A Resort Like No Other

Perched on the southwestern coast of Sumba, Indonesia, NIHI Sumba (formerly Nihiwatu) has been called the best hotel in the world by Travel + Leisure. It isn’t just a resort, it’s an experience that fuses raw wilderness, local culture, and world-class design. Unlike typical luxury destinations, NIHI doesn’t overwhelm the landscape; instead, it flows with it, creating a place where nature and architecture are equal partners.

With 33 villas spread across 530 acres, NIHI is vast yet deeply personal. Its open-air design, natural materials, and cliffside pools create an atmosphere that feels both wild and refined, a balance that has captured the hearts of travelers from around the world.

From Surf Camp to Celebrity Hideaway

What began as a secluded surf camp has evolved into one of the world’s most sought-after retreats. NIHI made international headlines when Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney honeymooned at the exclusive Mandaka Estate, a five-villa residence priced at nearly USD 12,745 per night. They aren’t the only ones enchanted by Sumba’s magic.

David and Victoria Beckham, Christian Bale, Heidi Klum, and Cindy Crawford are among the high-profile guests who have stayed and celebrated this “edge of wildness.” Even Brody Jenner and Kaitlynn Carter chose NIHI as the setting for their wedding ceremony. For celebrities, royals, and discerning travelers, Sumba offers the rarest luxury of all: privacy, authenticity, and a deep connection to place.

Design that Yields to Nature

NIHI’s architecture is guided by humility. Villas are crafted from teak, thatch, and stone, blending seamlessly with cliffs and jungle. Each has a private pool and sweeping ocean or valley views. What makes Sumba unforgettable is the way it integrates adventure, culture, and nature into every stay.

NIHI acknowledges that luxury resorts carry an environmental cost. Private pools, imported goods, and global travel all leave a footprint. Yet, NIHI stands out for confronting these challenges with transparency and commitment. The resort uses local, natural materials in construction. It supports the Sumba Foundation, which provides clean water, education, and medical care to local communities. NIHI also preserves large areas of wild land around the resort, ensuring that ecosystems remain intact.

NIHI is more than a destination. It’s a blueprint for how hospitality can respect land, honor culture, and still deliver experiences that leave guests speechless. From horseback rides through the surf to candlelit dinners under Sumba’s vast skies. For celebrities, royals, and global travelers, it’s proof that the most unforgettable luxury lies at the edge of wildness.