At the edge of the wildness, where rugged luxury meets the freedom of palm-fringed, white-sand beaches, you will find NIHI Sumba.
Location
Although the island of Sumba in Indonesia is less easily accessible than the more well-known Bali, it is more than double the size of Bali. Sumba is just an hour’s flight from Bali and then takes over an hour by car to reach.
But the journey is worth the effort as this exclusive resort sits on an empty private beach surrounded by a lurid green tropical jungle. While the resort is remote for Westerners, it is within walking distance from the nearest village, and you can drive or ride (horses) to discover the local area, including many more authentic villages.
Style & Character
If you imagine a paradise setting for your own private villa hideaway, you are imagining the offering at NIHI Sumba. Azure blue pools front magnificent thatched villas. The beach is picture-perfect. This is barefoot luxury with a large helping of smiles. The ambiance couldn’t be more welcoming.
Rooms
Villas are split into one, two, three, and four bedroom each with their own private pool. In addition, you can stay in the owner’s Estate and the Secret Villa. In total, there are more than 27 uniquely designed villas. Each villa offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Nihiwatu Beach.
One Bedroom Villas offer a private garden, private plunge pool, indoor and outdoor lounging spaces, and an exquisitely appointed master bedroom that opens onto a deck or balcony to enjoy those ocean breezes. Further amenities include king size bed, an indoor round bathtub or outdoor shower, outdoor dining and entertaining area, individual air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a safe, minibar, Wi-Fi, a yoga mat and beach bag, sandals, and bathrobes.
Service & Facilities
Swim with the Sumba Sea horses, or explore uncharted waterfalls and stand-up paddling on rivers that wind through picturesque Sumbanese villages.
Butlers will help you arrange sunset horse rides and wellness activities like yoga. Beach fun also includes paddleboarding, fishing, and surfing for beginners and those with experience. The infinity pool by the boathouse is perfect for relaxing.
Perched above the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean, the resort also boasts an award-winning Spa Safari™ Nihioka, an experience not to be missed, offering a range of endless treatments from sea salt scrubs and mud wraps to coconut water hair washes and signature NIHI massages, from sun-up to sundown. Or find your zen in the Yoga Pavilion, with breathtaking 360-degree views atop the ridge of the resort, with an open-air platform for private or group lessons.
Food & Drink
The resort offers various unique open-air, feet-in-the-sand restaurants, which make for the perfect, magical dining experience. The hotel staff makes it all possible, from weddings to birthdays to romantic dinners on the beach.
For something more relaxed in the evening, the bar shack offers the perfect venue for a sunset drink.
Conclusion
NIHI Sumba is how beachside boutique hotels should be. Private villas are hidden up heavily scented, meandering jungle paths. An infinity pool gazes out over a perfect bay. Sandy beaches generously provide surfable waves for all levels, and the staff are some of the most welcoming in the world. NIHI Sumba is a unique and hidden gem you want to return to.
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