Sumba, Indonesia - April, 2025
Flying over lush tropical islands, bumping along in a no frills jet, we get the exciting feeling we’re going somewhere off the beaten track. Landing in a tiny airport on the island of Sumba, Indonesia, it’s about 5 minutes from disembarking the plane to climbing on board our open air jeep before we’re sipping on a fresh coconut and making our way to Nihi.
We weave through little roads, past Uma’s (the traditional house of Sumba) and children waving. Buffalo graze, horses dot the fields and soon we arrive upon a hill with uninterrupted views of bright blue water and our home for the next few days, Nihi.
It’s recognised as one of the best resorts in the world, but there’s no airs or formalities here. There’s an undeniable sense of authenticity and luxury that you can’t quite put your finger on. Our Uma villa is stunning, clad with dark rich wood and billowy white beds that float in the ocean breeze. Our plunge pool is the perfect temperature and the lounge is accented with buffalo horns and palm fronds. There’s a raw beauty about it whilst being incredibly comfortable.
Nihi beckons many different types of travellers. It’s a place for the curious, a haven for adventurers and bliss for relaxation. Our family of four had our needs perfectly catered for. Horse riding and pony school for the kiddies became a twice daily activity (there’s also a chocolate making factory, stand up paddle boarding, daily scheduled kids activities etc etc you get the picture). Surf lessons, ocean swims, swimming with horses, cultural tours and beach bars dotted around ticked all the boxes for adults.
A stand out however was the signature Spa Safari experience. A half day immersive wellness journey that begins at sunrise with a 2 hour trek through villages and rice fields exploring the real Sumba before arriving at Nihioka - Nihi’s spa site. You’re treated to breakfast perched over crashing waves and a private untouched beach, before a dip in your own sparkling plunge pool. When ready you pick and mix your treatments - anything you like from massage, facials, scrubs, hair treatments and more which sends you in to a deep state of relaxation for around 3 hours. It’s one of the best spa experiences on the planet and you leave changed forever.
Cuisine at Nihi is taken seriously too. Fresh produce from Nihi’s own garden served in conjunction with the bounty of local produce from the island. Lunch at Nio Beach Club overlooks the ocean, with small plates such as tacos, local dishes and wood fire pizzas on offer. Dinner is often themed, with a favourite being the open fire bbq and the Ombak restaurant space transformed with hanging flowers, lanterns and live music.
All the luxury and adventure aside, it’s the little things that make you truly switch off at Nihi. Having your laundry done daily and returned beautifully packaged up. Reading a book at the beach whilst horses gallop past - jaw dropping. A head and shoulders massage offered with compliments by the main pool. But most of all, it’s the people. Your assigned “Guest Kaptan” goes above and beyond to make sure you’re taken care of. All the staff greet you by name and are incredibly joyous. The farewell is almost too hard to bear, an escape so hidden and wild, the rest of the world would barely know it exists. It’s a place you have to discover. And once you do, it’s very hard to leave.
We were guests of Nihi.