Escape to Paradise at Nihi Sumba

Perched on the dreamy island of Sumba, just east of Bali, sits Nihi Sumba where luxury meets raw natural beauty. Picture Sandalwood ponies galloping along golden beaches and your own secret jungle paradise. Daydreaming about warm sand between your toes? It's time to discover Nihi Sumba, one of our favourite stockists in the LOVE BRAND & Co. Portfolio.

Scattered across 27 uniquely designed villas, each with a private pool, the resort is “a place to connect with something larger than oneself.” Whether you’re floating in your pool or lounging on the deck, you’ll have jaw-dropping views of the Indian Ocean and the stunning sweep of Nihiwatu Beach - perfect for when you just want to get lost in the moment (or the horizon).

Sure, lounging in your villa or reading a good book on the beach sounds heavenly (and trust us, it is), but if adventure calls, Nihi Sumba has plenty to stir your wild side. Think jet-skiing, surfing, kite surfing, and hydrofoiling for an adrenaline fix. And why not try your luck with fishing? Cast your line, and the resort’s chefs will turn your catch into fresh sashimi or whip it up for a tailor-made evening feast.

For a more laid-back adventure, take a dip with the resident horses in the crystal-clear waters, or grab a snorkel and explore the colourful marine life beneath the waves.

When it comes to unwinding, Nihi Sumba’s spa experience is the ultimate indulgence. And the handy beachfront spa at the main resort is just a teaser for the true escape…

The Nihi Spa Safari™ takes relaxation to the next level. It all begins with a 90-minute horseback trek (or a safari jeep ride, if you’d rather), meandering through lush jungle, past local villages, and rolling rice paddies. Once you arrive, prepare to be pampered with luxurious spa treatments atop emerald cliffs, gazing out at the sparkling ocean below - blissful relaxation with a view like no other.

The Birth of Nihi Sumba

So how did this dreamy escape come to be? Back in 1988, American surfers Claude and Petra Graves arrived on Sumba in search of the perfect wave - but they found so much more. Mesmerised by the island’s untouched beauty and rich local culture, they created a haven for those that could truly appreciate it (and we're so glad they did!). And so, the resort (originally called Nihiwatu) was born.
 Living alongside the locals, without modern conveniences like running water or healthcare, Claude and Petra were driven to make a difference. After experiencing hardships firsthand, inclduing several bouts of malaria, they founded the Sumba Foundation to help alleviate poverty on the island - a mission that continues to this day.

By 2012, the couple handed over the reins of the resort to entrepreneur Christopher Burch and hotelier James McBride, who transformed Nihiwatu into Nihi Sumba with a $30 million revamp - elevating it into one of the world’s most luxurious hideaways.

Packing for Paradise

Images courtesy of Nihi Sumba.