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NIHI Sumba
Sumba Island

Top 10s logo 

NIHI Sumba is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Beach Hotels and Top 10 Romantic Retreats.

NIHI Sumba is 567 acres of tropical forest, rice terraces and grasslands wrapped around the stunning two-and-a-half kilometre-long Nihiwatu beach. This world-class beach, often named among the most beautiful in Asia, is protected on both ends by rugged cliffs and headlands, ensuring total exclusivity and an atmosphere of understated luxury.

Tucked discreetly among the trees of this remote island are 27 thatched-roof villas ranging from one to five bedrooms, offering complete solitude in air-conditioned comfort. These expansive bungalows and villas are inspired by traditional Sumbanese architecture and enjoy sweeping balcony panoramas of the beach, the sea and the headlands beyond. Each features its own private pool and serene outdoor spaces, seamlessly blending indoor luxury with the surrounding wild beauty.

A short stroll away, you’ll find the open-air living and dining pavilions and an atmospheric cliff-top bar with views stretching over the Indian Ocean. On the beach below, the jungle spa offers treatments to the sound of crashing waves and nearby, the water sports hut stands ready for days filled with adventure. A stunning swimming pool area, perched above the beach, invites you to surrender to the views.

There is a multitude of wonderful experiences to enjoy at NIHI Sumba. The resort is home to one of the world’s best left-hand break waves, ‘Occy’s Left’, reserved for just ten surfers per day, ensuring a blissfully uncrowded experience. For non-surfers, the resort offers world-class fishing, paddle boarding, snorkelling and unforgettable horseback rides along the beach.

Signature experiences include the Spa Safari, a morning hike through rolling hills, rice fields and local villages to a secluded clifftop retreat where you can enjoy a full day of unlimited treatments, breakfast and utter tranquility. NIHI is also the first resort in the world to offer a dedicated equine therapy programme, blending wellness with the gentle companionship of horses in breathtaking surroundings.

Beyond the indulgence, NIHI offers a deep connection to the culture and community of Sumba. Guests are invited to visit local villages, observe time-honoured rituals and learn about the extraordinary work of the Sumba Foundation, which the resort supports through a range of education, health and clean water initiatives. Sustainability is woven into every aspect of the resort, from its organic gardens to water conservation and recycling systems.

From starlit dining under the palms to sunrise yoga and spa rituals that lull you into timelessness, your stay at NIHI is crafted around your pleasures rather than a set programme. Whether you come to escape, surf, reconnect, or explore, you’ll find that NIHI Sumba doesn’t just promise paradise, it delivers something rarer - a place to return to yourself.

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There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller only who is foreign.
Robert Louis Stevenson

Client Testimonials

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, 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

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