NIHI Sumba Island, Indonesia

Overview

NIHI Sumba is not just one of Indonesia’s finest resorts – it is one of the world’s most pioneering examples of regenerative travel. Located on a remote stretch of Sumba’s west coast, far from Bali’s beaten paths, NIHI operates as both a luxury hideaway and a platform for social and environmental change. This is where wild horses gallop across the beach at sunset, surfers ride a private left-hand break, and local communities are partners in every part of the story.

Each of the 27 villas is utterly private and individually designed – perched along cliffs, tucked into gardens, or right on the sand. Interiors combine raw timber, tribal art, Sumbanese ikat, and thatched roofs to honour the island’s cultural identity. The Raja Mendaka Estate, once the owner’s home, is a five-villa compound with its own lap pool, library, and private staff – ideal for multigenerational escapes.

NIHI’s experiences are equally extraordinary: the Spa Safari® is a full-day trek across rice fields to cliffside treatment huts; chocolate-making takes place at the resort’s own foundation-backed school; and every stay contributes directly to clean water access, malaria prevention, and female education on the island. For travellers ready to trade luxury for purpose without compromising on comfort, NIHI is a rare and remarkable destination.