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
When the day begins with breakfast overlooking the ocean as wild horses wander along Nihiwatu Beach, all while you sip your morning coffee. You can feel the world slow down. There’s no rush here, only time to listen to the soothing rhythm of the waves, to watch the horses wade into the water, and to wander barefoot down the path until you’re standing among the herd. It’s moments like this when you know you’re not somewhere ordinary. You’re at @nihi.
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#nihigram by @mathilde_capp
Experience the powerful blend of energy healing and nature with a reiki session at NIHI Spa. Surrounded by the gentle presence of our Sumba horses, you’ll be guided by our expert healer, Lina, through a deeply restorative equine reiki experience designed to bring balance, clarity, and connection.
As first light filters through the palm trees, catching the rising mist and hitting the rolling waves, magic stirs to life. At @nihi, the wonder of untamed nature is all around you, waiting to be discovered. Swim in your private pool overlooking the wild beauty of Sumba, where jungle, ocean, and sky exist in perfect harmony. Welcome to the Edge of Wildness.
Woven into the experience of staying at @nihi, the ancient traditions of the island remain deeply present.
In the fading light on Nihiwatu Beach, the silhouettes of Sumbanese warriors stand against the sunset glow, looking out across the land where generations have carried the spirit of Sumba.
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#nihigram by @alifeiimagined
Discover the magic of @nihi, where days are filled with inspiring light, beautiful horses, romantic sunsets, and tranquil moments. These are the experiences you’ll have out on the Edge of Wildness.
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#nihigram by @gedewahyuu_
Nothing can quite explain @nihi’s Spa Safari - a wellness journey like no other.
Five kilometres from the resort, the experience begins long before the first treatment. Travel by trek, horseback, or safari vehicle through villages and rolling hills until the landscape opens to a spa hidden between rice fields and the ocean.
Set across 100 acres of Nihioka, this is wellness shaped by nature. Design your own experience with open-air treatments that unfold across hours, carried by ocean breezes and guided by skilled hands. Open-fire meals, hidden coves, equine connections, and even a private villa stay are all part of the magic awaiting at NIHI Spa.
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Embark from @nihi on a day cast away on Sumba’s untouched shores.
Set out by boat in the early morning to go fishing in the open waters where you’ll catch your own lunch before heading to the white sands of Konda Beach. Swim, snorkel, or paddle board in the peaceful turquoise waters before your catch is served at your own a private barefoot barbecue. The Robinson Crusoe Experience is a memorable day for those seeking an authentic island adventure.
Serene moments in tranquil surroundings. Here, the world beyond Sumba fades away. Palm trees sway in the breeze, waves roll gently onto shore, and horses wander freely along 2.5 kilometres of untouched beach. This is a place where the wildness of Sumba calms the mind, restores the soul, and invites you to slow down. Welcome to @nihi, your home at the Edge of Wildness.
A foot massage in paradise with a touch of equine magic.
Sit back and take in the tranquility and picturesque setting of NIHI Spa. A rejuvenating retreat set in the midst of palm trees with an ocean view.
To get to Nihioka from @nihi requires either a 90-minute scenic trek, a 10-minute drive by safari vehicle, or a journey by e-bike or horseback. However you choose to arrive, your reward is to arrive to a place surrounded by nature that is disconnected from everywhere else. Enjoy an ocean-view breakfast before beginning an immersive half-day NIHI Spa Safari experience, with three treatments chosen by you from the menu. Choices include a therapeutic horse massage as part of NIHI Sumba’s Equine Wellness offering.
NIHI Spa is an unforgettable experience where your mind, body, and nature move gently back into harmony.
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#nihigram by @catalinavonbonin @jonaways
Living in moments that feel almost unreal. At @nihi, there’s wild beauty all around you. A few barefoot steps bring you to Nihiwatu Beach where our horses roam and real magic exists.
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#nihigram by @jacgiltrow
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