Equine Intuitive Awareness Retreats

Healing Journeys
with NIHI’s Horse Whisperer

As part of our evolving equine offering, NIHI Sumba now presents private healing journeys with our horse whisperer, Carol.

Inspired by ancient wisdom and sacred practices, these immersive retreats include one to one equine healing sessions, cultural immersion, and time with our majestic Sandalwood horses, revered for their intuitive guidance and powerful healing presence. Each retreat is designed as a private experience, shaped around individual intention. Through one to one equine sessions, time in nature, and moments of cultural connection, no two journeys are the same. The rhythm is yours. The path unfolds as it needs to.

Overview

Growing up on a horse property in South Australia, Carol has always felt an intrinsic bond with horses. Embracing the challenge of working with Sumba’s beautiful yet untamed Sandalwood horses, Carol established our Sandalwood Stables over a decade ago. During this journey, Carol honed her skills in nonverbal communication, energy reading and healing, forming deep connections with the horses and the community. Her equine healing sessions have had a profound impact on guests, helping them to grow, heal and connect.

The Intuitive Awareness Retreats perfectly synergize with the spirit of NIHI and the animist beliefs of the island. Sumba’s ancient but living religion, Marapu, centres on the balance between the spirit world, humans and nature – including the island’s unique Sandalwood horses. As well as healing sessions, NIHI’s equine wellness experiences include reiki, yoga and massage, all harnessing the powerful healing presence of horses. Each experience offers a path to the transformative, healing power that flows from these majestic animals.

One-to-one equine-guided healing session with Carol, NIHI’s horse whisperer.
Energetic awareness and somatic practices inspired by Sumba’s natural elements.
Cultural immersion rooted in the island’s ancestral horse traditions.
Grounding rituals, yoga, oceanfront rides and NIHI’s signature Spa Safari.

A deeply personal journey, designed around individual intention.

Private equine retreats with Carol are open to all, regardless of age or riding experience. Both educational and spiritual in nature, each experience is centered on healing, growth, and a meaningful connection with both horses and self.

Private retreats are priced from USD 2,835++ per person for a minimum of three days, with additional nights available at USD 895++ per person, per day.

Retreat pricing excludes accommodation at NIHI Sumba.

** Prices are in USD and subject to a 21% tax and service charge.

Retreats are available year round with flexible timing and duration, beginning from a minimum of three days. We invite you to connect with our team to begin shaping your time, with scheduling guided by Carol’s availability.

SECURE YOUR PLACE

“I was looking to connect with animals, and specifically horses, as they had always held intrigue for me. When I discovered NIHI’s equine therapy retreat I was both curious and a little apprehensive as I’ve always been slightly scared of horses, but Carol made me feel instantly safe. We were invited to simply be with the herd, to observe, to listen, and to understand. I learned how horses mirror us, how they honour boundaries, and how powerful it is to build a connection before asking anything of them. It was deeply moving. What made this even more special was working with Carol, who knows each horse by name, by story, by spirit – many from birth. You don’t return from NIHI the same. You return with a deeper understanding of yourself, of nature, and of the quiet strength in just being. This is not something I have found in any other place in the world.”

– Baroness Rebecca Wedellsborg –
MAY 2025

Get in touch

For reservations or more information, please contact our

Travel Designers

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

"*" indicates required fields

Facebook

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Name*

Email*

Phone*

Country of Residence*

Message

Nihigram

Feel the quiet magic of @nihi’s herd on Nihiwatu Beach. Moving to an unhurried rhythm, they wade through the water and leave footprints in the sand before letting their spirits loose in a gallop along the shoreline. A beautiful reminder of what true freedom looks like.
.
#nihigram by @josepalbert @evelien_louise

360672

Open post by nihi with ID 17856765069638533

Feel the quiet magic of @nihi’s herd on Nihiwatu Beach. Moving to an unhurried rhythm, they wade through the water and leave footprints in the sand before letting their spirits loose in a gallop along the shoreline. A beautiful reminder of what true freedom looks like..#nihigram by @josepalbert @evelien_louise

From chasing waves to an unforgettable set on the sand at The Boathouse, @ziggyalberts kicks off the very first Sunset Session at @nihi.

59555

Open post by nihi with ID 18111562276831355

From chasing waves to an unforgettable set on the sand at The Boathouse, @ziggyalberts kicks off the very first Sunset Session at @nihi.

Morning swims at Putri Hillrise makes the world you know feel far away. A villa set high above @nihi that offers sweeping views of the Edge of Wildness and a true sense of escape.

2233107

Open post by nihi with ID 18321166549252942

Morning swims at Putri Hillrise makes the world you know feel far away. A villa set high above @nihi that offers sweeping views of the Edge of Wildness and a true sense of escape.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED: Last chance to win a stay at NIHI Sumba!

It’s the final few days before our competition for a 3-night stay on the Edge of Wildness ends. To celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse, one lucky follower will stay where horses roam and the days feel untamed. To have the chance to experience the magic of NIHI Sumba, all you have to do is:
* Follow @nihi
* Share this post to your story
Competition closes 30th April, 2026. Full T&C available in our link in BIO.

The Edge of Wildness is closer than you think!
.
#nihigram @alifeiimagined

139494547

Open post by nihi with ID 18461362435111093

Raw beauty, untamed adventure, and moments that stay with you forever. Welcome to @nihi. A place that stays with you long after you’ve left. Experience the magic in the spaces between nature and luxury. A retreat from the modern world out on the Edge of Wildness.

5411164

Open post by nihi with ID 17858157597635525

Raw beauty, untamed adventure, and moments that stay with you forever. Welcome to @nihi. A place that stays with you long after you’ve left. Experience the magic in the spaces between nature and luxury. A retreat from the modern world out on the Edge of Wildness.

Wake up to the wonder of untamed nature as first light filters through the palms and the mist rises.

@nihi is where breakfast is served slowly and enjoyed with the sight of horses to admire and the background sound of waves rolling in. Spend your days with quiet swims by the ocean or in the comfort of your own private haven. The Edge of Wildness awaits to be discovered.

7366232

Open post by nihi with ID 18119361259572880

Wake up to the wonder of untamed nature as first light filters through the palms and the mist rises.@nihi is where breakfast is served slowly and enjoyed with the sight of horses to admire and the background sound of waves rolling in. Spend your days with quiet swims by the ocean or in the comfort of your own private haven. The Edge of Wildness awaits to be discovered.

Experience Sumba’s ancient ways on Nihiwatu’s shoreline right in front of @nihi. On Mini Pasola nights by NIHI Sumba, you get an introduction to Sumba’s rich culture. Young riders from the nearby traditional villages pit their skills against one another by racing along the pristine white sand. A friendly and competitive race that guests can watch and cheer for. Proceeds go to the @sumbafoundation to help fund equipment the kids from the nearby villages may need for schooling.

145678

Open post by nihi with ID 18406073287176898

Experience Sumba’s ancient ways on Nihiwatu’s shoreline right in front of @nihi. On Mini Pasola nights by NIHI Sumba, you get an introduction to Sumba’s rich culture. Young riders from the nearby traditional villages pit their skills against one another by racing along the pristine white sand. A friendly and competitive race that guests can watch and cheer for. Proceeds go to the @sumbafoundation to help fund equipment the kids from the nearby villages may need for schooling.

As light hits the rolling waves, magic stirs to life. At @nihi, the wonder of untamed nature is all around you waiting for you to discover its charm. Welcome to the Edge of Wildness.

36171381

Open post by nihi with ID 17875239306577012

As light hits the rolling waves, magic stirs to life. At @nihi, the wonder of untamed nature is all around you waiting for you to discover its charm. Welcome to the Edge of Wildness.

Dive straight into sunset as the sky melts into the horizon. Perched above the ocean and tucked among the trees, Mamole Tree House is a place to slow down, let go, and take in the wild beauty.

2872118

Open post by nihi with ID 18093075233125364