The Hawker Legends program at NIHI Sumba is a culinary series celebrating iconic street food masters whose humble, authentic dishes have nourished communities for generations. Throughout the year, renowned hawker chefs will be invited to the island to share their stories, techniques, and timeless comfort dishes. Each experience is rooted in heritage, community, and deep connection, reimagined through the NIHI lens.
The series opens in April with Soto Betawi H. Ma’ruf, one of Jakarta’s most storied culinary names. Founded in 1940, the institution has endured not through reinvention, but through consistency. Its recipe, defined by a delicately savory broth made with coconut milk and cow’s milk, has remained unchanged for generations. The guiding principle has always been simple: authenticity over excess.
DATE
9th – 11th April, 2026
From 1–14 June, we welcome visiting practitioner Carol Sharpe, NIHI’s renowned Horse Whisperer.
Lie in the quiet presence of our horses as Carol guides a deeply restorative Reiki experience. Through gentle energy work and the horses’ calm, heart-centred presence, stress softens and you are gently returned to the present moment, where healing begins.
Set beneath swaying palms at NIHI Spa, and accompanied by the soothing rhythm of the ocean, this unique Equine Wellness experience invites guests to slow down, reconnect, and experience the profound sense of peace that can arise in the presence of horses.
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. Remote by nature, refined by design.
Experience the place where Sumba’s raw beauty meets soulful renewal. Welcome to Nihioka, home of NIHI Spa.
The journey is part of the magic. Ride on horseback along the coast, travel by jeep through rolling hills, or trek at sunrise past rice fields and villages before arriving at this secluded sanctuary by the sea.
Beneath swaying palms and to the rhythm of the Indian Ocean, discover treatments designed to restore balance to body and spirit. Among Nihioka’s most unique offerings is its Equine Wellness experience, where retired horses guide guests through moments of connection, calm, and healing.
From equine reiki and yoga to the signature horse massage, guests are invited to experience the gentle presence of these remarkable animals in a way found nowhere else. Whether enjoying a Spa Safari, spending a day immersed in wellness, or simply lying in stillness among the horses, every moment is designed to reconnect you with nature and yourself.
Be wild. Be free. Be well.
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#nihigram by @catalinavonbonin @jonaways
As the sun sets over @nihi, guests gather on Nihiwatu Beach to witness Mini Pasola, a captivating celebration of Sumba’s rich heritage where young riders from neighboring villages race horses across the white sand in a spirited display of skill, tradition, and community.
More than just a spectacle, this immersive event also supports the @sumbafoundation, with proceeds helping provide vital school supplies for local children.
For those visiting outside of Pasola season, Mini Pasolas offer a meaningful glimpse into this sacred ritual, traditionally held during February and March.
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#nihigram by @catalinavonbonin @jonaways
Perched above the wild beauty of Nihiwatu, @nihi’s Putri Hillrise Villa looks out across endless ocean views, rolling coastline, and glowing sunsets. This two-bedroom sanctuary was designed for slowing down, switching off, and disappearing into nature. Drift between quiet mornings by the pool and evenings where the sky melts into the sea.
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_
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