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.

Sumba joins Maldives and Japan, as a destination to which we will most definitely wish to keep coming back. The Nihi beach is arguably the most amazing we’ve ever seen, the food was top quality and seeing the horses run every morning never gets old. The hotel feels very private and the “Edge of Wildness” slogan really feels fitting here. We highly recommend this place to virtually any sort of traveller. Our only concern is that it’s difficult to avoid Bali altogether when planning a trip here, but we remain hopeful for more flight connections which would allow us to skip that hellhole next time :)

To sum up Nihi Sumba in one word would have to be WOW. Where do i start. Everything about this resort is absolutely amazing, from the rooms, food & beverage and the staff. I had very high expectations for this place and I’m happy to say those expectations were exceeded. All the food and non alcoholic drinks are included in the room rate, and everything was A1. So many cool and unique experiences are on offer ranging from a half day spa safari, swimming with local horses or surfing the world famous ‘gods left’. But the highlight of our stay would have to be how nice the staff were. At all levels from the GM to the Chefs to the gardeners. Everyone meets you with a huge smile and a welcome. Will forever be grateful for the opportunity to have stayed here with my family, memories that I will cherish for life.

This hotel cannot be compared to any other on earth.... and my wife and I travel extensively.....and really expect Aman type service. The premise of the hotel is to really help the local community... and so far they have helped 45,000 people..... It feels as if you are at the end of the earth.... and you are... there are no nearby hotels.... and the structures have been crafted over 25 years to hug the mountainside...... heads up, there are steps everywhere, and lots of them..... but that is part of the fun!!! Secret paths everywhere! Our villa was huge, with a giant copper round bathtub... a large outdoor pool and sitting area... and then down a stone path.... another private daybed endless ocean vistas everywhere... We have trouble describing the hotel in normal terms.... it is more like an unbelievably high end Africa Safari Camp....... the food is spectacular... how they manage to get so many options here is beyond us... fresh salmon sushi? no problem... the best Indonesian food.. no problem.... the best western options... no problem..in fact any request is no problem. A bit of Veuve Clicquot Brut .....they make it happen... But what is so special is that many of the staff are being trained and come from the local villages... and they do spectacular....we started listing names... and we had to stop, because each and every staff member, was always happy to assist with anything... and because of the unique opportunity.. their hearts are happy, and this echoes throughout the resort.... We did a spa safari, and it was the most amazing experience of its type we had ever had... it was as if we were transported to Bali before Tourist...[this is true of the entire hotel]... We rode with horses in the ocean..... and I had surf lessons.... each experience amazing and with patient and kind staff. While trying to avoid an endless list, a special thanks to Maxy and Vikry our butlers..... and to each and every employee that made this so utterly one of a kind. Housekeeping and Laundry flawless....There was not a single employee who we would not want to hire for our own business... thats how incredible they were. We were here 8 days, and will come back soon. Special added thanks to Evalyn Rhia and all the horsemen and their care.. Moria !! To awesome Adam, who tolerated my surfing lesson with patience and a smile Thanks to the spa folks... Freya and Rainy.. and Yena... Mariana and the healer from India Vijaya. To Satria the GM well done! I'In Farida, Petronella, Mary... Hooray! and to the talented Philip, a singer of endless range... wow. I apologize for the spelling of many of the above names...:)

I wanted to thank this amazing hotel, for everything. My family and I had an incredible journey, both as a family and as individuals. The team is amazing, each and every person is so sweet and kind, The food was great The service was amazing, The beach is perfect, the Spa was so special And we had an unbelievable beautiful experience. Thank you and hope to see you soon ❤️

wonderful place with wonderful people who do their utmost to make your stay unforgettable! Special thanks to Maxy, Petrus and Sabine for their care and hospitality! But also the restaurant and citchen team is unbeatable, as well as Evelin and the boys from the riding arena.