One of nature’s greatest gifts to bottled fragrances and essential oils is the sandalwood tree (santalum album). The second most expensive wood in the world, sandalwood is extremely aromatic with a fine grain that helps it retain its very distinct redolent characteristics: soft, warm, sensuous, and sophisticated with a slightly musky finish. Long ago, its timber was used for lady’s fans, distributing its alluring scent into their surroundings.
Sandalwood is the exotic, spicy contribution to floral, citrus, and vanilla-based perfumes, making it a subtle second skin in warmer weather. You may be familiar with sandalwood’s presence within popular fragrances such as Byredo’s Blanche Eau de Toilette, Diptyque’s Tom Dao Eau de Toilette, Tom Ford’s Santal Blush, and Le Labo’s Santal 33.
Although native to Indonesia, it is rare to encounter sandalwood due to a century of over-harvesting for its cosmetic and therapeutic value. However, in recent decades, the combination of dedicated sandalwood plantations and regulations for cultivating have helped to both protect and manage access to this coveted botanical. And so, in honor of the world’s favorite aroma and our region’s most precious plant, Nihi has developed a collection of amenities, aptly named Sumba Spice, for guests to take home so that the resort’s signature ambience can linger long after their departure.
Sumba Spice is, of course, a spicy and sweet blend of organic essential oils harvested from Indonesia’s exotic islands. Ginger, Nutmeg and Clove energize one’s spirit, Cananga and Vanilla balance one’s emotions, and Sandalwood calms the nervous system.
Its earthy features capture Nihi’s seamless integration with nature, and a refined reflection of Sumba’s raw beauty.
Sumba Spice adorns each villa’s indoor/outdoor shower, and the essential oils may be requested during luxury spa treatments, from the privacy of one’s villa or a beachfront bale to our award-winning spa safari. Consider Sumba Spice a part of the overall wellness experience, whether relaxing, meditating, soaking, or retreating to a massage.
Our arrival’s gift shop and our beach boutique carry both travel-size [250ml] and bath-size [500ml] options from our entire suite of amenities: Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel, Hand Wash, Body Lotion, Body Butter [80grs] and a Room Diffuser [100ml].
Gift sets are available for purchase and are packaged for guests to transport home. The gender-neutral scent and clean, modern design make it a thoughtful gesture for those with whom you want to share the spirit of Sumba, or as a sentimental memory for oneself.