With Love. For the people.
A rare and fascinating tale that began when Sumba’s ancestors, the ‘Marapu,’ landed on its secluded beach centuries ago.
Beliefs about their powers vary, but the Marapu spirit has remained a benevolent force on the island, protecting the way of life and attracting custodians whom honor and carry forth the heritage and stories of the Sumbanese people, past and present.
The same beach attracted Claude and Petra Graves in 1988, in search of the perfect wave. From this adventure emerged a vision to create a resort that would preserve and share the breathtaking beauty of Sumba with those who would truly appreciate it. The beach of Nihiwatu, meaning “mortar stone,” was named by early settlers for its isolated rock formation along the tide. The Graves aptly called the resort Nihiwatu for its surrounding legacy.
By 2012, stories of the unregulated freedom and beauty of NIHI reached renowned brand-building American entrepreneur Christopher Burch, who was told Claude was looking for help to expand the resort. Burch called on a friend from New York’s The Carlyle Hotel—South African-born hotelier James McBride, who was President of YTL Hotels in Singapore at the time—to visit Sumba.
Later that year, Burch’s trip with his three sons proved to be a milestone, as he acquired NIHI in partnership with McBride. The acquisition enabled substantial investment with the single priority to evolve NIHI into one of the best resorts in the world, an example of a sustainable operation in harmony with the environment and the Sumbanese people. Travel + Leisure readers globally have voted NIHI as the number one hotel in the world, in all categories, for 2016 & 2017 World’s Best Awards.
Chris Burch
OWNER
Chris Burch, founder and owner of Burch Creative Capital, has been an entrepreneur and active investor across a wide range of industries for forty years. Not only is he an extraordinary business man and creative mind, he is also the driving force of philanthropy where NIHI® is located, funding all operation costs, and giving back to the people of Sumba Island.
Chris Burch
OWNER
Chris Burch, founder and owner of Burch Creative Capital, has been an entrepreneur and active investor across a wide range of industries for forty years. Not only is he an extraordinary business man and creative mind, he is also the driving force of philanthropy where NIHI® is located, funding all operation costs, and giving back to the people of Sumba Island.
Where rugged luxury meets unregulated freedom, Burch Creative Capital invests in the human experience for travelers and locals alike. This naturally led to the establishment of The Sumba Foundation. A foundation committed to providing humanitarian aid, clean water, and creating educational programs, for the local community of Sumba, Indonesia.
“Chris’ kindness and care has touched the hearts of thousands of children and families in the constant quest for eradicating malnutrition for children, malaria by 90 %, and providing water wells to villages amongst many others. During the virus he supported the well being of thousands of people with his huge heart and exceptional generosity.” – James McBride, Partner & CEO, NIHI®.
James McBride
CO-FOUNDER & CEO
A global hotelier who has been at the helm of some of the world’s leading hotels during his thirty-five-year career. Known for his limitless creativity, clever marketing techniques, and exceptional hotel experiences, he has raised the bar in the hospitality industry.
James McBride
CO-FOUNDER & CEO
A global hotelier who has been at the helm of some of the world’s leading hotels during his thirty-five-year career. Known for his limitless creativity, clever marketing techniques, and exceptional hotel experiences, he has raised the bar in the hospitality industry.
James McBride started his journey at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, where he remained for fourteen years. He then spent a further nine years leading preeminent properties, before transitioning to hotel entrepreneur when he partnered with long-time friend and investor Christopher Burch on the acquisition of Nihiwatu, a coveted surf destination in Indonesia at the time.
For the past twelve years, James has not only ensured that NIHI® Sumba has consistently received top industry awards like Best Hotel in the World by Travel & Leisure for two consecutive years and x place on the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels list, he is enthusiastically working on the expansion of the brand to realize further opportunities grounded in NIHI®’s doctrine, Edge Of Wildness™, including two new properties, in Costa Rica and Rote Island, Indonesia.
Press & Awards
For over two decades, NIHI Sumba has stood among the world’s most extraordinary resorts and remains the only hotel in Travel + Leisure’s history to be named the #1 Hotel in the World for two consecutive years. In 2026, NIHI was awarded Three MICHELIN Keys for the second consecutive year and ranked #35 among The World’s 50 Best Hotels, following recognition from Condé Nast Traveller in 2024 and Forbes Travel in 2025.
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.
Take your Pilates practice somewhere extraordinary. This May, join Em Krzus of The Pilates Project for four nights of reformer Pilates at NIHI Sumba, with one of the world’s most beautiful views as your backdrop.
Alongside personalised instruction, the retreat includes the experiences that make NIHI so special: swimming with the horses, our signature Spa Safari and time to enjoy the resort at your own pace.
Places are extremely limited. Find out more via the link in our bio or send us a DM.
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
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.
Celebrate your wedding on the shores of Nihiwatu, with a beautifully set table on the beach, the sun setting and NIHI’s herd of Sumba Sea Horses wandering majestically by.
An extraordinary setting to gather with those you love, raise a glass and celebrate the beginning of your next chapter together.
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#nihigram by @tearosewedding
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. 🧡
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_
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.
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#nihigram by @fpvdylan
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