Nihi Sumba enables you to stay in one of the most stunning locations on the planet. Nihi was created from a vision to protect and preserve the unique Sumba culture and empower the local communities to support themselves and their families. The resort proudly employs over 90% local Sumbanese, who are authentically hospitable. Sumba has an ancient culture, untouched by the modern world and a visit to the villages of megalithic tribes is fascinating – a far cry from Bali, but just a short flight from there.
The property encompasses 175 hectares of tropical forest, rice terraces and grasslands, while its breathtaking beachfront is protected by headlands that ensure total exclusivity.
Nihi’s 21 villas represent the leading-edge of responsible luxury; hand-built by local craftsmen using mater indigenous to Indonesia. All of the villas have great views and are the last word in understated luxury, featuring spacious outdoor living areas.
The emphasis is on open-plan living that reflects the simplicity and grace of Sumbanese architecture. The principal residence comprises two bedrooms in prime position on the beach front with private access to Nihiwatu beach and a large deck with a plunge pool integrated into the 60 ft (19m) long swimming pool. The three two-bedroom beach side villas are perfect for family adventures. Each of the beach villas feature large open-air entertaining spaces complete with private dining, bar and kitchens and a dedicated butler service.
The Marangga Wave Front Villas are traditionally Sumbanese in design with an extraordinary bed taking centre stage with undisturbed views of the Indian Ocean. These villas offer secluded privacy for Honeymoon couples. On the beach, tucked in a grove of Pandanus trees, is the jungle spa and close by is a beach-chic boat house and bar that is the focus of watersports activities; also on offer are diving, fishing and yoga to horse riding along the beach at moonlight. A stay at Nihi is an unforgettable experience. Children are very welcome at Nihi but there are no specific child related facilities.
The hotel’s owner, Chris Burch, has committed future profits to be channeled into The Sumba Foundation, which tackles the very real issue of malaria, so far reduced by 86 per cent within a 14 mile (20km) radius of Nihi.
But that is not the only strand of the foundation’s work: it has already provided 172 villages with clean water and is also addressing education and malnutrition. Evidence of success in every village is brought into sharp relief by those island communities that haven’t yet been reached by the foundation. Indeed, there’s still much to do: another five years work and about $8 million, and there’s a chance malaria can be eradicated island-wide.