Nihi Sumba Island

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 certainly is the "edge of wildness" but well worth the effort. Accommodation is luxurious and the service is first class. Any horse lover will be in their element, and those like me, that don't ride can enjoy the ultimate relaxing vacation.

We would like to thank the Nihi Sumba team for the opportunity to experience Nihi. It has truly been incredible. We now feel completely prepared to inform our clients and sell Nihi with confidence. We have gained a clear understanding of Nihi's concept: the mind-blowing experiences they offer, the wave management system, surf trips to other breaks, the culinary experience, the different types of villas, and how they can be integrated into a single booking, among many other aspects. It’s a concept that stands out from many of the resorts we sell in the Maldives, making this experience highly enriching for our sales approach. Thank you very much once again.

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!

Nihi Sumba is truly a slice of paradise—a place that feels like the "Forgotten Africa" in the heart of Indonesia. The resort's commitment to preserving the local heritage and giving back to the Sumbanese community is nothing short of outstanding and deeply evident in every aspect of its operations. From the moment you arrive, you are immersed in an authentic and untouched environment. The wild, untamed beauty of Sumba is unlike anywhere else, and the resort has done an incredible job of blending luxury with respect for its surroundings. Efforts to protect and celebrate the unique culture of the Sumbanese people are woven into the guest experience, from interactions with the locals to the craftsmanship showcased throughout the property. The philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Sumba Foundation, are heartwarming and impactful. Seeing how the resort supports local education, healthcare, and clean water projects reinforces that your stay contributes to something much larger than yourself. I sincerely hope Nihi Sumba remains as it is—protected, exclusive, and wild. It’s this raw and untamed appeal that makes it so special. Overdevelopment or commercialization would risk erasing the very essence that makes Nihi and Sumba Island a once-in-a-lifetime destination. For those who cherish authentic, meaningful travel experiences, Nihi Sumba offers a rare opportunity to connect with nature, culture, and purpose in a way that few places in the world can match.