Empowering
Sumba’s Future
Education. Health. Opportunity.
When Chris Burch acquired NIHI for his sons, Nick, Henry, and Sawyer, he imagined more than a resort. He envisioned a place where values could be lived, not just taught. A sanctuary where adventure meets purpose, and where family, responsibility, and meaningful contribution are as integral as the surrounding natural beauty. That vision has since evolved into something far greater than a destination. NIHI is now a haven of wild luxury and deep connection, a place where impact is woven into every experience. The Burch family remains deeply involved, with Nick, Henry, and Sawyer each bringing their heart to a venture shaped by intention and guided by care.
Burch Family Foundation proudly supports:
Sustained by the Burch family’s devotion, and continually uplifted by the generosity of NIHI’s global guest community, the Burch Family Foundation is more than philanthropy. It is a living expression of care, connection, and the enduring value of giving back.
“I have witnessed Chris Burch give with quiet grace and extraordinary heart. What he has created at NIHI, born of love for his sons and a profound care for the people of Sumba, has touched lives in deeply lasting ways. His generosity has powerfully expanded the legacy of the Sumba Foundation, bringing clean water, restoring health, and igniting transformation across the island, offering more than aid:
a lasting light toward a brighter future.”
– James McBride –
Co-Founder & CEO – NIHI HOTELS
The Sumba Foundation
Is constantly evolving to meet the current and future needs of the Sumbanese people, building a solid foundation of better health and basic education for the community, creating employment and small-scale business opportunities for future generations.
Sumba Hospitality Foundation
Sumba was poised for a surge in tourism development, with potential to create indispensable job opportunities. Many sumbanese youth did not have access to the relevant education. And that’s how Inge founded the Hospitality School and Foundation.
English Goes to Kampung
Is a grassroots organization founded by english teacher and activist, Roswita Asti Kulla. Recognizing education as a vital tool to alleviate poverty and gain access to job opportunities, EGK’s mission is to make education more widely accessible on sumba island.
Nihigram
@nihi’s padel game just went up a level as professional padel player @denise.hoefer.3005 takes to the court. Surrounded by lush tropical beauty, and with our herd of horses as her audience, Denise shows us how to have fun on the Edge of Wildness.
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#nihigram by @hafido_hk
Wake to horses wandering the shores of Nihiwatu Beach, spend your afternoons by your own private pool in your villa retreat, rally beneath the golden glow at the Ride & Racquet Club, and watch the sun catch the magic of @nihi as it melt into the horizon.
@nihi takes you beyond the resort and connects you with the soul of the island. By exploring the traditional villages and experiencing a rich and unique culture that harks back to a forgotten time, you’ll find a forever place in your heart for Sumba.
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#nihigram by @tarashupe
An evening rally at @nihi’s brand new Ride & Racquet Club, where tennis meets equestrian life. Passing horses become your audience as you play surrounded by Sumba’s wild beauty while listening to the sound of the ocean nearby in between serves.
Some mornings, the horses leave more than footprints. They leave silhouettes that stretch across the sand, fleeting works of art shaped by the morning light. Another unforgettable day at the Edge of Wildness.
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#nihigram by @childsphotos
Your day at NIHI begins with a little bit of magic. A refreshing morning swim, the sound of waves rolling in, and the sight of NIHI’s horses galloping freely along the shoreline below.
On some mornings, a local farmer’s herd of water buffalo wanders across Nihiwatu Beach, while newly hatched sea turtles make their first journey to the ocean. These are the moments that make life on the Edge of Wildness so extraordinary, where nature quietly sets the rhythm of the day and no two mornings are ever quite the same.
The sheer magic of @nihi. Watch as a herd of horses wanders past the main pool and into the ocean, creating one of those beautiful NIHI Sumba moments you can completely lose yourself in. Be immersed in days like no other, and spellbound as the evening sun begins to descend.
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#nihigram by @catalinavonbonin @jonaways
A glimpse of a typical day at @nihi.
Imagine starting the morning with breakfast and a horizon view, before watching the horses meander down the white sands of Nihiwatu Beach.
A slow morning that sets the tone for an afternoon spent relaxing in your own private villa, before the sun begins to set and casts its evening magic across the island of Sumba.
At NIHI, horses roam freely along untouched shores, wellness is found in the serenity of the spa, and romance flourishes amidst the island’s untamed beauty. Here, ancient traditions, extraordinary landscapes, and meaningful connections create experiences that linger long after you leave.
From the Edge of Wildness to moments of complete tranquility, every corner of NIHI celebrates the unmatched beauty, rich culture, and timeless spirit of Sumba.
A truly unique wellness experience awaits at NIHI’s Equine Sanctuary.
Beneath swaying palms and beside the sound of the ocean, retired sea horses become gentle partners in relaxation and healing. This deeply calming equine massage invites guests to slow down, reconnect, and experience the quiet presence of these remarkable horses.
Part of NIHI Spa’s Equine Wellness offering, alongside equine reiki and yoga, this experience can be included as part of your half or full day at NIHI Spa.
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