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Sumba Foundation

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The Sumba Foundation® is constantly evolving to meet the current and future needs of the Sumbanese people.

We invite you to discover what The Sumba Foundation is doing across the island.

A stay at NIHI® Sumba combines the ultimate in luxury comforts with the opportunity to authentically immerse oneself in the island’s magnificently preserved, ancient tribal culture. The spirit of Sumba imbibes a plethora of vibrant, local traditions and rituals, which embody the rich symphony of local daily life.

Group of young Sumbanese schoolchildren dressed in crisp white shirts and red uniforms, standing barefoot and in sandals on a rural path at sunrise, symbolizing the Sumba Foundation’s impact on education access in remote communities.
Joyful group of Sumbanese school children smiling and waving outside their classroom, capturing the vibrant spirit and educational impact of initiatives by the Sumba Foundation and Burch Family Foundation
Local Sumbanese man herding a group of buffalo along a sunlit jungle path, symbolizing traditional livelihoods and rural life supported by the Sumba Foundation’s community-focused initiatives.
A smiling schoolgirl in uniform enjoys her meal inside a classroom in Sumba, reflecting the educational and nutritional impact of the Sumba Foundation’s outreach programs.
Three young Sumbanese boys in school uniforms enjoying a midday meal from colorful lunchboxes, seated against a bright blue classroom wall—part of the school nourishment initiatives by the Sumba Foundation, Burch Family Foundation and NIHI Sumba.
A healthcare worker in scrubs and a face mask examines samples under a microscope at a Sumba Foundation clinic, highlighting the foundation’s ongoing efforts in malaria prevention and community health at NIHI Sumba.

Overview

During the development of Nihiwatu (1988 – 1994), our pioneering founders Claude and Petra Graves lived much the same as the villagers around them did, without running water, electricity, or clinics to go to if they were sick.

These setbacks inspired them to explore solutions for the core issues similarly affecting their neighbors: poor health, no access to water, widespread malaria and malnutrition, minimal education and no medical facilities within a day’s walk.

The philanthropic vehicle they would use to fulfill the needs of the community was their resort Nihiwatu and so they began involving guests in community efforts near the resort.

The Sumba Foundation® is constantly evolving to meet the current and future needs of the Sumbanese people.

They have built a solid foundation of better health and basic education for the community, and have evolved to tackle more of what is needed; even better education, new skills training, and creating employment and small-scale business opportunities for future generations.

The Sumba Foundation® is a small but highly effective organization that is fully committed to helping the people of Sumba prosper, and with our help, they will.

Access to potable water and establishing community-based wells and water stations.

Health Care, including but not limited to malaria control, transmission reduction and eradication, eye care, midwife assistance, and general health consultation.
Nutrition projects for infants and school lunches for primary school students to improve their diets including a health and hygiene curriculum.

Local economic opportunity projects in sustainable farming.
Learning Development, helping to provide English language skills and computer technology to the next generation

Get in touch

For reservations or more information, please contact our

Travel Designers

E. [email protected]
W. +62 811 3821 2910

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NIHI Sumba staff preparing a private picnic for a guest beside the turquoise pool of Lapopu Waterfall, with cascading jungle waters and rugged rocks in the backdrop on Sumba Island.
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Swimming With Ponies At NIHI Sumba
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Children sharing a joyful moment while tasting and exploring chocolate samples inside Chris & Charly’s Chocolate Factory at NIHI Sumba.
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Guests on horseback riding along the shore at sunset during a festive Easter celebration on Nihiwatu’s 2.5 km beach, with giant colorful eggs nestled in the sand beneath swaying palms and golden skies.
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Nihigram

No soundtrack needed at NIHI. Wherever the day takes you, the ocean is there in the background, joined by the sounds of horses and nature. Sumba’s natural soundtrack, all around you throughout your stay.

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No soundtrack needed at NIHI. Wherever the day takes you, the ocean is there in the background, joined by the sounds of horses and nature. Sumba’s natural soundtrack, all around you throughout your stay.

We’re thrilled to share a first glimpse of Untamed Heartbeat, a four-part documentary series by Tara Shupe, coming soon to our social channels.

Journey into the spirit of Sumba, where deep-rooted traditions, community and the future move together. Here, the past lives on in what is carried forward: in the people, their culture and the future generations.

The series also shines a light on the work of The Sumba Foundation, NIHI’s Sumba Horse Project and English Goes to Kampung, and their contributions to the future of Sumba’s communities.

Together in a similar stride. We will run.

Stay tuned for Part One, coming soon.
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Film by @tarashupe

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We’re thrilled to share a first glimpse of Untamed Heartbeat, a four-part documentary series by Tara Shupe, coming soon to our social channels.Journey into the spirit of Sumba, where deep-rooted traditions, community and the future move together. Here, the past lives on in what is carried forward: in the people, their culture and the future generations.The series also shines a light on the work of The Sumba Foundation, NIHI’s Sumba Horse Project and English Goes to Kampung, and their contributions to the future of Sumba’s communities.Together in a similar stride. We will run.Stay tuned for Part One, coming soon..Film by @tarashupe

The magic of NIHI is found in its quiet moments: morning mist lifting over the hills, rays of light filtering through the palm trees, and horses running along the beach. As fishermen head out to sea and local boys ride along the shore, the island’s culture and daily life are all around you.

At NIHI Sumba, the resort is woven into these moments, offering a experience that feels deeply connected to the island. Recognised with Three MICHELIN Keys, the Guide’s highest hotel distinction, NIHI Sumba offers what Michelin describes as an extraordinary stay.

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The magic of NIHI is found in its quiet moments: morning mist lifting over the hills, rays of light filtering through the palm trees, and horses running along the beach. As fishermen head out to sea and local boys ride along the shore, the island’s culture and daily life are all around you.At NIHI Sumba, the resort is woven into these moments, offering a experience that feels deeply connected to the island. Recognised with Three MICHELIN Keys, the Guide’s highest hotel distinction, NIHI Sumba offers what Michelin describes as an extraordinary stay.

Be among the first to experience a Pilates retreat at NIHI Sumba, with one of the world’s most beautiful views as your backdrop for reformer Pilates.

Led by Em Krzus of The Pilates Project, this intimate four-night retreat pairs personalised instruction with the experiences that make NIHI Sumba so special: swimming with the horses, a signature Spa Safari and time to enjoy the resort at your own pace.

The retreat takes place this May, with places extremely limited. Find out more via the link in our bio or send us a DM.

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Open post by nihi with ID 18093030791222102
Be among the first to experience a Pilates retreat at NIHI Sumba, with one of the world’s most beautiful views as your backdrop for reformer Pilates.Led by Em Krzus of The Pilates Project, this intimate four-night retreat pairs personalised instruction with the experiences that make NIHI Sumba so special: swimming with the horses, a signature Spa Safari and time to enjoy the resort at your own pace.The retreat takes place this May, with places extremely limited. Find out more via the link in our bio or send us a DM.

A land where the spirit of generations lives on, where the connection between people, nature and their ancestors runs deep, and where traditions are not simply remembered, but lived every day.

Children ride their ponies along wild beaches in traditional dress, villages are filled with life, and a deep sense of community is woven into the very soul of the island.

Nestled within this extraordinary landscape is NIHI Sumba, a paradise of beautiful private villas, unforgettable spa experiences and moments of pure tranquillity, surrounded by the raw, untamed beauty of the island. Beyond the resort, village life and centuries-old traditions are never far away, offering a meaningful connection to the people and culture that make Sumba so special.

It is this extraordinary connection between land, people and tradition that makes Sumba a place unlike anywhere else on earth.

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Open post by nihi with ID 18108105887195204
A land where the spirit of generations lives on, where the connection between people, nature and their ancestors runs deep, and where traditions are not simply remembered, but lived every day.Children ride their ponies along wild beaches in traditional dress, villages are filled with life, and a deep sense of community is woven into the very soul of the island.Nestled within this extraordinary landscape is NIHI Sumba, a paradise of beautiful private villas, unforgettable spa experiences and moments of pure tranquillity, surrounded by the raw, untamed beauty of the island. Beyond the resort, village life and centuries-old traditions are never far away, offering a meaningful connection to the people and culture that make Sumba so special.It is this extraordinary connection between land, people and tradition that makes Sumba a place unlike anywhere else on earth.

And when you finally arrive, it’s even more beautiful than you imagined. 🧡

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Open post by nihi with ID 18029895551880262
And when you finally arrive, it’s even more beautiful than you imagined. 🧡

One of the programmes closest to our hearts is the Sumba Horse Project. 🧡

For more than two years, NIHI has been providing free veterinary care to horses in local villages across Sumba, holding weekly clinics and returning to each village approximately every three months to provide ongoing care and repeat essential treatments.

Facilitated by our dedicated NIHI Stables team alongside our veterinarian, Dr. Octa, these clinics provide essential medical treatment, health checks, deworming and advice on animal welfare. Many local horse owners walk for miles to attend, with care also extending to local dogs.

Horses are deeply woven into Sumba’s culture and heritage, and through this project, we hope to protect these beautiful animals and make a lasting difference to the communities who care for them.

Learn more about the Sumba Horse Project and how you can support this important work through the link in our bio.
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#nihigram by @gedewahyuu_

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Open post by nihi with ID 18149019997569004
One of the programmes closest to our hearts is the Sumba Horse Project. 🧡For more than two years, NIHI has been providing free veterinary care to horses in local villages across Sumba, holding weekly clinics and returning to each village approximately every three months to provide ongoing care and repeat essential treatments.Facilitated by our dedicated NIHI Stables team alongside our veterinarian, Dr. Octa, these clinics provide essential medical treatment, health checks, deworming and advice on animal welfare. Many local horse owners walk for miles to attend, with care also extending to local dogs.Horses are deeply woven into Sumba’s culture and heritage, and through this project, we hope to protect these beautiful animals and make a lasting difference to the communities who care for them.Learn more about the Sumba Horse Project and how you can support this important work through the link in our bio..#nihigram by @gedewahyuu_

A wellness experience unlike any other awaits at Nihioka Spa.

Five kilometres from NIHI Sumba, beyond traditional villages and rolling green hills, lies a secluded sanctuary where rice fields meet the Indian Ocean.

Your Half Day Spa Safari begins with breakfast or lunch overlooking the ocean, before retreating to your private open air bale for 2.5 hours of treatments.

Between treatments, discover hidden beaches, unwind beside the freshwater infinity pool, or simply take in the beauty of Nihioka’s untouched coastline.

More than a spa experience, this is an invitation to reconnect with nature, embrace stillness and discover wellness at the edge of wildness.
.
#nihigram by @fpvdylan

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Open post by nihi with ID 18096359846441255
A wellness experience unlike any other awaits at Nihioka Spa.Five kilometres from NIHI Sumba, beyond traditional villages and rolling green hills, lies a secluded sanctuary where rice fields meet the Indian Ocean.Your Half Day Spa Safari begins with breakfast or lunch overlooking the ocean, before retreating to your private open air bale for 2.5 hours of treatments.Between treatments, discover hidden beaches, unwind beside the freshwater infinity pool, or simply take in the beauty of Nihioka’s untouched coastline.More than a spa experience, this is an invitation to reconnect with nature, embrace stillness and discover wellness at the edge of wildness..#nihigram by @fpvdylan

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