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
Across the last 20 years, NIHI Sumba stands alone as the only hotel to be crowned Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Hotel in two consecutive years. In 2024, we were named Indonesia’s Best Hotel by Condé Nast Traveler and ranked #10 by The World’s 50 Best Hotels. In 2025, we proudly won the inaugural Forbes Travel Edge List, embodying the Edge of Wildness.
Nihigram
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.
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.
No AI. No filters. No added sound. Just pure, raw, beautiful moments, straight off the phone.
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This is how your day starts at NIHI.
This is not AI. This is NIHI.
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On the island of Sumba, horses are part of everyday life. Woven through generations in tradition, ceremony, and culture. Symbols of freedom, strength, and spirit.
Each day across the island of Sumba, locals bring their horses to the shoreline, where they wade into the sea to bathe and swim in the saltwater. A ritual as old as the island itself.
Where horses race along the shoreline and every moment feels untouched. The sight of @nihi’s herd galloping down the white sand of Nihiwatu Beach is unforgettable. Framed by the Indian Ocean and swaying palm trees, this is a type of magic you can only find and feel on the Edge of Wildness.
Happy Easter from all of us at NIHI. 🐰
Easter festivities spanned the entire weekend, with moments of celebration for guests of all ages. Children gathered for egg painting, arts and crafts, face painting, and set off with baskets in hand for the Easter egg hunt.
A special performance by the choir from English Goes to Kampung filled the afternoon with music, while families came together to enjoy festive Easter dining.
A joyful weekend of colour, creativity, and celebration. Happy Easter from the Edge of Wildness.
No trending audio required. Mandaka Sumba House 2 at @nihi is a quiet villa of tranquility that makes you feel like you’ve found your dream home away from home. This two-bedroom retreat immerses you in the magic of Sumba through soft natural light, a private waterfall pool, views that make you pause, and the ever-present possibility of the unexpected.
Explore the island’s terrain at speed or at leisure. The choice is yours as you pedal on 4 premium e-bikes that you can take with your friends and family through paradise.
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Cycle from @nihi and wind your way along sun-dappled trails. Scenic routes that range from 5km to as long as 30km, each one designed to immerse you into the beauty of the island. Explore the island’s landscapes and sample the local culture as you sail past traditional villages. By the end of your exhilarating ride, you’ll be rewarded at the end with lunch, refreshing coconuts and breathtaking picturesque views of the island.
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You can also begin your Spa Safari adventure on two wheels. Cycle from the resort to NIHI Spa, a place that is only describable as paradise. Tucked away in a different part of the island, this scenic journey adds an extra layer of immersion to your therapeutic experience.
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Whether you’re after a gentle ride or a safari-style adventure, your biking journey takes you on a fun and memorable exploration of the Edge of Wildness.
Perched high above @nihi, overlooking Nihiwatu, Hillrise Villa opens out to sweeping panoramic views of beach, ocean, and horizon. A one-bedroom private retreat designed for complete escape. Spend your days in a pool at the edge of it all and your evenings catching uninterrupted sunsets.
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