Visiting Gurus


NIHI Sumba is a place to inspire and be inspired.

We invite world class talent to share their passion with our staff and guests including culinary arts, outdoor adventure, entertainment, spa therapies & healing modalities, photography and much more!


  • Javier de Prado – Therapeutic Journeys

  • Robbie Leggat – Bronze Master

  • Maria Hussein – Scar Therapy

  • Tatsuya Hirakawa – Vousy Performance
    Conditioning

  • Dr. Fabio Paciucci – Holistic Wellness Residency

  • Apéritif & Pinstripe – Sumba 7 Journey

  • Neil Dankoff

  • Alex Scrimgeour – Bodywork Therapy

  • Nico de Soto – Shaken
    & Stirred

  • Emilie Nyman – Movement & Osteopathy

  • Cody Wesseling – Performance Therapy

  • Phil Davies – Hypnotherapy

Javier de Prado – Therapeutic Journeys

Licensed in Psychology and a Thai Massage Master Certified by Thai Healing Alliance International (THAI) Javier has more than 15 years of experience, has visited the south of Asia on several occasions to study with some of the best masters in Thai massage.

His passion for his career has taken him to Europe, to deepen into osteopathy-based therapies such as Osteothai, Craniosacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation. He runs Thai Massage courses all over Latin America and travels the world sharing “The Art of Touch” in some of the world’s most recognized wellness centers. Well-known for his soft and warm hands, he has a unique way of listening and taking care of everyone.

Robbie Leggat – Bronze Master

Robert Leggat is a renowned bronze sculptor known for his anatomically precise and lifelike works. His meticulous process involves extensive observation, drawing, and studying taxidermic specimens to capture natural forms with remarkable accuracy.

Specializing in bronze sculpture, Robert’s expertise lies in realistic depictions of anatomy and texture. His workshops emphasize the importance of preparation, teaching that sculpting begins long before shaping materials. Participants engage in hands-on clay modeling, wax work, and bronze casting, complemented by foundry tours, live demonstrations, and personalized feedback.

Maria Hussein – Scar Therapy

With more than 20 years of experience as a body worker and movement therapist Maria will be offering unique therapies including Structural Integration , Scar therapy and Shaw Method swimming. Integrating Manual therapy together with Movement to help you bring your own body into alignment and create an environment in which the healing can begin.

Tatsuya Hirakawa – Vousy Performance
Conditioning

Tatsuya Hirakawa is a pioneering body conditioning therapist and the founder of Vousy, a specialized method designed to forcibly align the physical condition of elite performers operating at the highest levels. Focused on performance conditioning and physical adaptability, his approach ensures individuals are primed to excel under extreme pressure.

The Vousy method prioritizes endurance and resilience, recognizing adaptability as the key to sustained excellence. Through targeted conditioning sessions, therapeutic treatments, and personalized wellness consultations, Tatsuya’s hands-on approach reshapes the body’s readiness from the very first touch.

Dr. Fabio Paciucci – Holistic Wellness Residency

Dr. Fabio Massimo Paciucci is a certified Transformational Breath Facilitator and Hatha Yoga instructor specializing in holistic wellness. Integrating Reiki, ancient Russian shamanic traditions, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, he clears energetic blockages and addresses the emotional roots of physiological imbalances.

His program blends acupuncture, gua sha, cupping, moxibustion, Reiki, breathwork, and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), alongside regenerative facial therapies. Focused on balance, mindfulness, and renewal, his approach empowers individuals to restore and sustain optimal well-being.

Apéritif & Pinstripe – Sumba 7 Journey

NIHI® Sumba is thrilled to partner with two of Indonesia’s finest dining and bar experiences: Apéritif and Pinstripe Bar, Ubud-Bali. From May 24TH to 25TH, indulge in a culinary journey that features flavors inspired by the historic Spice Islands, seamlessly blended with modern European influences. Under the expertise of Belgian Executive Chef Nic Vanderbeeken and Head Mixologist Panji, expect to experience vibrant new tastes that will bring fresh colors to Sumba.

Drawing inspiration from the unique Sumba 7 ingredients, Chef Nic and Mixologist Panji will craft a special tasting menu paired with exquisite cocktails designed specifically for this event. The powerful biodynamic plants, roots, and herbs from the Wallace Line – Cinnamon, Betel Nut, Magoesten, Golden Turmeric, Coriander Seed, Ginger, and Galangal – will take center stage in this gastronomic experience.

Neil Dankoff

Neil, from Montreal, studied Film & Communications at McGill before moving to Toronto in 1998, where he became hooked on digital photography with a 1.3-megapixel Olympus.

He developed a unique style of panoramic landscape photography, using a Phase One medium format camera to combine multiple images with varying exposures and focal points.

Neil gained recognition in the Toronto art scene, represented by Lonsdale Gallery. After traveling to Africa in 2013 with Derek and Kirsty Stern, he expanded his photography to global destinations. In 2015, they opened Kandy Gallery in Montreal. Neil’s commission for Hotel X Toronto, which included over 800 images, became the largest fine art photography transaction in Canadian history. He opened Kandy Gallery Toronto in 2018 and Kandy Gallery Memphis later that year.

Alex Scrimgeour – Bodywork Therapy

Alex is a highly-trained Bodywork Therapist specializing in Dien Chan Facial Reflexology. After completing a degree in Acupuncture in 2011, he undertook clinical internships at the Institute of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine in Saigon, where he first learnt about Dien Chan.

Passionate about helping people achieve optimum health and wellbeing, he studied in a wide range of therapeutic modalities from Tui-Na to Thai Massage, Deep Tissue to Qigong. His signature Dien Chan treatment releases the hidden tension and emotional stress that builds up in the background of busy modern lifestyles.

Nico de Soto – Shaken
& Stirred

Paris-born Nico de Soto began bartending in 2005, training in classic cocktails. After honing his craft in Melbourne, he returned to Paris, working at China Club, Mama Shelter, and the Experimental Cocktail Club.

In 2010, he helped launch Dram and PKNY in New York before becoming head mixologist for the Experimental Group, opening award-winning bars in London and New York. He later worked at 69 Colebrooke Row and Happiness Forgets in London before opening Mace in New York (2015), Danico in Paris (2016), Kaido in Miami (2018), and Wacky Wombat in London (2023). In 2024, he launched Kota, a pandan liqueur.

Inspired by travel and cuisine, Nico uses modern techniques like sous-vide, centrifugation, and rotovap distillation to craft unique flavors.

Emilie Nyman – Movement & Osteopathy

Emilie, a native of Norway, offers a wealth of expertise in wellness and health cultivated through her global adventures. With a foundation in Osteopathic Medicine and a specialization in women’s health, Emilie provides a holistic approach to well-being.

Her extensive experience in yoga and yogic philosophy spans over 17 years, making her a trusted guide in the realm of mindfulness and physical well-being. Through her tailored sessions and immersive retreat experiences, Emilie offers women and men alike, not just rejuvenation but also profound self-discovery. With a focus on biomechanics, neurology, and the spiritual essence of yoga, Emilie’s teachings foster deep connections between your mind, body, and spirit, providing a transformative journey for those seekers of wellbeing and rejuvenation.

Cody Wesseling – Performance Therapy

Having worked for 15 years as a physiotherapist and strength conditioning coach for elite athletes, teams and even ex-special forces soldiers, Cody has a strong knowledge when it comes to sport specific training and treatments. Cody has a holistic approach to fitness with a firm belief in movement being the medicine. He personally competes in CrossFit and Hyrox competitions but also coaches bodybuilding and toning classes, so is versatile in his approach.

Hands on treatments can consist of physiotherapy assessment/treatment, injury rehabilitation, dry needling and sports massage. Whether you want to build, burn, rehab or recharge, he can create a treatment that is specific to you.

Phil Davies – Hypnotherapy

Having been on his spiritual journey since his teen years, Phil has worked as a healer, practitioner and a facilitator of change for more than 20 years.

As a gifted healer offering his exceptional talents and a magnitude of skills to bring, fast, effective and lasting change, he specialises in guiding you beyond trauma, outdated belief systems and negative emotions.

Phil offers you an opportunity to find freedom, confidence, a deep connection with Self and increased peace.




Photography Services

  • Jason Childs

  • Jason Wolcott

Jason Childs

Jason is a world-famous photographer with a long association and history with NIHI Sumba, from both a personal and professional perspective.

He is considered to be one of the most respected and prolific photographers in surfing and his photography has been seen in every major surf magazine working with the best surfers in the world. His work is celebrated by NIHI’s longtime guests, who have become his friends.

Offering a unique tailor-made photographic and video experience, he can capture your stay in Sumba creating memories that you’ll never forget: surfing, water sports, portraits, riding and swimming with horses and other activities during your stay.

Jason Wolcott

Jason Wolcott, the world-renowned ocean sports photographer, has been behind the camera for over two and a half decades. Gracing more than 55 magazines covers and having 10,000+ images published in the water sports and travel genre makes him one of the most accomplished photographers in the action sports world.

His keen eye for visual perfection and innate ability to weave a story with words and photos showcases his talents as a creative Swiss army knife. In addition to that, he is also an acclaimed landscape, travel, and fine art photographer, as well as a videographer and aerial cinematographer.



Wellness Menu

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    Equestrian Specialist

    Experience the joy of bitless riding at NIHI Sumba. Our dedicated team of horse whisperers and horsemen prioritize the well-being of our majestic horses, offering guided rides along the beach or through rainforests. Connect with these gentle giants, improve your riding skills, and find inner peace. Discover the transformative power of horses in a natural and harmonious setting.

    Photography Services

    Allow one of our in-house photographers to create a unique tailor-made photographic and video experience for you. They can capture your stay in Sumba creating memories that you’ll never forget: surfing, water sports, portraits, riding and swimming with horses and other activities during your stay.


    the other side of wellness


    Feel free to contact us if you need any further information