NIHI Sumba is not simply a hotel stay — it is an experience, and one that we will never forget. From the very first moment we arrived, the level of service was exceptional. Every detail is taken care of with genuine warmth and attention, making you feel incredibly welcome and looked after without ever feeling intrusive. A very special mention has to go to our Guest Kaptens, Upi, Rue and Domi. We honestly could not have wished for better people to take care of us during our stay. They were always attentive to everything we needed, often anticipating things before we even had to ask, and constantly surprising us with thoughtful details that went far beyond our expectations. I celebrated my birthday during our stay, and both the hotel and our Kaptens made it truly unforgettable. They surprised us with a beautiful flower bath and an incredible night under the stars — moments that I will remember forever. A special mention also goes to Lina, the yoga teacher, with whom we had a beautiful Reiki with Horses session. We absolutely loved the experience and her wonderful energy made it even more special. One of the things that makes NIHI particularly special, however, is that the experience goes far beyond luxury. Through The Sumba Foundation, we had the privilege of being invited by the hotel to join one of their visits to Yara Wora village. During the morning, the team checked on the health and wellbeing of the local horses and buffaloes and provided them with vitamins and care where needed. We were able to spend time with the local community, visit their homes and get a glimpse into their daily lives. What touched us most was seeing how comfortable and genuinely happy the villagers seemed to be around the NIHI team. It did not feel like a staged tourist experience at all, but rather like being invited to witness a real and meaningful relationship that has been built over time. It was without a doubt one of the most special experiences of our trip. As animal and horse lovers, their welfare was also very important to us, and we were extremely happy to see how well cared for NIHI’s horses are. The horses at the resort are beautifully looked after, and the Spa Safari area is simply breathtaking. Even the retired horses living there are clearly cared for with the same attention and respect. Our villa was beautiful, immaculate and perfectly maintained throughout our stay. The surroundings, the nature, the horses, the experiences and, above all, the people make this place incredibly difficult to describe until you experience it yourself. NIHI manages to combine extraordinary luxury with authenticity, nature, local culture and a genuine sense of connection. You don’t simply leave feeling that you stayed at an amazing hotel — you leave feeling that you experienced something truly special. A little piece of our hearts will stay in Sumba. It is difficult to say that somewhere is “the best hotel in the world”, but after our experience at NIHI Sumba, we c