The breathtakingly beautiful Indonesian island of Sumba, 250 miles southeast of Bali, is home to 580 acres of unspoilt tropical scenery, white sandy beaches and a captivating tribal culture. The island’s resort and modern adventure concept was conceived in 1988 by two surf-mad Americans who were drawn back to an island of dreams.
Set overlooking an extraordinary one and a half miles of white, sandy beach, the island’s twenty-one private terraced villas have been lovingly handcrafted in Indonesian Alang Alang, teak and rattan. Chic, sand-floored bathrooms, private swimming pools and sumptuous bedrooms provide a much-needed touch of luxury in a predominantly unspoilt wilderness.
Those seeking adventure are spoilt for choice. The island’s in-house watermen offer expert private or group tuition. Choose from surfing, scuba diving, free-diving, sustainable spear-fishing, deep-sea fishing, standup paddle boarding and private charters.
Jetsetters and guests seeking relaxation will adore the revamped Nio Beach Club, a cabana-style sea-view lounge with a menu focusing on fresh lobster and Champagne. Launched earlier this year, Ombak is Nihiwatu’s extraordinary open-air restaurant with a menu rich in local history injected with modern, international wisdom created by award-winning chef, Bernard Prim.
The resort’s luxe Beach Spa, a collection of smart pavilions shaded by pandanus trees, provides expert Sumbanese therapists specialising in massage and body treatments, scented foot baths, body scrubs and facials. Indulge in the ultimate luxe experience ‘spa safari’ and journey to the secluded Nihi Oka valley where treatments will be given in a bamboo pavilion overlooking three private coves.
Nourish the soul with tips and life-changing advice from the Sumbanese gurus – each an expert in their own field; choose from world-class spear fishermen, surfers, hikers, artists or even poets. Guests can relax in the knowledge that resort profits are injected into the Sumba Foundation, a community-based project charity which contributes hugely to the local infrastructure.
Allow NINE to take care of your travel and lifestyle requests. Whether organising intricate travel arrangements and itineraries, home management, dining reservations, or private recruitment assistance, we take care of each request thoroughly and efficiently. Contact us here to receive a brochure or to discuss our bespoke concierge memberships.