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NIHI Sumba... Indonesia’s Most Romantic Island Hideaway

9 days from £9,100 for 2025 per person

Just an hour’s flight from Bali, but a world away in rhythm and reverence, NIHI Sumba is a revelation. Tucked on the remote western edge of Sumba Island, this exclusive, award-winning hideaway is one of Indonesia’s most extraordinary offerings, a place where wild luxury meets purposeful living.

Set across 175 hectares of jungle, rice terraces and open grassland, and fronted by 2.5 kilometres of private beach, NIHI is cinematic. The sea here is legendary with world-class surfing, diving and deep-sea fishing all just steps away, and inland, wild horses roam free and waterfalls tumble into emerald pools. It’s not a hotel for idle indulgence, but for active immersion; horse rides at sunrise, treks to local villages, waterfall picnics, yoga in jungle pavilions or spa treatments in cliffside nests open to the breeze.

The villas are tucked discreetly into the landscape, with private pools, expansive decks and views over a sea that glows gold at dusk. Interiors are a tactile mix of thatch, stone and teak, and outside, the only soundtrack is the hush of waves and the whisper of wind through the palms.

Though full board, meals feel anything but predictable. The menu includes line-caught fish grilled over coals, coconut curries, sun-ripened fruit and beach barbecues beneath the stars. It’s barefoot dining at its most refined, where conversation and connection matter more than wine lists or white tablecloths.

NIHI has earned its cult following by striking the rare balance between utter seclusion and deep engagement. At its heart is a commitment to community. Many of the team are from the island and profits support the Sumba Foundation, which funds healthcare, education and clean water projects. The entire property is guided by an ethos of sustainability.

NIHI Sumba is especially perfect for honeymooners and romantics, those looking for privacy and moments of magic. It’s a true one-stop tropical escape, but also pairs beautifully with wider Indonesian itineraries, one could easily combine with the temples of Java, the rice fields of Bali or the coral atolls of Raja Ampat.

This itinerary is purely a starting point to creating your own perfect journey; you can book it just as it is, or use it as inspiration to shape something entirely your own. For more ideas, take a look at our curated collections of Honeymoons, as well as our favourite BeachScuba Diving and Fly & Flop itineraries.


Itinerary details

9 days from £9,100 for 2025 per person

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Travelling is like flirting with life. It's like saying, 'I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.
Lisa St. Aubin de Teran

Client Testimonials

Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka

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