NIHI Sumba

Sumba joins Maldives and Japan, as a destination to which we will most definitely wish to keep coming back. The Nihi beach is arguably the most amazing we’ve ever seen, the food was top quality and seeing the horses run every morning never gets old. The hotel feels very private and the “Edge of Wildness” slogan really feels fitting here. We highly recommend this place to virtually any sort of traveller. Our only concern is that it’s difficult to avoid Bali altogether when planning a trip here, but we remain hopeful for more flight connections which would allow us to skip that hellhole next time :)

NIHI Sumba is unlike anywhere we’ve ever stayed. Described as the “edge of the wildness,” it truly delivers on that promise. Sumba Island is a hidden gem that every nature lover should experience, and staying at NIHI made our time there extraordinary. From the untouched beaches to the thrilling surf, the graceful horses, the beautifully designed villas, and the incredible food, everything was beyond perfect. The staff’s warmth and genuine care made us feel more like family than guests. It’s a rare kind of luxury—effortless and unpretentious, where comfort and sophistication coexist seamlessly. The experiences we had were straight out of a dream: riding horses through the waves, marveling at children bathing their buffaloes in the beach, indulging in the spa safari, and witnessing horses galloping freely along the shoreline. Each moment felt like it belonged in a storybook. As an ex-teacher, I was deeply moved by NIHI’s partnership with the Sumba Foundation. Visiting the children’s English class, reading with them, and learning about the foundation’s work left a lasting impression. It’s rare to find a resort that not only offers luxury but also contributes meaningfully to the local community and environment. NIHI Sumba gave us memories we’ll cherish forever, and there’s no doubt in our minds we’ll be back to relive them. This isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place that stays with you long after you leave.

This hotel cannot be compared to any other on earth.... and my wife and I travel extensively.....and really expect Aman type service. The premise of the hotel is to really help the local community... and so far they have helped 45,000 people..... It feels as if you are at the end of the earth.... and you are... there are no nearby hotels.... and the structures have been crafted over 25 years to hug the mountainside...... heads up, there are steps everywhere, and lots of them..... but that is part of the fun!!! Secret paths everywhere! Our villa was huge, with a giant copper round bathtub... a large outdoor pool and sitting area... and then down a stone path.... another private daybed endless ocean vistas everywhere... We have trouble describing the hotel in normal terms.... it is more like an unbelievably high end Africa Safari Camp....... the food is spectacular... how they manage to get so many options here is beyond us... fresh salmon sushi? no problem... the best Indonesian food.. no problem.... the best western options... no problem..in fact any request is no problem. A bit of Veuve Clicquot Brut .....they make it happen... But what is so special is that many of the staff are being trained and come from the local villages... and they do spectacular....we started listing names... and we had to stop, because each and every staff member, was always happy to assist with anything... and because of the unique opportunity.. their hearts are happy, and this echoes throughout the resort.... We did a spa safari, and it was the most amazing experience of its type we had ever had... it was as if we were transported to Bali before Tourist...[this is true of the entire hotel]... We rode with horses in the ocean..... and I had surf lessons.... each experience amazing and with patient and kind staff. While trying to avoid an endless list, a special thanks to Maxy and Vikry our butlers..... and to each and every employee that made this so utterly one of a kind. Housekeeping and Laundry flawless....There was not a single employee who we would not want to hire for our own business... thats how incredible they were. We were here 8 days, and will come back soon. Special added thanks to Evalyn Rhia and all the horsemen and their care.. Moria !! To awesome Adam, who tolerated my surfing lesson with patience and a smile Thanks to the spa folks... Freya and Rainy.. and Yena... Mariana and the healer from India Vijaya. To Satria the GM well done! I'In Farida, Petronella, Mary... Hooray! and to the talented Philip, a singer of endless range... wow. I apologize for the spelling of many of the above names...:)

It was a fabulous vacation at Nihi Sumba! The setting is like something out of a fairytale book, a white sandy beach with horses! The staff was incredibly accommodating, everyone knew our names. The room was spacious, the view fantastic. The food was culinary unique on an island!

Lovely employee and had an free upgrade room once again thanks GM and her team , that environment and nihi foundation had to be paid attention from everyone also wanna thank to Raju and simson to you has been taking care of us, but island is so poor

Nihi is not a resort – it’s a state of mind. The luxury of privacy, harmony, nature, and exceptional quality, infused with the warmth and professionalism of the wonderful staff, is something words cannot truly capture, nor can any photo do it justice. For those who ride horses and love pristine, exotic beaches, it is a true paradise. The rating scale simply isn’t enough to reflect our experience. Although we travel a lot, we can honestly say – Nihi isn’t just another level, it’s an entirely different dimension. Special greetings to Anier, Doris, and Nina. We’ll definitely be back!