Nihi Sumba

This is not an escape from everyday life. It is the return to a life well-lived where rugged luxury meets unregulated freedom. A place to connect with something larger than oneself. A haven for the adventurer, for the wanderer. They are endlessly passionate and curious. Arrive with an open heart and leave changed forever. This is a vacation with a purpose. A destination with meaning. This is Nihi Sumba. Sumba is located 400 km west of Bali, one hour by air from Darwin and is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Located on the edge of Sumba, Nihiwatu offers breathtaking landscapes and an exquisite sanctuary and reveals an ancient and fascinating culture.

The story of Nihiwatu is a rare and fascinating tale that began as far back as when Sumba’s ancestors, the ‘marapu,’ landed on its secluded beach centuries ago. Whilst beliefs relating to their powers may vary, their spirit has remained a benevolent force, protecting the way of Sumba life and attracting significant custodians to ensure the spirit and stories of the Sumbanese people, past and present carry on. 

The same Nihiwatu beach attracted Claude and Petra Graves in 1988, searching for a perfect wave. That would lead to their vision to create a resort, taking its namesake, preserving and sharing the breathtaking beauty with those who would truly appreciate it.

Stories of the unregulated freedom and beauty of Nihiwatu reached a renowned brand-building American entrepreneur Christopher Burch, who was told Claude was looking for help to develop the resort and vision further. Chris called on a friend from The Carlyle, South African-born hotelier James McBride.

Stretching across 560 acres of unspoiled natural land, including a two and half-kilometer private beach, this spectacular all-villa resort offers secluded privacy and the ultimate exclusivity. The 21 villas of exceptional design are built on private terraces with large verandahs that sift through the trees with an impressive use of living space, imbued by natural materials to make the most dramatic views. Guest facilities include the iconic Boathouse, Ombak restaurant, Nio Beach Club, Menara Bale, private dining pavilions, and the Beach Spa.

Nihiwatu offers a rare sense of discovery, where ancient tribal culture and unspoiled natural beauty form a backdrop to a boundless experience of unregulated freedom, understated luxury, and unforgettable memories. From exhilarating experiences including access to privately surf one of the world’s best left-hand break waves to world-class sport fishing and diving to the purest shores of their 2.5-kilometer private beach, sunset gazing, or star-lit dining; each stay is expertly crafted through a personalized approach shaped by pleasure, not design.

Villas & Rooms - Where you stay on vacation is more than just a hotel room. It is an experience—a new way of living. Every detail in the rooms, crisp white bed linens on the signature canopy beds, handmade chocolate in the mini bar, and sweeping panoramic views of the Indian Ocean are designed to make you feel at home and completely transported. 

Dining - Dining punctuates the day. It brings in the morning and closes out the night. It gives meaning to each hour. As such, we’ve taken great care in designing the dining experience for the guests. The menus are crafted to recall local flavors and far-flung tastes, using fresh produce from the on-site organic garden. Local fish is caught and brought up daily from the shores to be prepared in a new way every night. Toast is always cooked over an open fire, never in a toaster. Inviting you to experience the details that make Nihi Sumba Island a singular culinary experience.

Experiences - Let us help you build your dream itinerary. Whether that includes yoga at dawn with breathtaking views, surf lessons at coconut cove alongside world-class instructors, hikes into local villages, or sunset massages overlooking miles of Nihiwatu Beach on the Indian ocean coastline, creating bespoke experiences that cater to your passions and interests.