The NihiOka spa safari is extraordinary and a must-do.
Nihi keeps a light footprint across 667 acres of pristine Indonesian island, setting up impeccable thatched villas with private swimming pools, traditional Indonesian architecture, and fresh flowers at every glance.
Robb Report, July 2025Besides all the water-based activities, cooking and chocolate-making classes and yoga sessions, the resort is also renowned for its horse-riding. Nihi Sumba has a herd of horses that are brought to the beach for a swim every morning and are also available to hire for exhilarating beach gallops.
50 Best, September 2024Today, it remains a 27-villa paragon of barefoot luxury — and of philanthropy, by way of the Sumba Foundation, which supports the surrounding community.
Travel + Leisure, July 2024It consists of just 27 thatched villas (with private swimming pools and traditional Indonesian architecture) spread across 667 acres of minimally developed island splendor.
Robb Report, July 2024Only 10 guests at a time are permitted to ride the left-hand break that made Nihiwatu the stuff of surf legend; everyone else lounges by the infinity pool, hikes through the surrounding rice paddies to out-of-time villages or gallops on horseback down the beach.
Condé Nast Traveller (UK), January 2017It's a place in which, somewhere between the sea spray and lost-world traditions, its possible to lose yourself completely.
The Telegraph, November 2016For sustainable jungle luxury, look no further: sitting on 560 acres of land, this all-villa resort is all about exclusivity, and a private 1.5-mile beach.
Condé Nast Traveler (US), October 2016This whimsical configuration of the thatched-roof villas will appeal to both adventurists, families and honeymooners. Perched on wooden stilts between ancient trees, Mamole offers the best view of the beach in Nihi and brings the outside in.
Elite Traveler, March 2016Guests can fish, ride horses, or trek to the spa, but what really sets Nihiwatu apart is its strong connection with Sumba, Indonesia and its people, who make up 90 percent of the staff.
Travel + Leisure, March 2016Edge List 2025
Forbes honor the hotels & resorts that redefine luxury travel by offering extraordinary access, daring innovation and elevated experiences in the world’s most awe-inspiring locations.
Animal Encounters
Forbes Travel Guide
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025
600 travel journalists, hoteliers and travel experts vote for their 50 favourite hotels worldwide. For the first time the list is extended to also include places 51-100.
56th place.
50 Best
50 Greatest Luxury Hotels 2025
The team of Robb Report nominate the classic hotels around the world that transcend trends to achieve genuine greatness.
7th place.
Robb Report
Top 100 Suites in The World 2025
Each year Elite Traveler Magazine present the Top 100 Suites in the world.
Mandaka Owner's Estate
Elite Traveler
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024
600 travel journalists, hoteliers and travel experts vote for their favourite hotels worldwide.
10th place (last year 18th).
50 Best
World’s Best Awards, Top 100 2024
The top 100 hotels in the world, as voted by T+L readers.
23rd place.
Travel + Leisure
50 Greatest Luxury Hotels 2024
Yearly selection of the hotels and resorts around the world that transcend trends to achieve genuine—and sustained—greatness.
7th place.
Robb Report
Hotel & Lodge Awards 2024
A selected jury picks the 100 most beautiful hotels in the world spread over 9 categories.
Category: Resort,3rd place.
Hotel & Lodge (fr)
The Gold List 2017
A yearly list of favourites from the editors of Condé Nast Traveller, UK edition.
Condé Nast Traveller (UK)
The Gold List 2016
Condé Nast Traveler's annual collection of their editors' absolute favourite hotels across the world (US edition).
Condé Nast Traveler (US)
World’s Best Awards 2016
Travel + Leisure (US)
The 50 Greatest Hotels in The World 2016
The Telegraph
Top 100 Suites 2016
Elite Travelers’ list of Top 100 Suites picks out the world’s most iconic rooms to stay in this year, recognising where hotels have created something extraordinary.
Mamole Tree House
Elite Traveler
Readers’ Choice Awards 2016
Condé Nast Traveler (US)
Hotel Collection/Reward Program
More info
Hotels Own Introduction
Rediscover a Life Well Lived at NIHI Sumba
This isn’t just an escape; it’s a return to a life well lived. Where rugged luxury meets unbridled freedom, and you connect with something greater than yourself. NIHI Sumba is a sanctuary for adventurers, wanderers, and the endlessly curious. Arrive with an open heart, and leave forever changed. This is more than just a vacation—it’s a journey with purpose and a destination with profound meaning.
Unparalleled Luxury and Unique Experiences
NIHI Sumba offers more than just accommodation with 27 uniquely designed villas, each providing breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Nihiwatu Beach. Combined with the warm Sumbanese hospitality, you’ll feel both at home and completely transported to another world. Dive into the thrill of swimming with Sumba’s sea horses, or immerse yourself in the NIHI Spa Safari™, a one-of-a-kind spa experience that is simply unforgettable. Explore uncharted waterfalls, or stand-up paddle through rivers that wind their way through picturesque Sumbanese villages.
Extraordinary Dining in Enchanting Settings
Our unique open-air, feet-in-the-sand restaurants offer the perfect dining experience, whether you’re celebrating a wedding, a birthday, or enjoying a romantic dinner on the beach. At NIHI Sumba, every moment is crafted to create lasting memories.
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