NIHI Sumba

I have always struggled to trust horses since a traumatic experience as a child, which left me scarred. That fear stayed with me for years — a shadow that kept me admiring horses from afar but never feeling truly comfortable around them. So, when I arrived at NIHI for the Equine Intuitive Retreat, I wasn’t sure what to expect — only that it would take a leap of faith to face my fears Meeting Carol changed everything. She is truly one of a kind — her ability to connect with the horses felt almost magical, completely in tune with NIHI’s peaceful surroundings. In our first session, I found myself in tears — not from fear, but from an overwhelming sense of release. Carol introduced me to Marley, a horse chosen specifically for me, and over the next four days, I slowly learned to let go of my anxiety and rebuild my trust. What also struck me was NIHI’s incredible approach to their horses, guided by stable manager Evelien. Her philosophy of allowing the horses to be free spirits — rather than controlling them — was unlike anything I had ever seen. It created this sense of harmony and calm that allowed me to connect with Marley in a way I never thought possible. As a female pilot in the UAE, I’m used to working in a fast-paced, male-dominated environment where I must project confidence and control. At NIHI, I had to embrace vulnerability — to trust Carol and Marley, to let them guide me — and it was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. I left feeling stronger, calmer, and with a newfound respect for the incredible bond between humans and horses.

The NIHI Sumba experience already starts in Bali, where their staff meet you at the airport and shuffle you through check-in and security. Once we arrived on Sumba (not even an hour flight with Nam Air) it did not even take 10 minutes to be on the way in an open Safari car, with attention to details such as a holder for a coconut! We very much enyoyed the 1hrs 20min drive to the resort through lush greens and magnificent landscapes. After another warm greeting by the Guest Experience Manager Mary and our Guest Captains Raju, Marthen and Dida we had a first tour through the resort. Once can trust all pictures/films from the NIHI website, they truly reflect reality. We stayed at Kanatar, a two floor villa half way up the hill and great views of the ocean and palm trees. Again here.. attention to every little detail, the same goes for all other other areas at the resort. The food at breakfast, lunch and dinner was one of the best we ever had in an upscale resort and the people that cared for us made it even more special, Mery and Arifin standing as representatives for countless others. NIHI stands out by employing most of their staff from the island itself. Evenings with specials themes and a location change for breakfast between Ombak and Nio see to it that you never have the same dining experience twice. Sabine, the General Manager is present at various times of the day and engages with guests. We very much enjoyed talking to her and learning more about Sumba. Next to the flawless service and genuine warmth of all team members we will never forget the stunning location, the beauty of the endless and very, very clean beach, the blue waves, the rice fields a step away from the beach and the feeling of untouched nature. We do not ride horses but very much enjoyed to watch them on the beach. Nevertheless we also tried new "challenges" such as the ice bath and a surfing lesson. As we attended a Yoga retreat in Ubud/Bali the week before, we were thrilled to meet Emilie, NIHIs Yoga teacher. To all Yogis and Yoginis out there.. you have to come to the Shala overlooking the ocean and spend time with Emilie! She adapted the program to our needs and level and beautifully adjusted where and when needed. Together with the ocean sounds, her carefully picked music and her presence we enjoyed another week of personalized Yoga. NIHI does its best to integrate itself into island life and its people. Together with the Sumba foundation all guests are educated (of course on a voluntarily basis) on the island's history and the way its inhabitants live until today. A rich and ancient culture on the one hand, but hard life on the other. I would encourage everybody to join them on their village tour and to engage themselves when visiting the medical center and school. The Sumba foundation provides clean water, education, healt care and food to those in need. It was a very humbling experience for us that we would not want to miss. Do we want to come back! Definitely

Forget Bali in our opinion this is Indonesia’s most beautiful island. Staying at Nihi Sumba is a hotel that preserves the culture and traditions of the island. Its location is nothing short of spectacular. Endless unspoiled stunning wild coastline with beautiful thatched roofed luxurious villas nestled amongst the tropical gardens with uninterrupted views of the crystal clear ocean. Nihi makes it a priority to celebrate and safeguard the island’s culture and environment setting ip a Foundation to facilitate this. We experienced several memorable activities; horse racing on the beach. Releasing baby turtles into the sea and swimming with the indigenous sandalwood horses. The team at Nihi were engaging and kind anticipating your needs while helping you create lasting memories.

Truly a special experience from the beginning (origin Airport) to the end. I will remember it for life. Touched by the genuine hospitality. Amazed by what Nihi has done for the community. NihiOka was also very special and beautiful beyond words. Thank you so much. Special mention to Sabine, Anggreini, Petrus, Arnier, Dedi, Paula, Satria, Liong, Chef Krisna.

Nihi is the perfect description of Paradise on earth. If you like to discover the remote Indonesia with luxury, this hotel is for you. The staff and the all the activities and experiences are incredible. The private surf break with jetski will allow you to get some epic waves one after the other. Don't forget to book the safari spa and swim with the horses . Highly recommended . Magic . We will be back again

Un paradis hors du temps. NIHI Sumba est bien plus qu’une destination : c’est une expérience inoubliable où la magie des paysages rencontre une hospitalité extraordinaire. Chaque membre du personnel vous accueille avec une chaleur et une attention authentiques qui rendent le séjour unique. Ce lieu ne se contente pas de proposer du luxe : il soutient activement un développement durable et bienveillant de l’île de Sumba. Un bijou rare où nature, culture et bien-être s’harmonisent parfaitement.