Surrounded by nearly 600 acres of unspoiled jungle on Sumba Island's remote western coast, everything about NIHI is a dream. Built by owners who longed to share this incredible corner of Sumba with like-minded travellers but still give the island the protection it deserves, the resort is pillar of sustainable tourism and there's a major focus on eco-friendly habits and community projects. Today, it's one of the best resorts in the world and combines breezy and beautiful villas (and views!), a stunning spa and gastronomic feasts with the chance to explore the incredible natural surroundings in privacy. Truly, paradise found.
Amongst the tropical foliage, NIHI has an organic garden that supplies many of the ingredients used in the restaurants and the seafood is brought up daily from the shore. Enjoy barefoot lunches at the Nio Beach Club, laid-back libations at the Boathouse Bar, and menus of Indonesian and international dishes at the open-air Ombak restaurant. Overlooking the ocean from its clifftop perch, you'll journey to the spa in open-topped 'safari cars' for a pampering treatment. Or escape the heat of the day at the beachfront infinity pool.
With their signature peaked roofs, the 27 uniquely-designed villas were inspired by traditional Sumbanese structures, with a good helping of luxury. They range from one- to four-bedrooms and all have large, four-poster beds and island-style furnishings. Each one is finished in teak and marble, and boasts an indoor-outdoor bathroom and private infinity pool (or pools) with views of Nihiwatu Beach. Some are perched at the resort's highest point for the utmost in views, whilst others have direct access to the beach.
With an iconic surf break mere metres away, surfing lessons are at the top of the list, but there is also a bevy of other watersports on offer including snorkelling and jet skiing. You can also venture inland for a hike through the jungle, stopping to swim in crystalline waterfalls and SUP along winding rivers. A highlight is a trek to NIHI's own 'Rice Island' and a picnic overlooking the paddies. Whatever you choose, the resort's expert guides are on hand to help plan everything.
NIHI has a real heart for the community and you'll have the chance to get involved with one of their many projects whilst visiting.
It's not a secret, but NIHI is the home of the wild horses that gallop down the beach every morning in a magical and extraordinary sight.
Certain activities aren't available during specific times of the year due to weather conditions so be sure to take this into account.
The Time + Tide Foundation is dedicated to preserving natural environments and supporting nearby communities, and guests contribute to sustainability purely by visiting their hotels. The foundation focuses on community and school-based learning, female empowerment, health, and wildlife conservation. Through initiatives like student sponsorship, it aims to ensure the long-term prosperity of wildlife economies and foster positive social change in Time + Tide communities.
A contribution of $10 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.
Indonesia’s ‘Forgotten Island’ and the homeland of early Indonesian peoples, there’s no end to Sumba’s wonders.