You're using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.
Nihi Sumba is where the wild things are. Rugged grace, elemental style, and a commitment to nature; not just in the blueprint of design, but in the lifestyle vibes that this laid-back luxe resort emulates leaves guests glowing with purpose. What started life as a simple surf shack has spiralled into a haven of rare romance and epic adventure. Pristine Indonesian surf breaks, galloping horses, community projects, cliff-edge living and nurturing a sense of consciousness and balance – Nihi Sumba is a story waiting to happen.
Ideal for Couples and Families
Beachfront Oasis
Ultimate Barefoot Luxury
Unique Experience
Direct Access to Waves
Spa and Recreation Facilities
Sumba, Indonesia
Wayfarers Atlas can make your journey to Nihi Sumba as seamless as possible.
AIRPORT – Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali followed by an internal domestic flight to Tambolaka Airport in West Sumba.
TRANSFER –Part of Indonesia’s emerald island chain, Sumba sits an hour east from Bali. Bali’s international hub will be your first stop off on your journey to Nihi and from there it’s a quick flight over to the Tambolaka Airport in West Sumba. As soon as you touch down on the shimmering runway, a car will be waiting to whisk you away in cool air-conditioned bliss for the 90-minute journey to the joys of the resort.
WEATHER – June to October – Dry Season
SURF SEASON – April to October
Embracing every inch the tropical nature of Indonesia, Sumba Island boasts a thick and steamy climate very much alive with rolling surf and melodic bird song. During the months of June to October, the dry season keeps things warm and sweet whereas December to March sees the rainy season sweep in bringing crackling skies and lush, warm rains. Still, even in wet season, there is an abundance of sunshine -punctuated by morning and afternoon showers.
“Nihi Sumba weaves together rituals of rare wonder, epic adventures, and once in a lifetime moments. Land of treehouses, lemongrass and exclusive surf breaks, even the wildest wanderers will finally want to stop and stay.”
Children aged 5 & under stay complimentary
ROOM RATE INCLUSIONS
Children Welcome
Family Villas
Babysitting Service
Laundry and pressing service
Restaurant and Bar
Concierge Service
Wellness itineraries
Occy’s left is located directly in front of the resort and exclusive to Nihi Sumba guests. Daily surf spots are capped at 10, making them highly coveted and must be pre-booked in advance.
A minimum stay of 3 nights is required all year round EXCEPT in High Season and during Chinese New Year when a minimum stay of 5 nights is required
At Nihi Sumba – every facet of the food culture has been designed to be a fully immersive experience. Hand-crafted menus show complete reverence for the land, the sea, and the lore of local produce. Fresh fish hauled from the ocean, organic gardens providing an abundance of produce, and even the breakfast toast caramelized over a flickering flame – you don’t get more authentically back to nature than that.
The Ombak Restaurant is where the culinary adventures take place. Sand floors, ocean views, and lounge seating keep the social moods high – especially when going gaga over the local prawn laksa and sommelier savvy wine list. The Nio Beach Club and Pool is where you will find dizzyingly good rotisseries, bright salad bowls, and fragrant clay fired pizzas for lazy family lunches. When the stars are whispering sweet nothings, romantic dinners can be taken right on the sands with flickering flame, fresh flowers and delightful views in every direction.
Sophisticate sushi nights are held in high esteem at Kaboku where roaring fires meet sunset moods. The design is very Tokyo meet the ocean chic, and the tasting menu beautifully balances traditional sushi sojourns with local twists and a generous helping of sake to ignite fire in your soul.
A few footfalls from the sea and you are invited to plunge into the state-of-the-art lap pool occupying centre stage at the Nio Beach Club and Pool. Perfectly placed for shimmering sunset views, watching the surfers carve up Occy’s Left, and sprawling on sun loungers drinking it all in. With the beach club well within reach, pool days are divine – with ice-cold beers and healthy bright lunch all within reach.
In keeping with the theme of wilderness wonders, the open-air spa at Nihi Sumba invites the salt-tang, sunlight, shade and sweet fragrance of local flora to permeate hidden treatment spaces. Take a NihiOka spa safari for a hideaway stashed in nature where cold towels, fresh coconuts, and person-centred healing takes place. The wellness journeys on offer at NihiOka cover everything from cold stone massages to rich hair smoothies, Sumbanese scrubs, and energised massages. Part of being pampered and primed in the wilds means lashings of avocado, coconut, green tea, aloe vera and other gifts from Mother Nature to set your soul at ease.
Nihi Sumba delivers more than its fair share of romance, and while there is plenty to keep Little Wayfarers well and truly entertained, adults will want to make space for full day spa safaris, sundowner horse rides, epic surf sessions and romantic suppers on the silky moonlit sands. With babysitters on call, booking that all important time away for family balance will sure come easy…just like everything at Nihi Sumba.
Villas and treehouses adorn the gorgeous estate of Nihi Sumba Island – with 27 in the collection, each dreamily unique. From majestic mansions to sacred ocean cabanas, glorious jungle homes, and treetop vistas; Nihi is all about coming home to nature. Simple elegance marks thoughtful interiors dressed in warm teak, contrasting cool marble, and minimalist furniture, so you feel sure there is space to breathe. Every private oasis boasts ocean eye views, romantic tumble four-poster beds, and private infinity pools with outdoor lounge space – not to mention personal butlers to keep comfort rolling.
Maximum occupancy per bedroom: 3 persons (3 adults OR 2 adults + 1 child)
Regal in name and exquisite in nature, the owners Sumbanese styled five-villa estate is a vision of endless blue ocean, an emerald plot of land, private passageways and imperial stone staircases. Choose from one-bed cottages, darling duplexes, and main house with freestanding master bedroom, or for families and friends venturing together – take the whole estate. Canopied beds, private plunges, bedrooms opening to treetop platforms, deep sink stone baths, and enchanting entertaining spaces inside and out provide the backdrop for a world of sleep, rest and play.
Jungle dreams don’t get any finer than a stay in your own treehouse high above the ocean canopy. Straight from the pages of a fairy-tale, life has never felt so naturally high then when waking to the dawn chorus of bird song, sleeping to the sound of rolling surf, and ascending your curved staircase to the stars. Secret walkways, lashings of fragrant warm timber, balconies glazed with sunlight and leaves, and complete immersion in the environment makes the Mamole Tree House something special. The three-bedroom estate brims with surprises, including the spectacular circular master bedroom encased in glass for watching the changing light out over the ocean. Outside a private lounge and infinity pool beckons and calls for social evenings beneath the palm fronds.
One of the most private places to stay on the island, the Haweri estate also boasts five-bedrooms of sheer sacred space. The richly rewarding property was once the home of the founders of Nihiwatu, and is very much a space of wonder and prosperity. With echoes of your own resort within a resort, fun-fuelled families will adore the treasures of two tantalizing pools, a large hot tub, waterside yoga pavilion, secluded stretch of sand, and living and dining spaces etched out on the hill-side, so you don’t miss a moment of watching surfers dancing on the pristine peaks. Outdoor decks and fireplaces maximise the magic of wine-soaked nights, and with a range of bedroom combinations, every family will find a slice of paradise that works for them.
Sitting at the highest spot on Nihi Sumba, Puncak is all flights of fantasy, jaw-dropping vistas, and fragrant bliss wafting up from the organic gardens below. The four-bedroom villa estate maximizes the motto of surf and sprawl two 2-bed villas flanking a sunken outdoor dining space, double plunge pools, and expansive deck. Inside is equally as impressive with Puncak earning the accolade of being the winner of PURE’s Best in Design 2015. Natural materials, handcrafted furnishings, and woven Sumbanese wonders beautifully dress every wall and corner, ensuring a spellbinding space for effortless rest and relaxation.
The perfect space for those who want to be moments from the warm arms of the sea, Lantoro is beautiful thatched beach huts available in one or two-bed villas, private balconies, and a large swimming space for sociable family fun. Lantoro boasts a certain sophistication with its well-dressed rooms seamlessly spilling into each other, and personal winding pathways leading down to the sea. To complement the carefree nature, your own butler is ever on hand for those tall cool drinks and after surf snacks.
Set beneath the shade of the trees, Wamoro is a four-bed estate that can be rented whole or in pretty pockets. Wayfarers who adore a meeting of jungle and secret slips of ocean views will be in their element in Wamoro. Villas are soaring walls of windows, stunning canopy beds, and airy serenity to bring out the best of peaceful mornings and restful sleeps. The two-bed villa boasts king canopy beds, outdoor bale for private dining, and a stunning shared infinity pool overlooking dramatic ocean views studded with plump loungers and pretty parasols.
Designed specifically with surfers in mind, Kasambi is where starry-eyed wave walkers can watch the islands famous left-hander roll in. If sipping a morning coffee while studying swells is your idea of heaven, Kasambi has you covered. The estate boasts both one-bed, and two-bed villa options and families or friends travelling together can lay claim to the whole estate. Private creek entrances, gardens adorned in jasmine and framed by frangipani, and details like sinks carved from stone – Kasambi creates a space of love, light and surf lore. The two-bed villa offers a Great Room with lounge, full kitchen and bar, and wealthy deck with generous pool and those much-coveted views of Indonesia’s beloved surf break.
Clinging to the knife edge of the cliff, the Marangga Villas know how to make a spectacular impression. Cliff living is all the rage at Marangga, where tumbling out of bed leads straight to dramatic Indian Ocean panoramas, backyard walks glide you alongside foaming waves, and grand soaking tubs invite room for two. Sumbanese conical roofs thatched and baled lend a beautiful blend of culture and architecture, and a private bale occupied with a bed for morning massages, star gazing, journaling, and pristine picnics awaits at the foot of the cliff. Elsewhere your private estate offers cool blue plunges, outdoor shower and al-fresco dining.
Lamba is for those who seek sheer intimacy, tucked away in a secluded corner of paradise. Waves roll towards a green manicured lawn, glazed in morning mist from the surf, one-bed villas offer master beds that stretch out to ocean view decks with teak cabana, sweet sun-loungers, rambling gardens and outdoor showers. Couples fall hard for the allure of Lamba, where flowers overhang, round tubs invite delicious soaks after saltwater surfs, and everything awaits at the edge of your lush little universe.
Celebrated as an oasis of natural stone, Lulu offers one or two-bedroom villas to beautifully suit your needs. Weaving together natural hues of cotton whites, morning ocean hues, local crafts, canopies and teak – Lulu is a place of calm natural energy. Master rooms connect easily to Little Wayfarer sleeping spaces, living rooms come with all the mod-cons and guest bathrooms for extra convenience, and outdoor bales are dreamy for al fresco dining and slipping seamlessly into the plunge pool.
Delectable duplex living awaits at the cool corner of Kanatar, where each one-bed villa is measured out into pockets of magic. Open air living comes in premium style, with outdoor living spaces, sublime decks with private infinity pool for drinking in those tropical ocean vistas, and details carved in timber, flora, and locally inspired textiles. On the upper floor, a romantic bedroom inspires decadent dreams with a rich canopied king bed facing the world that awaits with adventure outside your window.
Little Wayfarers are invited to tap into their wilder side at Nihi Sumba. Barefoot energy, saltwater, sand, chocolate factories, ponies, and endless adventures stimulate supple minds ensuring that everyone is sun-kissed and smiling at the end of another epic day.
Always expertly filling in the gaps, Nihi Sumba has everything you need for Little Wayfarers. From high-chairs to cribs, car seats to beach bags – no stone has been left unturned. For those travelling with Little Wayfarers, a baby sling and monitor can add the finishing touches to your laid-back paradise.
Little Wayfarers will wake with excitement and stumble into the deepest slumber at the end of the day. While the resort doesn’t have a dedicated creche, kid-friendly activities are everywhere and especially at the resorts very own chocolate factory where dedicated space is granted for little ones to giggle and grow. Whether toddler or teen, there’s a commitment to creating space for young minds, bodies and souls to thrive and staff are always on hand to organize games and activities and supervise small ones for an equally small fee.
All of the estates come with a plethora of pleasing features to keep families entertained. While the treehouses are the stuff of dreams, perhaps they are better suited to older children due. Lantoro is a great option for families wanting to be just a few short steps from the ocean in their own shaded paradise and boast plenty of room for everyone. The villas of Lulu have a living room that can quickly be transformed into a Little Wayfarers sleeping space.
Curated experiences have been carefully planned at Nihi Sumba to keep everyone equally educated and having lashings of splash worthy fun. Along with the usual slew of water sports, child-friendly packages also include creativity workshops, local treasure hunts, cultural encounters, pony rides and even chocolate making at the resorts very own chocolate factory. Activity schedules offer complimentary fun with daily delights that range from sandcastle competitions to kid’s yoga and cooking. Older Wayfarers aren’t left out – with surfing, fishing, mountain biking and bespoke voyages, Nihi is about creating memories that leave a shard in your heart.
Little Wayfarers can splash and shriek in delight at their own private pool. Each estate comes adorned with dedicated space to swim and sunbathe, and for those with little wayfarers in tow, these pools can be fenced off for added serenity. Over on the beach and lifeguards take the helm between the hours of 7am -6pm making saltwater discoveries and ocean confidence all part of the charm.
Little Wayfarers are welcome in every nook and cranny of Nihi Sumba’s dining scene and dedicated kid-friendly menus keep small stomachs well and truly satiated. Sizzling fajitas, burgers, and banana splits are spectacular for all age ranges and for more local tastes the rice table in traditional Indonesian style makes for a magical family memory. Even your tiniest Wayfarers get a taste of the good life with papaya inspired smoothies to brighten tired tots.
Get in touch with your local Travel Doctor for up to date health information, precautions and travel advice for your destination, including information regarding clean drinking water.
A full-time paramedic is on the premises 24 hours a day. There is a local hospital in Waikabubak, a 40-minute drive away from the resort, with a limited facility.
Travel insurance is compulsory when travelling to Nihi Sumba. Ensure medical evacuation is included in your cover.
Mozzies can be found in paradise too.
Refer to the World Health Organisation or the US CDC for information on Mosquito-borne and other insect-borne diseases.
Secluded Surfing – Occy’s Left is the star of the show at Nihi Sumba. Even the name will send shivers of delight down the spine of any saltwater junkie. With only ten surfers a day reserved to surf the beautiful barreling left, crowd control is not an issue.
Conscious Luxury – Conscious luxury is the way forward at Nihi Sumba, and the resort makes every effort to ensure energy is green, baby turtles are safely released into the wild, and that humanitarian aid brings something back to the island. The Sumba Foundation receives plenty of support from the Nihi Sumba Resort and efforts go towards everything from clean drinking water to education and reducing malaria on the island.
A Lost World – Nihi Sumba’s tagline promises you access to the edge of wildness, and these are no empty words. Brimming with natural treasures and organic pleasures, Sumba Island is a lost world of wonder – tumbling waterfalls, jade green terraces, mountain tracks and stashed away villages, there are endless chances for off the beaten track expeditions.
Perfect Packages – From embracing the enigmatic grace of Sumba to spa safaris woven with colourful cultural encounters, escapes that are all about the surf, epic equestrian stays or dedicated barefoot luxury bliss – Nihi Sumba takes the boutique approach to tailoring stays that meet your dream holiday style. Personalised itineraries are encouraged, and the experienced team are ever on hand to make your stay just that little more magic.
Geological wonders await on the island of Sumba, and the resort can organise epic adventures to showcase the splendour of Indonesian nature. The land and activity team arrange daily excursions by hike, bike or on horseback. Visit traditional settlements and cascading rice terraces on a walk to NihiOka, jump off the rocks and into the lagoon at the 300m high Blue Waterfall, and discover the delight of island colours and morning hustle at the local market of Waikabubak.
Nihi Sumba is rare in a thousand ways but having its own chocolate factory certainly marks it out as enchantingly unique. Chris and Charly’s Chocolate Factory is a place for organic chocolate making, chocolate tasting, and leaving the kids to get gloriously and glutinously happy with the babysitters while adults take themselves for a few hours of dedicated grown-up fun. The beach cinema is also an amazing addition to starry nights when movies and homemade chocolate treats are on the menu.
Nihi Sumba has partnered with Rascal Voyages to offer guests with itchy feet the chance to explore the joys of Sumba even further. As leaders in luxury yacht travel, climb aboard your own beautiful sailing vessel for a dreamy escape exploring the hidden coves, secret islands, and sublime snorkelling spots that make up this corner of the Indonesian Archipelago. Five en-suite cabins mean that adventures can last for days – especially when paired with a one to one ratio of staff to keep luxury levels at an all-time high.
Personalised wellness itineraries are etched out for guests who feel like regaining their balance in the world. From regal retreats to daily doses of yoga and therapeutic journeys at the spa; alignment comes easy in the wilds of Indonesia. The Nihi Retreat invites sunrise meditations, delicious healthy dining, cardio and horseback riding, yoga sessions, spa treatments and nutritional consultations to get you on the right track towards long-lasting health and harmony.
Sure, Sumba may be a surfer’s paradise, but Nihi Sumba can take your level up a few notches with the all-important surf survival course. The co-founder of Survival Apnea, Augusto the man behind the movement shares insights with surfers and free divers on important aspects like breath-holding, relaxation and focus, mental strength and boosting tolerance to physical challenges.
Blend a beautiful stay with the chance to indulge in the symphony of Sumbanese life. From Ikat weaving to colourful seasonal rituals, horseback riding from ocean to bush, cooking classes and interactions with the local community, the ethos at Nihi Sumba isn’t about shying away from the local culture, but about sharing stories, growing awareness, and even volunteering at the school lunch program for those who are interested in taking a philanthropic approach to their perfect adventure.
The resorts turtle hatchery was created to save turtle eggs being sold at the market. Instead, rewards are gifted to those who bring in the eggs which are then safely protected until hatching time. Guests can participate in the tear-jerking moment where the babies take their first clumsy steps towards the freedom of the deep blue sea.
From swimming with horses to riding trails, horses play a huge role on the Nihi Sumba Island. Take the ride along the dales and traditional villages to the glorious Coconut Grove and take picnics and beach plays in-between riding hours. Romance lovers will adore the chance to gallop through the shallows on a sunset shore ride. A memorable experience has to be the traditional Pasola where the locals showcase their ancient tradition of spear throwing from horseback.
Try your hand at spear fishing, go with the flow on a jet-ski adventure, and discover the delights of Indonesia’s depths with snorkelling and diving out on the reef. Stand-up paddleboards invite you to explore the crystal-clear visibility of the coral gardens from above or head down the Wanukaka River to embrace the sights and the sounds of jungle life.
Nihi Sumba occupies sacred real estate in surfing, sitting right on the shore of Occy’s Left. An ever-changing, challenging, and super rewarding wave – even the most experienced surfers will be in awe. The wave serves up a 200m to 300m ride with ripple walls and heaving barrels. Occy’s Left is exclusive to Nihi Sumba guests, and the resort restricts access to ten surfers a day so that everyone can truly get a taste of this break without feeling the frustration of battling the crowds.
There is also a whole host of other world-class surf spots to take advantage of within the region – rights and lefts and only a short boat ride away.
Less experienced surfers will feel right at home in the calmer waters of Coconut Grove. These mellower waves will allow you to brush up on the basics and receive invaluable advice from instructors can set you in good stead for tackling the heavier stuff.
Lessons cover a whole range of levels; there are dedicated push-ins for beginners, foundation building, intermediate skillsets, and in-depth analysis of advanced techniques. Whatever your style, after a spell at Nihi Sumba you can be sure that your time here will be a game-changer out on the ocean.
March to the end of April, and September through to November when the trade winds are low.
Nihi Sumba recommends adding the following to your packing list – wax, extra heavy-duty leashes, booties, rash shirts, a surf cap, serious sunscreen, first aid kit, extra fins and a travel-sized ding repair kit.
April to October
Beginner to Advanced
Low
Capped at 10 surfers
Reef Break
Direct access to waves
Boat Transfers to Surrounding Breaks Provided
Coaching & Guiding Available
Equipment Available
