Elysium
Step inside NIHI Sumba by CHRIS BURCH, the world’s #1 resort where rugged luxury meets wild freedom. Discover villas, dining, and purpose-driven travel with Elysium987.
A Journey to the Edge of Wildness
There are luxury resorts — and then there is NIHI Sumba by CHRIS BURCH, an experience so rare and so deeply transformative that it defies traditional definitions of hospitality. Located on Sumba Island, just an hour’s flight from Bali, NIHI is more than a destination: it is a philosophy of life.
This untouched island — twice the size of Bali but with only a fraction of its visitors — is one of the last sanctuaries where nature remains wild, culture remains sacred, and the rhythm of life slows to its most valid form. NIHI has been voted the #1 Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure readers two years in a row, and for good reason.
The Origin Story: From Perfect Wave to Perfect Vision
The story of NIHI begins with the Marapu, the ancestral spirit of the Sumbanese people. For centuries, the Marapu have been seen as guardians of the island, protecting its traditions and guiding those who arrive with respect and curiosity. In 1988, this very beach attracted Claude and Petra Graves, two adventurers searching for the perfect wave.
Their discovery of Nihiwatu Beach — named after the rock formation that sits proudly along its tide — set into motion a vision to create a place where travelers could experience Sumba’s beauty without disturbing its spirit. What began as a simple surfers’ lodge eventually grew into one of the most extraordinary resorts on Earth.
Fast forward to 2012, when renowned entrepreneur Christopher Burch and visionary hotelier James McBride joined forces to transform the property into NIHI Sumba by CHRIS BURCH — an icon of sustainable luxury that supports the island’s community while offering travelers a new way to experience the world.
Rugged Luxury: A New Language of Hospitality
At its heart, NIHI is not about over-the-top opulence — it’s about unregulated freedom. This is where barefoot luxury becomes a way of life, and where each guest is encouraged to design their own perfect day. Whether you wake up to surf one of the world’s most exclusive left-hand waves, ride horses at dawn along a pristine stretch of beach, or simply take a plunge in your villa’s private pool, NIHI reminds you that luxury is personal.
Christopher Burch calls it “forging a new language of hospitality.” Here, what truly matters is honored: connection, authenticity, nature, and meaning.
The Villas: Private Sanctuaries with Soul
There are only 28 villas and estates stretched across 2.5 kilometers of Nihiwatu Beach, each designed as a personal haven. No two villas are alike — some hide outdoor bathtubs under the trees, others have sunset meditation balés overlooking the ocean, and all feature a seamless blend of modern design and traditional Sumbanese architecture.
Highlights include:
- Mandaka Owner’s Estate: A nine-bedroom masterpiece with lap pools, waterfall pools, and direct access to the Boathouse — ideal for families or groups seeking the ultimate estate experience.
- Mamole Treehouse Villa: A three-bedroom villa nestled within a sacred forest, offering one of the most romantic and adventurous stays in the world.
- Villa Rahasia: The most secluded of them all, located at the Nihioka Spa Safari for a one-of-a-kind couple’s retreat.
Each villa comes with a private pool, dedicated staff, and panoramic ocean views — giving you front-row access to nature’s most stunning performances.
Immersive Dining: The Art of Gourmet Island Cuisine
At NIHI, food is not just nourishment — it is a celebration of Sumba’s land and sea. Ingredients are grown in NIHI’s own organic gardens, caught by local fishermen, and prepared using ancient cooking techniques.
- Ombak Restaurant is the social heart of the resort, where barefoot dining meets world-class gastronomy.
- Nio Beach Club & Pool is a laid-back paradise, with a wood-fired pizza oven and a 20-meter infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean.
- Kaboku Restaurant offers an intimate six-seat omakase experience, featuring the freshest sushi and sashimi, paired with sake and Japanese whisky.
Meals are designed to be shared, savored, and remembered. NIHI’s culinary approach perfectly aligns with our curated list of gourmet experiences worldwide — celebrating flavor, fire, and the soul of each destination.
Purpose Beyond Hospitality
Every stay at NIHI Sumba by CHRIS BURCH directly contributes to the work of the Sumba Foundation, which fights malaria, builds freshwater wells, and provides school lunches to thousands of local children. This sustainable tourism model ensures that your luxury stay leaves a lasting impact on the island’s future.
Why NIHI Stands Apart
While many luxury resorts offer five-star service, NIHI offers something deeper: transformation. It is the only place in the world where you can surf a legendary wave, meditate at sunrise, explore ancient villages untouched by time, and then retreat to your private villa — all in the same day.
NIHI is not simply a resort — it’s what we at Elysium987 call an actual handpicked hotel: selected not just for its beauty, but for its ability to inspire, transform, and reconnect travelers with what matters most.
The Spirit of Sumba: Design Your Day, Own Your Journey
At NIHI Sumba by CHRIS BURCH, every day is tailored. Your Guest Kapten curates a fluid, high-touch itinerary that blends ocean, land, wellness, and culture. The mandate is simple: unregulated freedom—you choose the intensity, we ensure the magic.
Ocean Experiences: Where Wild Beauty Rules
- Occy’s Left (Guests-Only Surf)
One of the planet’s most coveted left-handers, with controlled access to protect the break and your experience. Coaching, guiding, and gear are available. - Snorkeling & House Reef
Crystal-clear waters with vibrant coral zones; ideal for both beginners and seasoned explorers. - Stand-Up Paddle & Wanukaka River
Glide past palm jungles and rice terraces; sunrise sessions are transcendent. - Boat Charters & Spearfishing
Private boats for blue-water escapes; ethical spearfishing for the experienced. - Jet Ski (Adrenaline Window)
For those who want a throttle with their turquoise.
Planning more escapes like this? Browse our broader destinations coverage to map your next move.
Equine & Beach Life: The Iconic NIHI Signature
- Sunrise Beach Rides
Hoofprints in white sand at first light; it’s as cinematic as it sounds. - Swimming with Horses
Gentle, guided sessions—pure connection, total serenity. - Horse Yoga & Kids’ Pony Club
Mindful movement meets Sumba’s equestrian heritage; safe, structured, unforgettable.
Land Adventures: Waterfalls, Ridges, and Remote Villages
- Blue Waterfall & Lapopu Waterfall Treks
Jungle canyons, cliff jumps (optional), and azure pools worthy of a lifetime memory. - Rice Island & Highland Ridges
Guided hikes across ancient contours; the photos feel unreal. - Mountain Biking
Truck-shuttled runs through Sumbanese backroads; choose chill or challenge. - Coconut Cove & Rua Beach
NIHI’s quiet second shoreline—lunch, lounging, and light snorkeling.
Wellness that Actually Changes You
- Daily Yoga & Breathwork
Open-air pavilions facing the Indian Ocean; restorative and vinyasa flows. - Gym with a View
Bright, functional space for strength, cardio, and mobility between adventures. - Wild Wellness Days
Unplugged hours devoted to ritual: movement, cold plunge, journaling, barefoot beach time.
The NIHI Spa Safari: Peak Indulgence, Cliffside
This is the NIHI hallmark. Hike (or drive) to Nihioka, the cliff-perched sanctuary above a private beach cove. Your day includes:
- Sunrise breakfast with ocean panoramas
- A sequence of bespoke treatments (deep tissue, hot stone, reflexology, body scrubs/wraps)
- Outdoor balés with the soundtrack of waves
- Long, quiet stretches of pure presence
Couples seeking maximum seclusion: consider Villa Rahasia (the only villa at the Spa Safari) for an immersive, all-in wellness bubble.
Cultural Immersion: Real Community, Zero Tourist Theater
- Ancient Hilltop Villages (Lamboya & Beyond)
Megalithic tombs, traditional peaked-roof houses, textile looms—guided respectfully. - Tenun Ikat Weaving
Learn techniques from master artisans; purchase directly and ethically. - Sumba Foundation Touchpoints
Witness the impact behind the brand: school lunches, malaria programs, clean-water projects. Your stay powers this work.
NIHI Sumba by CHRIS BURCH is a rare case study in purpose-led luxury—and exactly why it’s one of our handpicked hotels.
Culinary Rituals: Fire, Flavor, and Stories
- Ombak – barefoot elegance; à la carte breakfast/dinner.
- Nio Beach Club & Pool – wood-fired clay-oven pizzas, grill-driven menus, infinity lap pool right on the water.
- Kaboku (Omakase, 6 Seats) – temperature-controlled jewel box of sushi/sashimi, paired with sake/whisky.
- Weekly Signatures – Jungle Dinner (Mon), Burch Family Foundation Night (Wed), Seafood Feast (Fri, optional package), and the iconic White Party Dinner (Sat).
- Chef’s Table & Floating Breakfasts – yes, it’s that photogenic—without sacrificing taste.
Craving more culinary deep-dives? Tap into our global gourmet index for world-class, chef-led experiences.
For Families, Solos, and Groups: Dial-In Your Format
- Honeymoons & Solos: Mamole Treehouse Villa, Kanatar, Lulu Amahu (open-air bath for two).
- Families & Friends: Lantoro Estate, Wamoro Estate, Putri Kasambi, Puncak (private pools, larger lounges).
- Epic Celebrations: Mandaka Owner’s Estate (9 bedrooms; pinnacle hosting).
- Surfers-at-Heart: Mandaka Surf with direct Boathouse access.
Operations You’ll Appreciate (Because Excellence is the Point)
- Guest Kapten model (true itinerary design, not mass programming)
- Controlled surf access (quality and safety)
- Daily housekeeping & turndown
- Laundry, concierge, porters
- Kids’ programming (secure, educational, active)
- Free area shuttle; paid airport transfers (pre-arrange)
- On-property Wi-Fi (rooms + selected public areas)
Booking Intelligence: How to Secure Your Best NIHI Outcome
- Decide what you value most.
Surf priority? Choose villas near the Boathouse. Wellness seclusion? Villa Rahasia at Nihioka. Big family energy? Mandaka or Lantoro/Wamoro Estates. - Lock peak weeks early
School holidays and prime swell windows compress availability. Move fast. - Sequence your days
Front-load Spa Safari, anchor a White Party Dinner, save the most demanding trek mid-stay, and time a sunrise horse swim. - Use the right channel.
- Official details, policies, and property updates: NIHI (official site)
- Ready to book a specific villa with a clean, frictionless flow: NIHI Sumba by CHRIS BURCH on Expedia (affiliate)
- Official details, policies, and property updates: NIHI (official site)
Smart Sample Itinerary (4 Nights / 5 Days)
Day 1 – Arrive & Ground
Private transfer · Villa check-in · Sunset at Boathouse Bar (Happiest Hour) · Dinner at Ombak
Day 2 – Ocean & Equine
Dawn surf or SUP · Swimming with Horses · Afternoon nap · Kaboku omakase
Day 3 – Spa Safari Day
Early hike to Nihioka · Full treatment sequence · Sunset meditation balé · In-villa dining
Day 4 – Highlands & Fire
Blue Waterfall trek · Village visit & tenun ikat · Nio Beach Club jungle dinner/seafood night (as scheduled)
Day 5 – Depart Renewed
Rice field walk · Leisurely breakfast · Transfer
What Makes NIHI Sumba by CHRIS BURCH Non-Negotiable on Your Bucket List
- Rarity: Remote, protected, and purposeful.
- Craft: Villas with soul; culinary that respects origin and technique.
- Transformation: You leave different—calmer, stronger, clearer.
- Impact: Your stay fuels real community outcomes via the Sumba Foundation.
Make It Happen
- Explore property intel and ethos on NIHI’s official site.
- When you’re ready to lock in your villa and dates, reserve via NIHI Sumba by CHRIS BURCH (affiliate).
- Building a multi-stop itinerary around Sumba? Scan our destinations network and benchmark against other handpicked hotels in your shortlist.
- Planning a food-led escape? Layer NIHI with our gourmet picks across Asia-Pacific.
NIHI Sumba by CHRIS BURCHIf you measure luxury by depth—not by bling—NIHI Sumba by CHRIS BURCH is the global benchmark. It’s where design, nature, and purpose align for outcomes that most hotels only market. Book it, then let the island do the rest.
