, a healthy lifestyle and the ocean.
Rooms
Location
Getting there
Togat Nusa Retreat
Barney
Ainsley Ocean
John Ocean
Togat Nusa is a clear example of the kindness, patience, and determination of its owners.
This is the closest you’ll get to being shipwrecked on a tropical island but with all the modern comforts and great waves on your doorstep.
"We find ourselves on a 12-hectare island 100 miles from most places, in the middle of the Indian Ocean. How we got here? Planes, cars, boats, smiles, tears, and many a hard-learned lesson, but we do have wireless! As a child, John doodles an island with a grass hut and a coconut tree with perfect waves peeling off, a sailboat, maybe a dolphin jumping. I think a lot of surfers doodle this. He kept doodling until it became his reality… and mine." -Ainsley Ocean
Sustainability
Togat Nusa Retreat was made from scavenged recycled wood. John has inspired a couple of decades of construction in the Mentawais, sharing skills and conscious sustainable building techniques with the local staff and communities. Our retreat is a turtle sanctuary. We protect our turtle friends offering them a safe place to lay their eggs and hatch. Turtles only return to the place they were born to lay their eggs, so we hope the future turtle population continues to thrive in our area. Our most recent project has been permaculture orchards, including the chickens, worm farms, and composting into a system that will continue to nourish our island home in the future.
