Nihi Sumba

Location: Eastern Indonesia | Indonesia

Price guide: $$$$$ More than $500 per person per night

Nestled in an unspoilt region of the Indonesian archipelago, the exclusive Nihi Sumba is set in magnificent tropical forests and prides itself on its spacious suites and exceptional service. With a winning combination of deserted white sand beaches, delectable food and world-class surfing, it’s no exaggeration to describe this resort as ‘paradise’.

Perfect forThose looking for five-star luxury, local culture and total, blissful seclusion, from families to honeymooners.

In the knowDining experiences include ocean-deck dinners and barbecues on the beach, while children’s activities range from making chocolate in Nihi Sumba's own chocolate factory to Robinson Crusoe-style island adventures.

Recommended for...

Beach
Eco-tourism
Family-friendly
Hideaway

Hotel Overview

Sense of Place

Nihi Sumba sits on beautiful Sumba Island, which, as well as having stunning beaches, is famous for its arts and crafts heritage - you can learn traditional crafts such as weaving during your stay.

Rooms at Nihi Sumba

Whichever room you choose, you’ll be able to look out over the azure Indian Ocean. The magnificent villas come with private plunge pools and vast living spaces, and the decor respects the local environment by using natural materials such as bamboo, driftwood and teak with contemporary soft furnishings. You can even sleep in a romantic four-poster bed on a deck overlooking the sea.

Food & Drink

From an evening meal at sunset on a deck that's cantilevered over the ocean at Ombak, to a private dinner on the beach, dining at Nihi Sumba is a pleasure from start to finish. Enjoy a dish of fresh fish cooked on an Indonesian barbecue and served to you right on the beach, with a table lit solely by lanterns and decorated with exotic flowers, and feast on fresh vegetables from the hotel's organic gardens. The exceptional staff are on hand if you wish to eat your breakfast, lunch or dinner in your villa or private garden.

Further afield, cruise to Konda Maloba Bay, home to water buffaloes and sea eagles, and enjoy a barbecue on the secluded beach. The food here is so delicious you’ll be very tempted to take part in an Asian cookery class with the resort’s resident chef so you can recreate the dishes at home.

Facilities

Kick off your shoes and spend carefree days exploring Nihi Sumba's winding paths, tropical greenery and organic gardens. With its games, pool tables and beach cinema, Menara is a laid-back hangout for idle afternoons. Don't miss the chance to have a scenic dip in the beautiful pool, alongside ocean views, or unwind with some yoga on the serene hilltop pavilion, which has stunning 360-degree views over the coastline.

Those with a sweet tooth, young and old, will love the chocolate factory, where you can learn to make organic chocolate with Chris and Charly.

Activities at Nihi Sumba

Stretching over 2.5km, the resort's private beach is a pristine crescent of white sands. There are also plenty of other beaches to explore nearby with calmer waters and bountiful white sand. If you want to take a break from the beautiful beaches along the coastline, there's a whole host of activities to take part in, including horse riding (experience bareback horse riding in the sea), snorkelling, scuba diving and paddle boarding along the Wanukaka River. Explore hidden waterfalls in the Wanukaka Valley - some so remote they are only accessible by boat or by trekking. When it comes to surfing, the surf school is on hand.

Children will love rock pooling around the exposed reef at low tide, revealing treasures such as starfish and sea urchins, while honeymooners will enjoy a romantic private sunset cruise in the evening.

Experience Sumba culture with visits to local villages and markets, with colourful arts and crafts including exquisite Ikat weavings, and witness the work of the Sumba Foundation, which enriches the lives of Sumbanese people and preserves their culture.