Unbridled Freedom: A Hotel with Horses on Sumba’s Wild Coast

By nihi Uncategorized

Guests may first meet the herd at Nihiwatu Beach, where ponies gallop along the shoreline and invite you to ride, wade, or simply walk beside them in the waves. Others may find their way to Nihioka Spa, a secluded wellness sanctuary where retired horses graze quietly, offering their grounding presence as part of NIHI’s holistic healing rituals.

Whether you’re joining a beach ride at sunrise, swimming with horses in warm, sparkling waters, or engaging in NIHI’s equine wellness programs or retreats, the connection between horse and human here is raw, personal, and deeply transformative.

Explore This Story:

Equine Experiences: From beach rides to swimming in the sea, connect with Sumba’s spirited horses, your way.
Equine Wellness: Explore rejuvenating, healing sessions, including yoga, Reiki, and massage, all shared in the company of the herd.
Equine Retreats: Go deeper with multi-day journeys that blend horses, healing, and the natural beauty of Sumba.

Equine Experiences at the Edge of Wildness

At NIHI Sumba, every horse encounter is rooted in joyful discovery, not just riding. Whether you’re new to horses or have years in the saddle, the experiences at NIHI Sandalwood Stables and beyond allow you to engage with these native Sumba animals in freeing and memorable ways.

Horse Riding Lessons
Private or small group horse riding lessons are offered for guests of all skill levels, with a gentle introduction to horsemanship both in the arena and along the beach. Riders learn to communicate with NIHI’s Sumba horses naturally and confidently.

Beach Horse Rides
Ride along the sweeping 2.5 km stretch of Nihiwatu Beach, where golden sand meets turquoise water. Whether you choose a slow, rhythmic stroll or pick up the pace through the shallows, every moment of your beach ride reveals the raw beauty of Sumba’s coastline lit by the glow of dawn or dusk.

Horse Trail Rides
These trail rides take you beyond the beach and into Sumba’s rural heart, through rice fields, palm groves, jungle trails, and local villages. Riders often encounter water buffalo crossings and cheerful children waving from the roadside as they explore the island’s untouched beauty at a relaxed, natural pace. The journey ends with an optional gallop along Nihiwatu Beach as you return home, bringing a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Swimming with Horses
One of NIHI’s most iconic experiences, swimming with horses takes place in the warm, shallow waters of the Indian Ocean. Bareback and guided by local horsemen, you can enjoy the waves as your horse splashes beneath you. Indulge in a playful, liberating experience that captures the unique carefree spirit of Sumba.

Children’s Horse Riding & Pony Club
At NIHI Sumba, children as young as three can discover the joy of riding in a safe, supportive setting. Guided children’s riding sessions in the riding enclosure help little ones build strength in the saddle – and beyond. More experienced young riders can trot, play pony games, and connect more deeply with their horse.

For kids aged 5 to 11, the Pony Club offers hands-on learning in grooming, feeding, and caring for the horses, nurturing curiosity, responsibility, and lasting confidence.

Due to the smaller build of Sumbanese ponies, we enforce a weight limit of 85 kg (187 lbs) for beach rides and swimming with horses, and 75 kg (165 lbs) for all other rides to ensure the safety and well-being of our horses.

Experience More with Ride & Recharge

Looking for more time in the saddle? The Ride & Recharge program offers multi-day equine journeys that invite you to step into Sumba’s living story, in misty jungle trails, along golden beaches, and through villages steeped in tradition. Each package blends exploration with restoration: from Sunrise Splash, a gentle introduction with a riding lesson, a ride on the beach as the sun rises or sets, and a swim in the sea, to Elite Ride, an adventurous itinerary that includes sunset gallops and treks through Sumba’s lush natural landscapes. You might find yourself trotting past water buffalo, pausing for a fresh coconut in a village, or riding to Nihioka Spa to unwind.

Whether you’re easing in or ready to roam far, every experience is crafted to unlock your curiosity, move your body, and awaken your sense of joy.
To begin planning your equine adventure, reach out to our team at [email protected].  We’re here to help you craft your own off-script experience.

Equine Wellness: The Healing Power of Equine Connection

Few places in the world offer wellness through horses the way NIHI Sumba’s Nihioka Spa does. Here, healing takes on a simpler, wilder form, guided not just by experienced therapists, but by the gentle companionship of Sumba’s native horses. These rare equine encounters invite you to tune into stillness and delight in freedom and exploration. Discover an unexpected path to wellness, guided by horses, grounded in nature and truly transformative.

Choose from a series of one-of-a-kind experiences:

Equine Connection

Equine Connection is an immersive experience designed to help you harness the grounding power of Sumba’s horses. Rooted in the island’s rich equestrian traditions and guided by four thoughtful pillars (Equine-Essence, Equine-Seen, Equine-Tuned, and Equine-Feel), each session invites you to take what you need, exploring trust, mindfulness, communication, and leadership through horse-human interaction.

You’re free to shape the Equine Connection experience to reflect your own journey, choosing the areas that resonate most with your unique goals. Sessions can be booked individually or as a series.

Yoga with Horses
In this equine yoga session, you’ll connect with your horse through breathwork and mindful movement beside or on the horse. With space for only three guests, it’s a rare and personal practice that invites you to truly awaken your senses.

Reiki with Horses
This energy-healing session invites you to release and restore. As you receive Reiki from a certified practitioner, the gentle presence of the horses amplifies the experience, enhancing emotional clarity, calming the nervous system, and inviting a profound sense of peace rooted in nature’s rhythms.

Massage with Horses
Let your body melt into deep relaxation with a massage enhanced by the reassuring energy of a nearby horse. The rhythmic flow of touch creates a soothing sensory experience that leaves you feeling renewed.

Contact our Wild Wellness team to learn more.

Equine Retreats: A Deeper Journey

NIHI Sumba’s Equine Retreats go beyond the saddle to offer something rare: a fully immersive escape shaped by the spirit of the herd and Sumba itself. Over several days, guests blend riding, exploration, and wellness therapies in a setting where horses are more than companions; they’re co-guides. With tailored activities designed for all levels, these retreats invite you to explore Sumba’s unspoiled terrain, reconnect with yourself, and move through the world in your own way.

Equine Intuitive Awareness Retreat

The Equine Intuitive Awareness Retreat is a limited opportunity to experience NIHI Sumba at its most authentic. Led by Carol Sharpe, known on the island as the original “horse whisperer,” this five-night retreat is perfect for solo travelers, couples, and anyone navigating personal change. Set against the raw landscapes of Sumba, each day blends guided equine sessions, yoga, intuitive healing, and more with space for rest, mindfulness, joy, and connection. You’ll move through sunrise meditations with the herd, ocean swims with horses, and village visits that honor the island’s deep-rooted traditions. With only a handful of participants, this retreat offers rare access to Carol’s teachings and connection with NIHI’s horses.

This retreat is offered September 17-22, 2025. Reach out to NIHI’s team at [email protected] to reserve your place.

NIHI Sumba: A Hotel with Horses, and So Much More

At NIHI Sumba, the magic of horses is woven into the very fabric of the experience, creating moments that untangle you and open you to the unexpected. The spirited energy of the Sumba ponies, set against the backdrop of Sumba’s untamed beauty, invites you to discover a sense of freedom within yourself.

Ready to experience the transformative power of NIHI Sumba’s equine encounters?
Contact our team at [email protected] to begin planning your unforgettable journey to where horses roam free and where your own wild heart can find its rhythm. We look forward to welcoming you.

Things to Do in Bali: Nature, Culture, and Beautiful Escapes

By nihi Uncategorized

Bali is a place of endless postcards: emerald rice terraces, ancient temples, and sun-drenched shores. But for those who crave something more, such as a sense of wonder, freedom, and real connection, the journey doesn’t end there.

Beyond Bali’s well-worn paths (and a mere 50 minute flight from the bustling island) lies NIHI Sumba, a breathtaking destination that brings you into lavish landscapes, once in a lifetime encounters, and tropical adventure.

If Bali is where your dream begins, Sumba is the hidden gem where it expands. What awaits you is not a checklist of tourist sights. It is an invitation to explore Sumba through water, land, culture, and spirit activities. Each experience is designed for you to enjoy at your own pace.

Flow: Things to Do in the Water

In Bali, water draws travelers in, whether for surfing its iconic breaks, lounging on warm beaches, or visiting sacred springs and waterfalls. It’s central to the island’s culture and a big reason so many come here in the first place. But just beyond Bali, Sumba’s water is pristine, less crowded, and more untouched.  Sumba’s ocean experiences are shaped by the flow of nature, not hectic schedules.

Here are just a few of Sumba’s many ways to immerse yourself in water.

Begin at the Edge: Nihiwatu Beach

At the heart of NIHI Sumba is Nihiwatu Beach, a two-and-a-half-kilometer stretch of golden sand. Framed by cliffs and jungle, this breathtaking shoreline promises joy and relaxation. Whether you rise early for a beach ride, paddle out to chase waves, or simply feel the pull of the tide as you walk barefoot at dusk, Nihiwatu is the kind of place that doesn’t ask anything of you, yet gives everything back.

Surf Legendary Waves at NIHI
You can ride Occy’s Left, one of the world’s most coveted left-hand waves. For experienced surfers, it offers a rare mix of challenge, power, and solitude. For newer surfers, gentler waters at Nihiwatu or at Coconut Cove provide the perfect introduction with instruction and support from the NIHI team.

Swim with Horses

This isn’t an entertainment show or a lesson, but a  healing equine experience in the sea. You can wade into the warm water of Nihiwatu Beach to swim on horseback, and experience movement, trust, and joy like never before.

Snorkel At A Vibrant Reef
Just offshore, colorful coral walls host an ever-shifting gallery of stunning marine life. Snorkeling at NIHI is an intimate adventure, with ideal conditions on calmer days when the sea opens up in  crystal clear clarity and reveals bright, beautiful colors.

Dive deeper into the rhythm of the sea, and explore all of NIHI’s ocean adventures here.

Root: Things To Do On Land

Where Bali’s inland trails often lead to curated views and bustling landmarks, Sumba invites you into something more unfiltered. Here, paths aren’t just routes—they’re stories. Follow them through rice paddies,
past thatched-roof villages, and into landscapes shaped not by tourism, but by tradition, labor, and time.

These grounded experiences, representing just some of what NIHI Sumba’s has to offer, allow you to slow down, connect with the island’s culture and beauty, and see the world differently. Keep an eye out for Sumba’s exotic wildlife along the way, such as long-tailed macaques, reticulated pythons, Nusa Tenggara paradise-flycatchers, or citron-crested cockatoos.

Discover Hidden Waterfalls

Sumba’s waterfalls are exquisite. Trek through protected jungle to reach the turquoise basin of Matayangu at Blue Waterfall, or climb beside the mossy rocks of Lapopu as water roars and mist rises. Each route reveals not only stunning scenery, but a total tropical immersion that stays with you for life.

Walk the Rice Island Trail

This two-hour journey moves from beach to valley, tracing a path through NIHI’s neighboring valley where farmers tend their crops by hand and water buffalo graze nearby. It’s not a tour, but an experience of local life that ends with a quiet picnic overlooking rice paddies in a place few travelers ever reach.

Follow the Highland Path
In the Lamboya Highlands, the island opens wide. Drive to the ridge, hike down toward the river, and pass through hilltop hamlets nearly untouched by time. Pause to take in the view, or continue on toward the elevated jungle of “Rice Island,” where presence replaces pace.

Trek to Coconut Cove
Ascend through palm forest, visit Sumbanese homes, and arrive at a secluded cove where sea and sand wait with quiet welcome. This half-day adventure is less about the destination and more about who you meet, what you notice, and how the land leaves its mark on you.

Discover NIHI’s full range of treks, trails, and nature encounters here.

Immerse: Things to Do That Connect You to The Local Culture

Sumba’s culture is rich with spirit. Unlike Bali, where cultural performances frequently cater to travelers, Sumba’s traditions are lived. Its people continue to practice ancestral rituals, from megalithic burials to sacred festivals, in villages where time moves a little differently. While change touches the island, it does so gently—seamlessly woven into the ancient atmosphere.

At NIHI, you’re not just observing from a distance. Culture is something you step into, whether by picking up a loom, joining a school visit, or learning what spices belong in the village’s favorite dish.

Learn the Ancient Art of Ikat Weaving

Step into the world of ikat, a traditional dyeing and weaving technique that takes months, and often years, to master. Sit beside Sumbanese women as they transform hand-spun thread into vibrant, symbolic patterns that speak of ancestry, status, and protection. Each piece is a story, and you’re welcomed into the conversation.

Teach English at a Local School

Travel with The Sumba Foundation to a nearby school where NIHI guests are welcomed into lively English lessons. Through song, games, and laughter, you’ll help students grow their confidence and curiosity. It’s a chance to give back—and to receive a genuine connection in return.

Learn to Cook Traditional Indonesian Dishes

Sumba’s culinary roots stretch across Indonesia’s diverse traditions, remaining grounded in local gardens, sea harvests, and slow, purposeful preparation. Join NIHI’s chefs for a class that begins in the organic gardens and ends at the stove, where you’ll craft Indonesian dishes full of the Island’s delicious flavors.

Step into the story of Sumba. Learn more about NIHI’s many cultural offerings here.

Awaken: Things to Do that Nourish Body and Spirit

Some destinations offer wellness as a limited program. At NIHI, it’s something you experience your whole visit. Here, the land itself invites you to slow down, breathe deeper, and return to yourself. Whether through active movement, stillness, or connection with the island’s natural inhabitants, Sumba opens space for wellness that feels as natural as the tide.

Embark on a Spa Safari

Tucked into a remote corner of the island, Nihioka is more than a spa; it’s a natural sanctuary. Begin your journey with a trek, horse-ride, or open-air car ride along rice fields and cliffside paths, arriving at a cluster of open-air bales facing the sea. Treatments are unhurried and elemental: massage, reiki, reflexology, bodywork, and more.

Retired Sumba sea horses graze nearby, lending their calm presence to the space. These gentle companions are not only part of the scenery, they also participate in NIHI’s equine wellness offerings, including reiki with horses, massage with horses, yoga with horses, and equine connection sessions.
Whether you stay for just an hour or linger all day, time here feels suspended… and you are sure to leave feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

Join a Visiting Guru

NIHI welcomes global wellness leaders throughout the year, including osteopaths, bodyworkers, meditation experts, movement therapists, hypnotherapists, and more. Their talents, combined with the island’s natural energy, create space for deep rest and new perspectives. No two residencies are alike, and that’s the point: healing here is meant to meet you where you are.

Explore the Healing Power of Horses

Sumba’s native Sandalwood horses are more than majestic creatures. They’re active participants in NIHI’s equine wellness sessions. These refreshing experiences blend touch, movement, and energy work, inviting you to engage in massage, yoga, and reiki alongside a very special herd of Sumba’s horses.

Go Deeper With a Guided Retreat

Throughout the year, NIHI hosts curated retreats that go deeper than typical wellness offerings. Led by expert practitioners, these immersive programs allow guests to explore movement, stillness, creativity, and self-inquiry in community with others. Whether it’s the Equine Intuitive Awareness retreat or a leadership-focused journey into the island’s wildness, each retreat is shaped by the energy of Sumba itself. You’ll have the opportunity to restore, reveal, and renew.
Reconnect with the wild within. Discover the variety of transformative wellness offerings at NIHI.

Beyond Bali: Begin Where the Map Ends

You’ve felt the pull of Bali’s shores. Now follow it a little farther to a place where horses swim, rivers carve secret trails, and every moment prompts you to live a little less scripted. At NIHI, adventure doesn’t come with an itinerary. It begins with curiosity and unfolds from there.

To start planning your trip, email us at [email protected]  or reach out to +62 811-3821-2910.

Where Luxury Meets the Ultimate Honeymoon Escape

By nihi Uncategorized

The Ultimate Luxury Honeymoon Destination in Indonesia – NIHI Sumba

In a world of predictable honeymoon destinations, NIHI Sumba emerges as a sanctuary for couples seeking a profound connection—not just with each other, but with nature, culture, and purpose.

Located on Indonesia’s remote Sumba Island, just a short flight from Bali, NIHI Sumba offers an unparalleled blend of untamed beauty and refined luxury. Recognized repeatedly as a global leader in luxury travel, NIHI has received numerous prestigious accolades, including being nominated as the Best Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure for two consecutive years. In 2025, it was named the inaugural winner of The Edge List by Forbes. Additionally, it ranked #10 in the world and #1 in Indonesia on The World’s 50 Best list for 2024, and #18 in the world in the 2023 edition — just to name a few.

With 28 uniquely designed villas, each offering private pools, sweeping ocean views, and direct access to world-class surf, NIHI invites you to experience a honeymoon that transcends the ordinary. Luxury lives in the details through thoughtful hospitality, immersive experiences, and an emphasis on genuine human connections.

The Ultimate Couple’s Playground

The resort’s ethos,  on the “Edge of Wildness,”” encapsulates its commitment to creating experiences that honor the land and its people. And what better way to begin your life together as a couple than in a place that mirrors the kind of foundation you hope to build: grounded in purpose, full of wonder, and deeply connected to the world around you.

Our activities are driven by this intention; to immerse you in the island’s culture through its unspoiled nature and views. We design every moment with comfort in mind to present the true soul and spirit of Sumba. Each villa is a haven of privacy and comfort, featuring private plunge pools and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Here, the world fades away—and what’s left is just the two of you, exactly where you’re meant to be.

Curated Experiences: Crafting Memories Together

At NIHI Sumba, every experience is an opportunity to deepen your bond and create lasting memories. Whether you’re riding horseback through the surf at sunset, sharing a quiet moment while indulging in the spa treatments in one of the cliffside bales at Nihioka Spa, or exploring a waterfall hand-in-hand, these aren’t just activities—they’re milestones in your story. When you step outside your comfort zone together, try something new, and truly disconnect from the noise of everyday life, you build a foundation of shared adventure and trust. And there’s no place that delivers them quite like NIHI. Some of our favorite adventures include:

• Wellness: The Nihioka Spa is an extraordinary holistic immersion that fuses the rawness of nature with luxury and the best in healing practices. Situated 15 minutes by car from the main resort on 100 acres of pristine land, surrounded by rice fields, jungle and ocean, our spa offers a unique blend of wellness and connection to nature. The iconic Spa Safari™ is an experience unto itself. Travel by foot, horse, or open-air safari vehicle to nearby Nihioka valley. Upon arrival a healthy cooked breakfast or lunch is offered with views of the vast ocean. You have the option to enjoy any number of spa treatments from full body massage, cooling and rejuvenating wraps, organic facials, and body scrubs, to foot reflexology using natural and local ingredients. In between treatments, guests can explore the wild beaches below, palm tree forest, or float in our freshwater infinity pool. Return to the resort in an open-air vehicle either at midday or as the sun begins to set, having experienced both adventure and serenity in equal wondrous measures.
• Swimming with the Horses: ​Experience the thrill of connecting with your horse as they wade, splash, and play in the saltwater waves. Meet our Sumba ponies on Nihiwatu^®️ beach for a peaceful bareback ride in the Indian Ocean. Your guide will lead you into the crystal-clear waters by the Boathouse, where both you and your horse can enjoy the refreshing ocean for a a truly unique experience
• Surfing at Occy’s Perfect Left: Whether you’re seasoned surfers or eager beginners, tackle this activity together. ​NIHI^® Sumba has earned a reputation as being home to one of the world’s most exclusive and coveted waves.
• Cultural Immersion: ​Step into the heart of Sumba by visiting traditional villages, engaging with local artisans, and participating in community projects. These moments of connection enrich your journey with meaning, gratitude, and understanding.
• Culinary Romance: NIHI’s all-inclusive dining is crafted with ingredients sourced from our own organic gardens, local farms, and daily catches from nearby fishermen. Enjoy chef-curated meals that showcase the rich flavors of Sumba—served wherever you’d like, whether it’s in your villa, a private dining setup on the beach under the stars, or in a romantic hidden spot curated just for two. Every meal is an opportunity to slow down, savor, and connect.

NIHI Forever: Celebrating Enduring Love

NIHI Sumba believes that love should be celebrated not just once, but forever. With the exclusive “NIHI Forever” offer, couples who honeymoon in 2025 in a Marangga category villa or higher are invited to return for a complimentary stay of equal length on their seventh anniversary in 2032. This exclusive offering speaks volumes about NIHI’s belief in lasting connection and its commitment to love that endures. It’s a rare gesture in the hospitality world—one that shows just how deeply NIHI invests in your story. Because here, love isn’t treated as a one-time event—it’s something to be nurtured, revisited, and celebrated again and again.

Sustainability and Community: Love with Purpose

Here, luxury and responsibility go hand in hand. Beyond the accommodations and curated experiences, NIHI Sumba is deeply rooted in sustainability and community empowerment. Through initiatives led by Burch Family Foundation, the resort supports local education , nutrition,healthcare, allowing guests to contribute to meaningful change during their stay. Each stay directly supports the Foundation, which has transformed local communities through many projects. Most notably, supporting clean water access, hospitality education programs, school lunches for local children, health clinics, and much more. You don’t just honeymoon here, you become part of something meaningful. “

Ready to Begin your forever?

A honeymoon at NIHI Sumba is more than a romantic getaway; it’s the beginning of a shared adventure, a commitment to purposeful living, and a celebration of love in its purest form. For couples seeking an experience that resonates beyond the ordinary, NIHI Sumba awaits.​

Choose your perfect sanctuary:

Marangga Villa
NIHI’s most intimate retreat. A one-bedroom hideaway with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, a private pool, and a beach cliff bale. Walk just steps from your lush, secluded backyard for direct ocean access.

Marangga Occy’s
Cozy, convenient, and kissed by the sound of waves. This one-bedroom villa features a private pool, an indoor tub for two, and a beautifully designed suite that opens onto your own garden deck and outdoor shower—perfect for quiet mornings and moonlit nights.

Villa Rahasia
Perched in complete privacy, this stand-alone “honeymoon villa” is a true lover’s haven. Tucked away atop the resort at Spa Safari, it offers uninterrupted serenity and natural beauty—a one-night escape that feels like an entire world of its own.

Love isn’t just celebrated. It’s honored, nourished, and made eternal. If your love story isn’t average, why should your honeymoon be?

Note: For bookings and inquiries, please contact us [email protected]  to craft a stay that’s worthy of your once-in-a-lifetime love.

NIHI Sumba: A Family Holiday That Becomes Part of Your Story

By nihi Uncategorized

Luxury Family Travel at NIHI Sumba: A Five-Star Island Escape for All Ages

Most vacations offer an escape. NIHI Sumba offers a return: to wonder, to connection, and to each other. Hidden on the untouched coastline of Sumba Island, Indonesia, NIHI isn’t simply a luxury resort. It’s a place where families rediscover what it means to play, to rest, and to be fully present. Here, every sunrise invites a new chapter in your family’s shared story. Every experience, from wild adventures to spectacular dinners, deepens your bond. It’s not just a break from routine, it’s a portal into what matters most.

A Home Unlike Anywhere Else

NIHI Sumba is a wild and exciting second home for your family, set among lush tropical jungles, clear blue ocean, and an endless, untouched beach. Children are free to run barefoot, let their imaginations soar, and live out their wildest island dreams — all while surrounded by five-star service.

Whether you’re settling into the Lulu Amahu Saudara Villa, a two-bedroom including King and Twin-sized beds for young families, or gathering the whole family at the Lantoro Estate equipped with four bedrooms and  private pool, NIHI gives you space to spread out and draw close. With indoor-outdoor living, private plunge pools, sweeping ocean views, every detail invites you to slow down and soak in the moment.

Families with teenagers love the Mamole Treehouse Villa, where sleeping among the treetops offers a real-life Peter Pan fantasy. And for multigenerational escapes or milestone celebrations, Mandaka’s 9-bedroom estate offers the ultimate setting for luxurious togetherness.

We believe that true luxury for families isn’t just about amenities, it’s about experiences that bring you closer.

The Island Is Your Playground

At NIHI, the island becomes a playground in the truest sense. Families can choose from a range of shared or independent experiences tailored to their pace and interests. Kids aren’t just entertained, they’re engaged. They learn by doing, exploring, and interacting with the world around them in safe and inspiring ways.

From horseback rides with gentle Sumbanese ponies to discovering tide pools and jungle trails, each activity is intentionally designed to spark curiosity and connection. Our NIHI® Wildlings program goes far beyond the typical hotel “kids club.” It’s a dynamic space for imaginative play, cultural learning, sensory exploration, and new friendships. Children are dropped off in the morning for a full day of care and exciting activities, while parents enjoy their adult focus time before the kids are picked up in the afternoon. Lunch is also part of the daily program.

Wide-open spaces and nature-infused experiences help children build confidence while offering parents something almost impossible to find on a typical family trip: time for themselves. Whether it’s through a massage at the Nihioka Spa, a long lunch overlooking the ocean, a sunrise yoga session, or a day of surfing or hikes, there are endless ways to recharge, guilt-free.

Culinary Adventures for Every Appetite

To nourish body and spirit before and after each adventure, dining at NIHI is a celebration in itself. Our culinary offerings are crafted with intention, featuring ingredients harvested from our organic gardens and fresh daily catch brought in by local Sumbanese fishermen.

• At Nio Beach Club, guests can enjoy a laidback menu featuring rotisserie-grilled meats, fishes, and the daily catch, served steps from the sand.
• The Boathouse Bar is perfect for sunset cocktails.
• Ombak, our main open-air restaurant, offers elevated Indonesian-inspired dishes using fresh produce from our on-site garden and freshly caught fish. Great for a dinner under the stars.
• For an intimate and refined culinary journey, indulge in an Omakase experience at Kaboku—NIHI’s elegant indoor, temperature-controlled dining space. This experience is not part of the all-inclusive experience and needs to be prebooked, with an additional charge.

For curious eaters, join our chefs in a hands-on family cooking class using traditional Sumbanese ingredients. For picky ones, rest easy knowing we cater to all dietary needs and preferences with creativity and care.

A Living Lesson in Culture and Compassion

The magic of NIHI isn’t just in the activities or landscape. It’s in the people.

Many team members come from the surrounding villages of Sumba and bring with them a spirit of warmth, authenticity, and deep cultural knowledge. Guests are invited to take part in immersive local experiences; from visiting traditional artisans to helping deliver water filters to nearby communities.

The Burch Family Foundation, works across the island on numerous projects to provide clean water, healthcare, education, and economic support. Families can learn about this work firsthand, offering children and adults alike a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it.

The Kind of Holiday That Stays With You

Families come to NIHI SUMBA seeking rest and adventure. They leave with something much more enduring: a renewed sense of what really matters and a collection of shared memories that become part of their family’s story.

If you’re dreaming of a holiday that feels different in all the right ways, come home to NIHI. We’ll be here, ready to welcome you into our world and help you write the next unforgettable chapter of yours.

You’ll leave rested, reconnected, and ready for whatever comes next, together.