NIHI Sumba

Ombak stands as the resort’s main restaurant, complemented by its inviting lounge bar. This open‑air venue affords sweeping ocean views and welcomes guests for breakfast and dinner.

The menu is distinguished by a harmonious blend of Indonesian and international dishes, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Many of these are drawn from the resort’s own garden, while the fish is caught daily by local fishermen to ensure the utmost freshness.

Menu highlights include Tuna Sambal Matah – lime‑cured tuna with kaffir lime leaf, shallot, lemongrass, chilli and coconut oil – and Beef Rendang, a classic Sumatran beef curry enriched with tamarind, lemongrass, ginger and chilli. Alternatively, indulge in Seafood Linguine, where fresh ocean flavours are paired with house‑made pasta.

Ombak’s interior marries natural elements such as wood and bamboo with contemporary accents, creating a rustic yet elegantly refined ambience.

At Ombak, guests may dine with their feet in the sand, savouring the gentle sea breeze as part of the experience.

The lounge bar at Ombak is the perfect setting to unwind with a drink, whether during the resort’s spectacular sunsets or after dinner. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, enhanced by comfortable seating.

Nio Beach Club is a paradisiacal haven on NIHI’s pristine shoreline, the perfect retreat for unwinding amidst a tropical ambience.

The menu features freshly caught fish and seafood, crisp salads and a tempting selection from the grill. Complementing these are hand‑crafted pizzas, baked to perfection in the wood‑fired oven.

Set beside the beach, Nio Beach Club affords magnificent ocean vistas. From here, guests may delight in the thunder of hooves as horses gallop across the shoreline. The club’s 20‑metre infinity pool further enhances the experience, offering breathtaking views of the beach and the dramatic waves.

On Sumba, horses form an integral part of the island’s culture, most vividly celebrated during the annual Pasola festival, when hundreds of riders engage in a ceremonial mock battle.

The team at Nio Beach Club is predominantly Sumbanese, as are most of the 400 staff members at NIHI. The resort’s original founders, Claude and Petra Graves, opened NIHI in 2001 as an intimate luxury surf retreat, with a deep commitment to fostering connections with the local community from the very beginning.

This vision was carried forward after the resort’s acquisition by American entrepreneur Chris Burch in 2013. Alongside investing in the expansion of the property, he also established the Sumba Foundation, which continues to support the wellbeing of the island’s residents across many fronts.

Kaboku is an intimate and elegant Japanese restaurant, located beside Nio Beach Club in a cool, air‑conditioned indoor space. Seating just six guests, its experienced chefs present a seven‑course omakase journey crafted with the freshest seasonal ingredients.

Many of the ingredients are sourced from the estate’s own organic farm, lovingly tended by villagers from the surrounding community, thereby underscoring the very same philosophy championed by the Sumba Foundation.

A curated selection of Japanese sake and whisky may perfectly complement the culinary omakase experience.

The Boathouse is the vibrant heart of NIHI, where there is always something to experience. Guests and staff gather here to share stories of their day, enjoy music, and linger over a cold beer or a crafted cocktail accompanied by enticing bites.

In a relaxed ambience, with magnificent views of the ocean, the Boathouse—crafted from natural elements such as wood and bamboo—blends seamlessly into its coastal surroundings.

At sunset, the Boathouse becomes an especially inviting place to linger. Conversations with the staff offer guests deeper insight into the rich culture of magnificent Sumba.

The remarkable initiatives of the Sumba Foundation are often brought to the fore. The foundation has laid a strong groundwork for healthcare and primary education across the island, while also spearheading projects that create opportunities for small enterprises and local employment.

Thanks to the Sumba Foundation, 80 wells and 300 water stations today provide clean drinking water to more than 30,000 island residents. The foundation’s efforts have also led to a reduction of over 70% in malaria cases across Sumba, and an impressive 93% in the NIHI region, supported by the establishment of the Malaria Training Centre and the distribution of more than 15,000 high‑quality mosquito nets.

On selected evenings, extraordinary dinners are hosted in unique settings. On Monday nights, guests may savour an open‑fire jungle‑themed dinner at the Sandalwood Stables. Wednesdays spotlight the Sumba Foundation with an extensive buffet, while Fridays bring the celebrated Fish Feast, showcasing a wide array of fish and seafood. Saturdays are reserved for the now‑iconic White Party Dinner.

Naturally, the villas offer abundant culinary possibilities. Every wish may be arranged in advance or discussed on site, including a special romantic evening at the villa or elsewhere within the resort.

At the Mandaka Owner’s Estate, comprising a total of nine bedrooms across five villas

At the Mandaka Owner’s Estate, comprising a total of nine bedrooms across five villas.

At the Mandaka Owner’s Estate, comprising a total of nine bedrooms across five villas.

At the Puncak Estate, comprising a total of four bedrooms across two villas.

At the Wamoro Estate, comprising a total of four bedrooms across two villas.

At the Wamoro Estate, comprising a total of four bedrooms across two villas.

At the Puncak Estate, comprising a total of four bedrooms across three villas.

At the Kasambi Estate, comprising a total of four bedrooms across three villas.

At the Lantoro Estate, comprising a total of four bedrooms across three villas.

At the Lantoro Estate, comprising a total of four bedrooms across three villas.