NIHI Sumba

A passion for the perfect wave will lead you to this place. NIHI Sumba has been one of the world’s most coveted waves for decades. As the resort has grown, so has the popularity of their wave. To maintain their pristine wave, NIHI Sumba strictly limits the wave to ten surfers per day.

This left barrel is a challenge. The wave can be tricky, as it is sensitive to a variety of conditions: tides, size, strength, and direction. Catching the perfect ride is not always easy, but once you’ve earned your wave, the reward is a two to three hundred meters long and adrenaline-pumping ride down the line. Bliss and thrill unite! A zodiac is available to save you the grueling paddle back out.

Occy’s Left is a point break over the coral reef that is best from April to October. Within that range, prime swells are June to August. November to March the ocean is mostly calm during the rainy season months.

For the novice and first-time surfers, calmer waters can often be found most of the year at nearby Coconut Cove, where lessons are available on Nihiwatu beach, depending on the swell.

A Perfect Day Surfing

Every surfer is different, and he/she comes to NIHI with a different expectation.

For the expert surfers, a perfect day would start with a perfect low to mid tide session at the hole for some barreling slabs at the Hole (45 min away from NIHI), returning to NIHI for the upcoming tide. Then relaxing and regaining energy with a healthy lunch at Nio Beach Club, watching the tide coming in. Then back out surfing on Occy’s for those who can handle this left wave or heading to Wanukaka for those who prefer a right-hand wave (45min away from NIHI). Then ending the day at the Boathouse, sipping a drink watching the sun going down…. the magical Sumba sunsets!

For those who are more beginners the ideal day is when the wave is calmer, there is not much wind and not much current and they get to go out on Occy’s and have a playful day. For those surfers coming with their family, it is about being out on Occy’s enjoy the wave and its best conditions and then re-greet and re-group with their families for lunch together and then the surfing again.

What all these different types of surfers will have in common, though, is having the waves right in front of the resort with all the gear at the Boathouse, the convenience of it and the beauty of the surroundings. It is not always so much about the quality of the wave as much as it is the enjoyment of serenity, the transparency of the water, seeing tropical fish swimming underneath, turtles popping around and dolphins offshore.*

NIHI Sumba isn't just a place to sleep, it's a new way of living. This is a destination with purpose. Travel + Leisure readers globally voted NIHI as the number one hotel in the world, in all categories, for 2016 & 2017 World’s Best Awards.

Location/community

The resort is located on the pristine sands of a private 2.5 km beach and surrounded by 270 hectares of lush, natural landscape. NIHI Sumba nourishes and cherishes its relationship with the nearby community of Sumba. 93% of the resort's 320 staff are made up of local Sumbanese. The resort founders created the Sumba Foundation in 2000 to preserve and protect the community. The philanthropy and synergy of Nihi owners and guests have enabled tremendous progress with fresh drinking water, land regeneration, waste, treating malaria, offering education/empowerment programs, and much more.

Villas

The resort offers 28 exquisitely designed villas, each with a private pool. Room details include crisp white bed linens on our signature canopy beds, handmade chocolate in the mini bar, sweeping panoramic views of the Indian ocean. Your Sumba home will make you feel alive and comfortable in a natural paradise.

Dining

NIHI Sumba has taken great care in designing the culinary experience for their guests. Menus are a fusion of local flavors and exotic tastes, using fresh produce from their on-site organic garden. Local fish is caught and prepared daily. Meals are made by hand...toast turns golden over an open fire, never in a toaster!

Spa & yoga

Perched above the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean, the award-winning Nihioka Spa Safari is a treat after a full day in the waves. Treatments include sea salt scrubs and mud wraps to coconut water hair washes and signature NIHI massages. A full range of spa treatments is also available at the Boat House or in-room.

Need to stretch those tight muscles? Head to the Yoga Pavilion for some namaste and breathtaking 360-degree views atop the ridge of the resort. Daily complimentary yoga sessions are available.

Ocean activities

When you're ready for a break from surfing but still want to play in the ocean, you might enjoy snorkeling, ocean and river SUP, free diving, spearfishing, deep-sea and FAD fishing, ocean and river, kayaking, Boogey boards, wake-boarding, and “Surfaris”.

Land activities

Scenic excursion by hiking, mountain biking, horse riding or open-air Land Rover Safari. Visit the local villages and markets to see the exquisite Ikat weavings, local arts & crafts or megalithic burial sites.

A chocolate factory?

Yup, NIHI Sumba even has its own chocolate factory! Tours of Chris & Charly's chocolate factory are available daily. You may enjoy making some chocolate as well! This haven of fun is tucked in the shade by the creek on the way to the Stables and is a lot of fun for kids.