BEST Resort in the World
Have you ever wondered where celebrities escape to relax in nature, far from the prying eyes of the world? Well, let us share one of their best-kept secrets, and it’s just a quick one-hour flight from Bali!
Table of Contents
Discovering Sumba
Welcome to Sumba, a stunningly remote island in Indonesia, where some villagers even still choose to live without electricity. This hidden gem is a treasure trove of breathtaking waterfalls, pristine beaches and vibrant wildlife. As you drive from the airport to your resort, keep your eyes peeled for buffalo, goats and horses along the way. We often think of Sumba as Indonesia’s version of an African safari!
The Allure of NIHI Sumba
Unlike Bali, Sumba isn’t filled with bustling restaurants, shops or beach clubs. Instead, it offers a more authentic experience with a handful of beautiful resorts, the most renowned being NIHI Sumba. Having won the prestigious Travel & Leisure World’s Best Resort title in both 2016 and 2017, NIHI Sumba consistently ranks among the Top 50 Resorts in the World. It has welcomed celebrities like the Beckhams, Jennifer Lawrence, and Andrew Garfield, all seeking to escape to the “Edge of Wildness.” Knowing this paradise was practically on Bali’s doorstep, a stay at NIHI has long been on our Indonesia bucket-list. As we kicked-off our 2025 travels, we were finally ready to cross it off!
Easy Access to Paradise
Getting to Sumba from Bali is a breeze, with Wings Air and NAM Air offering domestic flights to Tamboloka Airport. The flights are around USD $60 each way and take just 50 to 60-minutes. But the VIP treatment starts before you even leave for the airport. On the morning of our trip, we received a warm WhatsApp message from the NIHI Concierge team in Bali, guiding us on where to meet upon arrival at the Domestic Airport. When we arrived, they greeted us with friendly smiles and whisked away our bags before checking us in for our flight—what a way to avoid the usual airport hassle!
A Warm Welcome at Tamboloka Airport
Upon our arrival at Tamboloka Airport, we were welcomed by the NIHI team, dressed in traditional attire, and shown to a relaxing lounge where we could grab a drink and snack whilst they collected our luggage. Our adventure began with a 1.5-hour drive to the resort in a NIHI safari car, complete with cold coconuts and delicious cakes. The drive was a captivating introduction to Sumba, showcasing traditional markets, local life and the beautiful landscape. We passed schools and colourful homes, with friendly school children waving at us as we drove by.
Arriving at NIHI
As we got closer to the resort, the stunning turquoise ocean came into view, and we couldn’t wait to explore all that NIHI had to offer! Despite attracting some of the biggest names in Hollywood, NIHI is all about “Barefoot Luxury.” This means life slows down, nature takes centre stage, and while you can expect excellent service, it’s delivered in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
Feeling at Home
Arriving at NIHI, we were greeted by at least 20 staff members, including our family’s Captains for the stay, Duss and Simson. We were quickly added to a WhatsApp group with them, making it easy to reach out for anything we needed at all during our time at NIHI. From the General Manager, Sabine, who warmly welcomed us, to every gardener and waiter we encountered, the staff felt more like family. This friendly vibe made us feel right at home.
Our Magical Villa
Our villa was pure magic! A two-story bamboo structure featuring two bedrooms, a private pool with a waterfall, and a divine copper bathtub on the upper veranda overlooking Nihiwatu Beach. Every detail was designed with sustainability in mind, all while maintaining a luxurious feel. Our Captains even informed us that Usher had just checked out of the villa next door – imagine running into him during your Sumba getaway!
Exploring the Resort
After settling into our gorgeous villa, it was time to explore the resort and its stunning 2km stretch of beach, home to one of the most famous surf breaks in the world, Occy’s Left. The beach is as picturesque as you can imagine, with azure waters, soft white sand, rocky formations and swaying palm trees – truly a tropical paradise!
Dining Delights
The main pool at NIHI takes full advantage of the ocean view, featuring cabana lounges surrounding a beautiful infinity pool that overlooks Nihiwatu Beach. Nearby, Nio Beach Club became our go-to spot for breakfast and lunch, serving up tasty local dishes and comfort favourites. The prawn curry we had here is a dish we’ll dream about for years – a perfect blend of locally caught prawns in a fragrant coconut curry, served with the warmest Sumba smiles. It was the kind of family lunch you cherish for a lifetime.
Relaxation by the Beach
Down by the beach, we found The Boathouse, where we enjoyed time in the ice bath, jacuzzi, and although we didn’t use it, there is a complete ocean-facing gym too. It’s also the hub for water-sports and the perfect spot for cocktails, snacks and tunes as guests and staff gather to witness the breathtaking Sumba sunsets – those magical moments that light up the sky in vibrant hues.
A Spa Experience Like No Other
At NIHI, spa experiences are taken to a whole new level. We embarked on a “Spa Safari” to a serene location about a 20-minute drive from the resort. You can choose to ride in the safari car, trek for around two hours, or, our favourite option, ride the NIHI horses to the spa location. This setting is like a dream, with exclusive access to two stunning beaches, making it more than just a spa day – it’s a complete tropical immersion. Here, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast perched above the ocean, with a beautiful pool and pristine beaches to explore.
Heavenly Treatments
The spa treatments themselves were heavenly. We selected five treatments from the complete menu, which included massages, body scrubs, facials and hair treatments, enjoying a luxurious 2.5-hour session in spa “shacks” that offered gorgeous ocean views. The sound of the waves and the cool ocean breeze made each treatment feel like pure bliss. We couldn’t imagine a better way to spend a day in paradise!
The Weekly White Party
Back at NIHI, we eagerly anticipated the weekly White Party, held every Saturday night. Guests and staff dress in white and enjoy a fantastic buffet feast whilst being entertained by live music. Soon, everyone found themselves on the dance floor, celebrating together. Your stay at NIHI includes all meals and non-alcoholic drinks, with different dining venues or offers each night, ensuring that even though you’re always at the resort, it feels like a new experience every time.
The Famous NIHI Horses
One of the highlights of our stay was getting up close and personal with the famous NIHI horses. You may have seen videos of these majestic creatures running freely along the beach or swimming in the ocean. Guests can book horse riding experiences, and as avid horse lovers, we chose to swim with the horses. This was a truly magical experience, and seeing them gallop back to their stables right past us on the beach was an unforgettable “pinch me” family moment.
Embracing Activities and Local Culture
During our time at the resort, we made the most of all the activities available. From visiting the chocolate factory and learning to make our own chocolate, to joining a cooking class where we prepared and enjoyed traditional Sumba dishes, every moment was filled with joy. We also played paddle with our Captain Duss and took full advantage of our villa’s pool and that stunning bathtub with a view. The beauty of NIHI lies in its abundance of fun and interesting activities, but it equally offers a serene environment for simply soaking in the breathtaking nature surrounding you.
A Heartwarming Encounter
One afternoon, while strolling along the beach, we encountered two local children swimming with their pet buffalo. They happily invited us to join in, and we ended up swimming alongside their prized pets, sharing laughter and smiles. It was one of those spontaneous moments that truly defined our stay – never did we think we’d swim with buffalo in Sumba, but it was such a wonderful and unexpected experience!
Commitment to the Community
Although Sumba is stunning and the resort is incredible, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges faced by local villagers who often live with very little. NIHI is committed to making a difference through its partnership with The Sumba Foundation, which has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life in the area. Their initiatives have significantly reduced malaria cases by an impressive 93%. They also focus on providing education, offering English and IT classes to children. We were fortunate to participate in one of the English lessons, where we enjoyed interacting with the children as they practised their skills, impressing us with their eagerness to learn.
A Lasting Impression
NIHI’s dedication to supporting and employing locals while preserving the island’s natural beauty truly resonated with us. Upon checkout, guests are invited to contribute to The Sumba Foundation, and having met the children and teachers, we felt a deep appreciation for the important work being done.
More Than Just a Holiday
If you had asked us what we expected from a stay at the best resort in the world, we surely wouldn’t have imagined an experience as profound as what we encountered at NIHI. Our time there was more than just a holiday; it was a heartwarming family experience that left a lasting impression. Immersed in the island’s beauty, surrounded by the wonderful NIHI staff who felt like friends, we understood why so many celebrities choose to escape to this tranquil haven.
A Slice of Paradise
NIHI is indeed a special corner of the world. The way they’ve crafted a luxury experience that feels wholesome, relaxed and immersive is truly deserving of all the accolades. It’s a slice of paradise that has not only gifted us with beautiful memories but also ignited a longing to return. Now, whenever we hear the word “paradise,” memories of NIHI come flooding back – an apt description of this extraordinary place!
Website: https://nihi.com
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