Nihi Sumba is an exceptional place. Located on the south coast of Sumba, an island two to three times larger than Bali but still remarkably untouched by mass tourism, the resort is about 70 km from the airport, requiring roughly two hours by road. The journey is part of the experience: when you finally arrive, one of the first things that strikes you is the breathtaking view of the coastline, with its long, pristine beach and the roaring ocean breaking into waves of white foam. Nihi Sumba is, at heart, a surfer’s paradise. Long before it became a luxury resort, this was already a surfing destination, and that heritage is still very much present in the atmosphere. The resort’s motto, “Edge of Wildness,” perfectly captures its positioning: sophisticated luxury, but with a profound connection to nature and to the local community. Horses are another important part of the Nihi experience. The resort has its own stable with more than 30 horses and offers a range of activities centred around them, from riding to experiences combining horses, nature and wellness. This connection goes well beyond simply offering equestrian activities; it is an integral part of the resort’s identity. Nihi also has a strong commitment to improving the lives of the local population, making its presence on the island feel much more meaningful than that of a conventional luxury resort. This combination of wilderness, luxury and social involvement is arguably what makes Nihi so distinctive. The concept is all-inclusive, with thematic dinners organised several evenings each week. Considering the remoteness of the resort, the food is quite good, and most of the ingredients are locally sourced. This adds another dimension to the experience and reinforces the connection with Sumba. The resort has around 30 villas scattered across the hillside, surrounded by beautiful gardens filled with colourful flowers. I stayed in Marangga, a spacious villa relatively close to the beach, set within a beautiful private garden and featuring its own pool and a cabana almost on the beach. The setting is superb. The only disappointment is that the cabana does not have direct access to the beach. The villa itself, however, is beginning to show its age. Compared with luxury resorts such as Four Seasons Jimbaran or Raffles Bali, the accommodation feels less contemporary and could benefit from renovation and greater attention to detail. One of Nihi’s real highlights is its second estate, located about 15 minutes by car—or roughly two hours on foot—from the main resort. This extraordinary place is entirely dedicated to the spa. The setting is spectacular, with the buildings and treatment areas seamlessly integrated into nature. The open-air treatment rooms overlook the ocean and are naturally cooled by the sea breeze. There is even another stable here. The spa menu and treatments are appropriately unique for such an exceptional environment. The staff are another strong point. They are genuinely fr
