For generations, Sumbanese horses have been guided into the ocean — a ritual both practical and poetic. At NIHI, you are invited to honour this tradition.
Ride bareback along Nihiwatu Beach, then together enter the crystal-clear Indian Ocean just in front of the resort. Feel the horse’s calm strength beneath you, the pull of the tide around you.
An encounter you’ll long remember.
Meet your Sumba pony on Nihiwatu® Beach as the tide recedes. Bareback and guided, your horseman leads you gently into the Indian Ocean by the Boathouse — where cool water meets warm light, and both horse and rider find their ease.
DURATION
30 min
NOTES
Weight Limit: 85kg.
Additional fee required for photographer
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_
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.
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