Barefoot wilderness outpost
Sandalwood horses gallop along the private shoreline, while open-air pavilions nestle into hundreds of acres of untamed coastal jungle.
“Nihi Sumba is a rare combination of upscale and down to earth.”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Dedicated Guest Kapten butler service, private infinity plunge pools, and open-air beachfront dining beside crashing waves.
Exceptional
Exclusive access to Occy's Left wave, swimming resident Sandalwood horses in the sea, and guided jungle waterfall treks.
Remarkable
Cliffside massages on the Nihioka Spa Safari, beach yoga, and equine-guided meditation led by Sandalwood Stables.
What they say
Three Michelin Keys
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Asia
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in AFAR.
it’s set on hundreds of acres of waterfront land, between a glorious private beach and the edge of a truly untamed jungle.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Jungle tracks weave through Wanokaka villages and tiered rice paddies, leading to secluded swimming spots at the roaring Lapopu Waterfall.
The rooms
Conical thatched roofs shelter breezy villas with private plunge pools, open-air bathrooms, and handwoven ikat textiles looking toward the ocean.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The beachfront infinity pool stretches toward the Indian Ocean, lined with thatched cabanas and loungers among tropical gardens.
At the table
Thatched open-air terraces serve flame-grilled Indonesian dishes, fresh seafood, and wood-fired pizzas right beside the breaking waves.
Each of the 27 expansive indoor-outdoor villas comes with its own butler and features a unique design, down to the shapes of the private swimming pools...
How it began
American surfer Claude Graves established the property in 1988 as a rustic surf outpost beside the legendary Occy's Left wave.
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Good to know
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NIHI Sumba
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.