Guest Reviews

“Cantering on the beach was incredible. I was blown away by the quality of equipment and teaching — truly the best of the best. Our Kaptens Lian and Asna were absolutely brilliant.”

“The island is beautiful but Nihi is just paradise!!! The horses, the villa and our captains Ayu and Doris did our vacation unforgettable! We can’t wait to come back.”

“Our stay was truly unforgettable … what stood out most was the genuine warmth, kindness and sincerity of every team member we met. A special highlight was being part of the Hawker Legends collaboration.”

“We love that Nihi resort is a part of the Sumba Foundation’s work … the stable facility is fantastic. Once again all the staff were friendly and lovely. We will see you again.”

“As an owner of many fine lodging properties I can be highly critical… Nihi is certainly the best of the best. Your team cares deeply and makes memories that will last forever.”

“The service is beyond my expectations. Special thanks to our guest captains Sarny and Doris. They are very attentive to our needs — they even accompany us to play padel.”

“Sabine runs an exceptional product and never stops — she is everywhere! Sarny fantastic and ably assisted by Doris … its like coming home to family.”

“Our stay at Nihi Sumba was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we felt genuinely cared for in a way that is incredibly rare… less like guests and more like family.”

“We had an unforgettable stay at NIHI Sumba, and a big part of that was thanks to Irul & Anier. They were incredibly kind, attentive, and always one step ahead of our needs.”

“Our Guest Captains Maxy and Simson were excellent — so attentive but also gave us our privacy and space. Outstanding service from both of them.”

“Incredible attention to detail in every way which makes for an incredible experience. We especially loved the school visit and the participation in health and education support in Sumba — it makes NIHI stand out from similar high-end resorts.”

“Gerson and Irul were absolutely amazing! We loved working with them, they were so fun to be around. Gerson in particular is 10/10, he is incredible with guests.”

“Our honeymoon at Nihi Sumba was nothing short of extraordinary. Our captains, Petrus and Yulius, were exceptional — they anticipated our needs before we even had to ask.”

“Our family stay at Nihi Sumba was exceptional from start to finish, and what truly sets this property apart is its people. Angela and Sarny went above and beyond to make us feel genuinely welcomed.”

“I was lucky enough to witness baby turtles being released! Throughout my stay I honestly felt like I was in heaven being looked after by angels. I rode every day and being around the horses was really special.”

“My second stay at NIHI Sumba and somehow it was even more special than the first. A very special thank you to Doris — he made us feel genuinely welcomed and cared for, and nothing was ever too much trouble.”

“This stay was truly wonderful. Every staff member we encountered was incredibly thoughtful and kind. The most unforgettable moment was the small evening event on the second day — it was very touching.”

“This stay was truly wonderful. Every staff member we encountered was incredibly thoughtful and kind. The most unforgettable moment was the small evening event on the second day — it was very touching.”

“Anggri and Doris were amazing at making sure we had absolutely everything we needed. Titus in the stable bar was so sweet and very informative about Sumbanese culture.”

“We rode on the horses in the ocean, visited the turtle hatchery — 107 turtles hatched whilst we were there — and ate the fish that we had caught that morning. A great holiday, already looking at going back next year.”

“NIHI Sumba is genuinely the best resort on the planet and I will die on that hill. Yes it takes forever to get there. Go anyway. NIHI is a whole vibe. Everyone there, guests and staff, are just all showing up for a good time.”

“Our stay at NIHI Sumba was truly one of the most unforgettable travel experiences we have ever had. Anggri cared for us with such a nurturing, motherly presence. She truly made us feel at home every single day. We honestly wanted to take her home with us.”

“I have been a travel advisor for 25 years. NIHI Sumba is one of the most complete and emotional travel experiences I have ever had. NIHI Sumba is not just luxury. It is connection — with nature, with the island, with the people, with yourself.”

“My stay was made even more special and memorable because of Doris, Anggri and Grace. They were genuinely warm and attentive and went above and beyond to make this the most special trip.”

“Sumba became a magical place to us! Our captains Anier and Irul were absolutely fantastic, extremely organised and with an extra kindness! We fell in love with the people and the island! The purpose of our trip was to see the horses, but we fell in love.”

“NIHI Sumba is not just a resort. It is an entire experience. Nature gave NIHI an extraordinary setting. But the NIHI team created the paradise. I came here with very high expectations. NIHI exceeded them. I left with emotion, gratitude and the feeling that I will come back.”

“Staying at NIHI Sumba felt like finding a little paradise that somehow also felt like home. A special thank you to Anir and Irul for taking such great care of us and always giving the best recommendations throughout our stay.”

“Both Upi and Doris were exceptional, they made us feel so welcome and cared for with great communication and attentive service. They made our time at Nihi so special. They are truly assets to the Nihi team!”

“We are returning from the vacation of a lifetime on Nihi Sumba, thanks to our incredible captains, Maxy & Simson. The surf break, and the instructors Tereza & Shane, who took inexperienced surfers and turned us into enthusiasts who cannot wait to return.”

“My stay at NIHI Sumba exceeded my expectations. The service felt genuinely warm and intuitive; it never felt like staying at a hotel. A special thank you to my Guest Captains, Ibu Sarny and Pak Simson, who were nothing short of exceptional.”

“The Spa Safari was one of the most pleasant days of my entire life. Yustin and Lauru are exceptional therapists, Dina and her team were gracious and warm hosts, and a surprise pod of dolphins — spotted through the mirror beneath the massage table — made for a magical, unrepeatable moment.”

“We had a lovely stay. The attention to detail is really what makes our experience completely memorable. The GEM even noticed we hadn’t had dinner yet — the fact that they noticed is actually a big differentiator — and offered in-room dining.”

“In three nights I swam with horses in the ocean at sunrise, did the Spa Safari in a rice field, watched sea turtles being released on the beach, visited local villages and a Sumba Foundation English class, and still made it to a jungle party with fireworks. There is genuinely nothing else like this anywhere.”

“Sarny and Simpson were incredible. Genuine, warm and above and beyond. Every detail from pre-arrival to our entire stay and departure was meticulously met with exceptional service and genuine connections. NIHI will be a core memory.”

“Both our captains were amazing — Aya and Maxy. They were diligent and helped us all around the clock to get the best experience possible. It is really nice to know that Nihi recruits within the Sumba island; we learnt a lot about their culture too.”

“The team were kind, gracious and welcoming. The overall experience was indelible and the sense of community including among the guests was noticeable. We look forward to returning and staying a bit longer.”

“Nihi is a completely unique experience. Upi and Doris elevated the experience to another level — celebrating my birthday with decor, flowers, always being on hand, taking amazing photos of us during the horses experience.”

“NIHI Sumba is unlike anything else in the world. Fifteen visits and it only gets better. I have no desire to stay anywhere else — ever.”

“Upi and Ayu installed WeChat on their personal phones just so they could communicate with us. That is not service — that is family.”

“The Spa Safari was transcendent. My partner and I were treated to an experience so personalised and beautiful that we cried. Nothing in our combined decades of luxury travel has come close.”

“Our honeymoon was made perfect by every single member of the NIHI family — from Upi and Ayu to Erna at F&B, to Evelien and Miguel and the entire equestrian team. You gave us the best week of our lives.”

“Chef Heri’s food was extraordinary — every meal felt like it had been designed specifically for us. And the attentiveness of the staff never felt intrusive, only warm.”

“The surprise birthday video from all our Kaptens made my daughter burst into tears of joy. It was completely unexpected and impossibly touching. NIHI has a gift for knowing what guests need before they ask.”

“I sustained an eye injury on an excursion and within minutes the resort doctor was with me. The care I received was exceptional — and the fact that I am still giving 10/10 says everything about how NIHI looks after their guests.”

“Riding horses on the beach at sunset with our children — that is the image we will carry for the rest of our lives. NIHI does not just create memories; it creates mythology.”

“I have been coming to NIHI for years. What keeps me returning is not just the beauty — it is the people. Asna and the team remembered everything about us from last time. That is extraordinary hospitality.”

“NIHI Sumba is the benchmark. It is the place every other luxury resort aspires to be. We left not just rested, but changed.”

“My weekend at NIHI Sumba was nothing short of extraordinary. NIHI is more than a destination; it is a sanctuary. The landscape, the rhythm of the ocean, and the understated elegance combine into something almost dreamlike. A rare place that stays with you long after you leave.”

“There was a communication breakdown in the beginning. I arrived soaked and exhausted and strongly contemplated leaving the following morning. However, after spending time with Doris, Petrus and Sabine everything turned into one of the most memorable and magical experiences of my travels. I arrived home and felt homesick for NiHi.”

“Ayu and Upi were wonderful, true gems! Everyone was amazing from the moment we arrived in Bali airport for departure. We felt taken care of until our way back to Bali.”

“The experience we had was really magical and dreamy. The moment we stepped into NIHI it was a different kind of experience. The hospitality was so great that we didn’t want our trip to end.”

“The people are what make Nihi magical. Thank you kindly to your entire team, especially our Guest Kapten Yulius and Anangri for their care. Nihi is magic and no wonder it is rated so highly!”

“I spent my birthday at NIHI Sumba and it was truly lovely. Everything was a 10/10 — the food, the service, the staff, the room, the activities, and especially the horses! Many of the one-star reviews seem to come from non-guests commenting on beach access rather than the actual stay experience.”

“This is one of the best hotels I have ever been to. The place and the people are from a different planet. Sumba people are just so nice — hard to describe. The hotel looks at every small detail, just everything. The food is very good and the beaches are so beautiful.”

“We stayed in a Two-Bedroom Villa with a fantastic ocean view. The service was 10/10 throughout the entire stay. The team made us feel genuinely welcome, almost like being at home rather than at a resort. NIHI Sumba delivers authentic luxury in a very warm and personal way.”

“Chef Héri’s food was Michelin quality, and the spa safari out of this world. Words cannot express the feeling of gratitude I have for the entire NiHi family.”

“One of the most memorable stays of my life. The staff are kind and welcoming. The food is delicious and the experiences on property are unparalleled. The values of the property are apparent through their Sumba Foundation work.”

“Nihi lives up to the ridiculously high expectations one has of it. The genuine caring of the staff — most of whom are local, superb and smart — is how completely connected and engaged they make you feel every time. Never a no. Always either yes or here is what we can do. 1000% applause. Thank you, terima kasih.”

“Nihi Sumba hits that sweet spot between high energy and total escape. One minute you’re galloping a horse through the surf, the next you’re floating in your own pool watching the sky turn neon at sunset. It never feels scripted or stuffy — just a constant flow of “wow” moments.”

“The Spa Safari was wonderful — everything very well organised and the therapists were highly skilled. As a travel agency, our own experience is very important. NIHI Sumba is much closer to nature and allows people to truly relax in a way that feels natural and deeply meaningful.”

“This place is immaculate. Quiet beaches, beautiful rooms, amazing staff. Our wellness captains Firos and Domi were amazing. The resident singer Philip at the bar and restaurants made the whole experience extraordinary.”

“Just want to say how hospitable the team were, especially given our sickness when we were there. The accommodation was perfect — spotless, comfortable, beautifully designed in every way.”

“The balance between nature and exclusive experiences is truly outstanding. Chef Heri provided exceptional service, looking after us with great care. Our host Kapten was always prompt in responding to any questions. Thank you once again!”

“The hotel achieved the difficult balance of providing a luxury experience for travellers whilst remaining sensitive to the local community and making a multi-decade effort to give back. If you are ever fortunate enough to have the opportunity to stay here, seize it.”

“Anggri and Yulius were wonderful Kaptens. The Director of F&B organised activities specifically for our family. The Spa Safari was simply outstanding — we could not have asked for more. NIHI is everything we hoped it would be.”

“Every single thing mattered — My Guest Kapten, the Spa Safari, the horses, the food, the sense of this extraordinary place. No challenges whatsoever. NIHI Sumba is unlike anything we have experienced.”

“We visited the school during lunchtime and I scooped rice for 100 children, which was an amazing experience. The connection between luxury and purpose here is real and rare.”