Nihi Sumba Island

Our stay at Nihi Sumba was truly extraordinary from the moment we arrived until the very end. Everything was perfectly taken care of, allowing us to fully relax and enjoy the experience. A special thanks to our amazing guest captains, Dus and Asna, who went above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable. Their attention to detail and warm hospitality made all the difference. The room was incredibly comfortable, and the entire property felt serene and beautifully maintained. One of the highlights was the horses—so well cared for and such a unique part of the experience. There were so many enjoyable activities to choose from, including horse massages, riding along stunning landscapes, and even swimming with the horses—an unforgettable experience! The food was also delicious, with a great variety of options, and everything was thoughtfully arranged so we didn’t have to worry about anything. Overall, it was an exceptional stay, and we felt completely taken care of from start to finish. Highly recommended!

Where should I start?! This place is beyond amazing. The location is unique, you feel like you’ve landed in the Eden garden or in a different dimension, everything is so genuine. Horses running and playing on the beach … I mean!! And the room … well the Villa (we stayed in Maranga) is so stunning, immersed in the nature, ocean view, private pool and garden, spacious indoor and outdoor areas, total privacy, simply perfect. Not to mention the Nihi staff who felt like a family! So attentive, so professional, so lovely, all of them (a special thank to our dedicated team, Asna & Duss, who made our stay extra special) The food is delicious (and they have a full board policy!) anything from the traditional dishes to the international ones. There’s also plenty of activities to choose from and I wish I could have stayed longer to try them all, so exciting and unforgettable! Last but not least, the Niohka SPA (try the full day spa safari!) no words to describe the beauty and energy of that place and the level of perfection of the treatments and the therapists. We just left and already need a come back!

Nihi sumba is one fo those places thats beauty is unexplainable. There were so many highlights from the beautiful private surfing to the spa safari. Honestly we almost didnt go on the spa safari but I have to say it was one of the best decisions ive made, its the kind of experience you cant properly explain - you just have to do it. Even just being in the villa felt magical. Overall, the whole place balanced luxury with nature beautifully and was entirely different from anywhere i had ever been before or anything i mightve experienced. I cant recommend Nihi Sumba, my family and I wanted to go back the moment we stepped on the plane.

The most magical place we’ve ever experienced! I honestly don’t even know where to begin… our stay at Nihi Sumba was beyond anything we could have ever imagined. We had the absolute best time, and every single moment exceeded our expectations in the most beautiful way. From the resort itself — which is simply breathtaking — to the incredible warmth and attentiveness of the staff, to the raw, untouched beauty of Sumba… everything felt so special, so intentional, and so deeply moving. What makes Nihi truly unique is this rare blend of world-class luxury and genuine heart. It’s not just luxury in the traditional sense — it’s thoughtful, soulful, and filled with so much love in every little detail. You can feel that this place is created with purpose. The team on site made us feel seen, cared for, and at home in a way that is incredibly rare. Every interaction was warm, kind, and authentic. And Sumba itself… wow. The island adds a whole other layer to the experience — wild, beautiful, and deeply grounding. This wasn’t just a vacation. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that touched us on a much deeper level. We’re already planning our next trip back. Thank you, Nihi, for creating something so truly extraordinary. We will carry this experience in our hearts forever.

We stayed at Nihi Sumba for 1 week at the end of March 2026 as a family of 3 with our 4-year-old daughter. Overall, this is a truly special resort with some exceptional qualities, but there are also a number of practical points worth noting for future guests. ⭐ The Positives Location & Setting The location of Nihi is nothing short of spectacular. The sense of exclusivity and remoteness is a huge part of its appeal, and it genuinely feels like you are somewhere very special and far removed from the outside world. Outstanding Staff & Service The staff absolutely made our trip. From arrival to departure, we were made to feel incredibly welcome. What stood out most was the genuine warmth and personal attention. The staff took the time to learn not only our names but also our daughter’s, greeting us personally throughout our stay. It felt as though staff genuinely cared. A special mention must go to Tiara and Meriana, who were exceptional, but most notably to Ayu and Upi. They were phenomenal. From the moment we arrived, they went above and beyond to ensure our stay was seamless and memorable. They built a wonderful relationship with our daughter, who adored them, and they were always on hand whether organising activities, playing padel with myself and my husband, or spending time with our daughter on the beach. Nothing was ever too much for them. They are a real credit to Nihi and we would specifically request them again on any return visit. Babysitting & Children’s Experience The babysitting service was excellent. We had Gerdy throughout our stay, who was incredibly kind and caring. Our daughter loved her and looked forward to seeing her in the evenings. The kids’ club (Wildings) was also very good, with engaging activities and attentive staff. Our daughter attended daily and thoroughly enjoyed it. I felt reassured with her being there. Food & Dining The food quality is outstanding. One of the highlights is the flexibility and variety. Staff will happily prepare smaller portions, allowing you to try a wide variety of dishes across the menu. Every meal felt high quality and well considered. I understand Nihi is currently in the process of constructing a new restaurant which we will look forward to trying in the future. Airport Service The airport experience on arrival was seamless and very well organised, setting the tone for the stay from the outset. Overall Experience We felt that 1 week was enough to experience Nihi fully, though we would certainly consider returning for a longer stay in the future. ⚠️ Points to Be Aware Of / Negatives Capacity & Pool Area When we arrived, the resort was around 60% full, which felt ideal. By the time we left, it had reached full capacity and the difference was noticeable. The main pool area is relatively small for a full resort, and on our final day there was no available space to sit, meaning we stayed in our villa instead. We understand a new pool is under construction, which will likely improve this. Beach Access Limitations One key point to understand is that there is no traditional “sit and relax” beach setup. Due to high tide throughout much of the morning, there is often effectively no accessible beach area at all. This is simply the nature of the location, but something worth being aware of in advance. Villa Allocation & Layout We had originally booked a villa with a separate living area for our daughter’s bed. Upon arrival, we were moved to a different villa (described as an upgrade), which had an incredible location and was particularly convenient with a young child. However, the lack of a separate sleeping space made evenings more difficult, as our daughter’s bed was in the same room, and we often disturbed her returning from dinner. Housekeeping & Laundry Issues Housekeeping was generally acceptable but inconsistent. There were occasions where floors had only been swept rather than properly cleaned, and toiletries were not always replenished without request. The laundry service was a significant disappointment. Several expensive items were damaged, likely due to high heat, and a pair of suede trainers were washed without knowledge after a horse riding experience and completely ruined. Additionally, an item of our daughter’s clothing was treated with bleach after kids’ club after a paint spill, which permanently damaged it. We would strongly advise only sending items to laundry that you would not mind being damaged. Maintenance & Construction We visited at the end of the low season and were aware of potential weather-related damage. However, there was ongoing maintenance throughout the resort daily, including workers repairing pathways in multiple areas. On one occasion, we spent the day at the boat house with approximately 10 workers carrying out repairs nearby, which did detract slightly from the otherwise tranquil setting. Influencer Presence One aspect that noticeably impacted the atmosphere was the number of guests creating social media content. There were frequent instances of people using professional camera equipment, including flash photography during evening meals, and individuals moving around shared spaces (such as the pool and beach) to stage photos and videos. This created a more commercial and less relaxed environment than we had expected for what is marketed as a peaceful, luxury retreat. Other families we spoke to shared similar views. This was especially noticeable as the stays were often short (1-2 days) meaning it was frequent and repetitive. Kids’ Club Environment (Temperature) While the kids’ club itself was excellent, we were surprised that the Chocolate Factory (where it is based) did not have air conditioning. In temperatures of around 30°C, this felt like a notable omission for a children’s activity space. Overall Nihi Sumba is undeniably a unique and beautiful resort with some of the best hospitality we have experienced anywhere in the world. The staff (particularly Ayu and Upi) are what truly elevate the experience and make it memorable. However, there are some practical considerations around capacity, facilities, and operations that are worth noting, particularly for families travelling with young children. With a few refinements, this could easily be one of the most exceptional resorts globally. We are aware Nihi are expanding facilities to include a new pool and restaurant, which we would be keen to experience the difference. As it stands, it is still a very special place, and one we would return to.