A private Indonesian resort, Nihi Sumba offers unmatched barefoot luxury, privacy, and customised experiences set amidst a stunning natural landscape.
Nested in the wild island of Sumba, away from the hustle and bustle of Bali, is a location so off-the-beaten-path and unbridled, it redefines the term luxury travel. Nihi Sumba—usually listed on the world’s greatest resorts—is not just an accommodation; it’s a life-changing indulgence, where unspoiled nature meets top-end luxury.
On first impression, the attraction of Nihi is its remoteness. Reached by a 50-minute fly from Bali, the resort occupies 567 acres of dense jungle and beach front, rimmed by the blue swells of the Indian Ocean. It’s not another tropical hideaway, though. It’s a bespoke retreat with 27 individually decorated villas, each containing a private infinity pool, sea views, and interiors that juxtapose tribal Sumbanese craftsmanship with eco-friendly, modern luxury.
Nihi’s brand of luxury is deeply experiential. Guests rise to the sound of waves crashing onto the 2.5-kilometer stretch of private beach and spend their days surfing world-class waves at Occy’s Left—a break exclusively reserved for resort guests.
For those requiring tranquillity rather than waves, the Nihioka Spa Safari is a day-long well-being experience amidst rice fields and sea cliffs, with outdoor massages, body scrubs using local spices, and scenery of the sort that dreams are made of.
Dining at Nihi is another story altogether. Cuisine is tailored specifically to the guest, from beach breakfasts in bare feet to candlelit dinner in the jungle under the stars. Locally caught seafood, organically grown resort garden vegetables, and innovative Indonesian-based dishes turn every meal into a decadent experience.
But what truly sets Nihi Sumba apart is its heart. The resort was built with a purpose—to empower and support the local population. Visitors can, through the Sumba Foundation, engage in enriching cultural experiences, from school and clinic visits to trekking through ancient villages with local guides. What this does is turn a stay at Nihi into not only luxurious, but deeply enriching.
Nihi Sumba is for those who crave privacy, sustainability, and unbridled beauty without compromising an ounce of luxury. From a sunset horseback ride along the beach to indulging in a chef-cooked lobster by the firepit to relaxing in your villa’s cliffside plunge pool, every experience here is designed for total escape.
For the discerning traveller who craves the unusual and the sublime, Nihi Sumba is not a destination. It’s a revelation.
