NIHI Sumba

Surfers’ paradise
Indonesia
Everything we do is custom made by real Asia experts...

On the edge of the wild, NIHI Sumba blends exclusive surf, serene villas and soul-stirring scenery.

In an isolated setting on the west coast of Sumba, surrounded by tropical forest and rice terraces, NIHI Sumba overlooks 2.5 kilometres of pristine private beach that’s home to the island’s famous ‘Occy’s Left’ left-hand surf break. Born out of a dream to ride the perfect wave, this remote retreat is arguably the most stylish and luxurious surf resort in Asia. However, it’s not solely aimed at surfers. Anyone can appreciate the spectacular location, the kick-back chilled vibe and incredible private pool villas.

Each hand-built villa at NIHI Sumba features a pool and wooden terrace, skillfully softened amidst the surrounding greenery. If you’re here to surf, you’ll be one of only ten experienced surfers allowed on the water each day, hence the break’s cult status. Beginners can hit the water with surf lessons at nearby Nihiwatu beach, head out on paddle-boards and kayaks, or explore marine life with a snorkel or dive expedition. Away from the sea, relaxation and quiet moments can be found at the spa and yoga pavilion, and afternoon tea can be enjoyed at the highest point of the resort – the homemade banana bread is not to be missed.

Start planning your journey here...

With every detail finely tuned by our Asia Specialists.

Location & Highlights

On a private beach on Sumba’s north coast, an hour and a half’s drive from Tambolaka airport, NIHI Sumba combines the island’s rugged wilderness with classically-styled gardens just a few moments from world-class surfing breaks – the best of all worlds.
  • World-class surfing hotspot
  • Horse riding along the beach
  • Snorkelling, diving & water sports
  • Spa, yoga & meditation
a table with food on it overlooking a body of water

Why we love it

“We got maximum peace and privacy with a nothing-is-too-much-trouble atmosphere to boot. NIHI Sumba definitely didn’t disappoint.”

Natural surroundings

Nihi Sumba Aerial

There’s no denying that NIHI Sumba is a premium hotel experience, with facilities and service of the absolute highest quality, but there’s a certain rawness brought in by the landscape that really gives Nihi the edge. The combination of the very best hospitality experience with such unbeatable natural surroundings ticks a lot of boxes.

Nihi Sumba Aerial

Luxurious all-rounder

Nihi Sumba Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Though there are elements which are specifically aimed at dedicated surfers, the huge range of activities on offer besides surfing is a huge draw. Whether you’re travelling solo, looking for a romantic break, or after a family getaway with real ‘wow’ factor, the NIHI Sumba has something to fit the bill, yet without feeling contrived. This really is an excellent all-rounder in a much less visited corner of Indonesia.

Nihi Sumba Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Family-friendly

Nihi Sumba Horse Riding

Families are very welcome at the NIHI Sumba, and the seclusion of each villa makes for a relaxed stay with kids. There are plenty of activities for younger guests to get involved with, from pony riding, to mini spa experiences, to chocolate cookery classes.

Nihi Sumba Horse Riding

What can you do at NIHI Sumba?

Nihi Sumba Aerial

Experienced surfers can book a slot to ride the famous ‘God’s Left’ wave (also known as ‘Occy’s Left’), while beginners can take surf lessons on a nearby beach. Head out onto the water to kayak, kite surf or paddleboard, and explore beneath the surface with snorkels or full diving trips. Ride across the sands on horseback and accompany the horses out into the shallow waters. Take private boat and fishing trips, walk to inland waterfalls, trek or mountain bike through the island’s rugged landscape, and watch exhilarating displays of traditional Pasola horseback spear throwing. Take classes in Indonesian and Japanese cookery, or yoga classes in the dedicated pavilion, and combine exhilarating trekking with sublime treatments on a day-long spa safari.

Nihi Sumba Aerial
Lulu Villa at Nihi Sumba
Lulu Villa at Nihi Sumba
Lamba Villa at Nihi Sumba
Lamba Villa at Nihi Sumba
Sumba Boathouse at Nihi Sumba
Sumba Boathouse at Nihi Sumba
Ombak restaurant at Nihi Sumba
Ombak restaurant at Nihi Sumba
Beach club and pool at Nihi Sumba
Beach club and pool at Nihi Sumba

A great trip

We had an excellent holiday with an itinerary carefully arranged by Dave to suit our preferences. This is the third time we've travelled with Selective Asia and we will happily do so again in the future. We like the fact that they are a small company, passionate about what they do and committed to responsible travel.

Sarah Wilkie, Sri Lanka

Selective Asia is more than a booking agency...

When a museum sent its exhibits overseas on tour, they learned about this before our departure and steered another to another site. When a hotel that we had booked scheduled a noisy wedding for the period of our occupancy, they were able to identify a fantastic hotel without noise before our arrival. I am not sure that any other tour operator would provide such detail in follow up, even after the tour was booked and paid for.

David Kosh, Vietnam

Brilliant! Selective Asia covered every detail.

Travel, hotels, guides, and excursions all flawlessly executed. Selective Asia listened to our requirements and worked with us to refine a great holiday.

Tim Goodman, Thailand

Holiday of a lifetime

The planning of the holiday and the ongoing support was excellent. The organisation on the ground when we got there was perfect and the local guides were knowledgeable and very personable. We would definitely go with Selective Asia again.

Gillian Baker, Komodo & Borneo

Our trip was outstanding...

We had had several discussions with Andrew before booking the trip and he incorporated all the activities we were interested in, plus recommending other activities that he knew we would be interested in. The whole trip was seamless and managed at a thoroughly professional yet friendly level. I would travel with this company again.

Heather, Japan

Inspiring experiences and places to stay

Lean into the details of your bespoke Asia trip to discover rare experiences, exceptional hotels, local connections, inspiring conservation and much more…

Start planning your journey here...

With every detail finely tuned by our Asia Specialists.

Talk to our expert team...

Every Asia trip we build is finely tuned to fit you, and that all starts with a chat. Let us know what you're hoping to see, feel and experience on your travels, and the places you're dreaming of, and your Asia Specialist will craft a route that includes everything you want and more.

The Selective Asia difference

  • Bespoke journeys tailored just for you
  • Unparalleled local knowledge and expertise
  • Award-winning, nose-to-tail service
  • Responsible travel
  • 24 hour local support
  • Our flexi-booking promise and financial clarity

No ordinary Travel Company

Personally designed, exceptional journeys across Asia that champion a passion for travel with care for community connections and the planet.
Unfollow the herd.

Fully protected and flexible bookings

Selective Asia is a fully ATOL licensed and bonded tour operator, and our flexi-booking promise offers increased protection & peace of mind.,

a yellow square with a black star in it
a white background with gold text
a gold square with black text