SUMBA NIHIWATU RESORT

The Nihiwatu Resort

Nihiwatu, a small and exclusive island hideaway in remote eastern Indonesia is one of the most extraordinary resorts in an archipelago of the extraordinary. Among travellers "in the know" who seek excitement with absolute privacy, Nihiwatu's reputation is unrivalled — for starters, world class fishing, surfing and diving are sensational and right outside your door, and not far away are unforgettable activities that are absolutely beyond compare.
 

The property encompasses 175 hectares of tropical forest, rice terraces and grasslands, while its stunning two and half kilometers of beachfront are protected by headlands that ensure total exclusivity for guests. With an idyllic setting that is pristine, romantic and endlessly peaceful Nihiwatu is the perfect tropical retreat for honeymooners and couples.

Do everything or do nothing. Nihiwatu allows you kick back all day overlooking paradise, relax by the pool, take leisurely walks along the beach or island excursions. Excellent dining and suite accommodation are not overlooked, and the resort's friendly staff and leisure facilities ensure that amid the wonders of nature you have plenty of creature comforts.
 

And then there is culture. Surrounding Nihiwatu are Stone Age sites and traditional villages that have remained unchanged for centuries, this unique tribal culture with its ancient animist rituals is truly incredible.

Since 1989 our philosophy has been to create a model of tourism that gives more than it takes. We are proud to have become an acknowledged leader of the Responsible Tourism movement and we intend to continue to pave a path for others to follow. It is through our strong support of The Sumba Foundation, its mission and its efforts to help the Sumbanese people that a new paradigm of responsible tourism has been created.
 

Nihiwatu is the place to be if you are seeking a unique and entirely different vacation experience; be it adventure or nature at its scenic best … or simply fulfilling the desire to lose yourself in another world!

Nihiwatu is one of those rare gems that you find on few occations in life.

The conservancy is breath taking and all inspiring with honest service and delectable food. Being an avid surfer from South Africa made this "experience" all the more incredible as the wave in front of our room was world class and very exciting.

Nihiwatu …where less is more than enough

Immerse yourself in splendid isolation in the most unspoiled region of the Indonesian Archipelago. The Nihiwatu property is 438 acres of tropical forest, rice terraces and grasslands wrapped around the stunning two and half kilometer long Nihiwatu beach. This world-class beach is protected on both ends by cliffs and headlands ensuring total exclusivity for our guests.

Tucked amongst the trees of this remote island are just seven luxury bungalows and three two-bedroom villas offering you complete solitude in air-conditioned comfort with everything one needs in an idyllic tropical setting. The thatched roofed bungalows and villas, hand-built by Indonesian craftsman using local materials, have balcony vistas stretching the full length of the beach the sea and the headlands beyond. At Nihiwatu your sanctuary is superbly outfitted in contemporary Indonesian style with large glass walls and doors to maximize the views.

Nearby you will find a rustic living and dining room and adjacent is the cliff-top bar overlooking the sea. At Nihiwatu we take pride in providing memorable dining and personalized service, and to ensuring that every guest's wishes are fulfilled.

On the beach below, nestled under a grove of Pandanus trees, is our jungle spa and close by is a rustic boat house and bar that is the focus of a myriad of daytime watersports activities. Just uphill and overlooking the full length of Nihiwatu beach is a swimming pool area where you can loose yourself to the views for hours on end.

To rejuvenate the body and soul we have massage and body treatments available at our Jungle and Hilltop Spas. We also have private and group Yoga instruction available under the largest traditional Sumbanese structure on the island.

At Nihiwatu we strive to provide a level of service that is as special as the environment in which it is offered.

Facilities
The small number of guests allows maximum use of the facilities and the opportunity to savor all the privacy and seclusion that Nihiwatu has to offer.

The restaurant and open air dinning pavilions overlook the sea and beach. Our chefs’ daily blackboard creations use only fresh homegrown vegetables, imported meats and our catch of the day. Guests enjoy a sampling of local and international cuisine including savory soups, barbequed fish, and fresh fruits. Coffee, tea and cakes are available at anytime and anywhere you want. We are usually able to accommodate special diet needs if guests give us adequate advance notice. Breakfast and lunches are served throughout most of the day but dinner is a special affair. Appetizers are served at the bar and when everyone sits down at the long tables for dinner they all take part in what often becomes very interesting conversations. Meal-time really becomes a gathering of friends.

The outdoor pavilions are the perfect place for romantic private dinning, be it near the beach or up on a hill, there really is nothing like eating out under the stars and moonlight.
 

Our bar is dramatically positioned on the cliffs edge with sweeping views of the sea, surf and the spectacular sunsets. The bar is fully stocked with a wide range of spirits and a selection of fine wines from Europe, North and South America and Australia. At sunset it becomes the pre-diner meeting place where guest share their exploits and adventures of the day. After dinner it can become quite a lively place where often times the truth will not get in the way of a good story.

Our swimming and plunge pools are located on a hilltop overlooking the beach and sea. The spectacular views from this location make this the place to be spending some time simply doing nothing at all except soaking in the sun and clocking up maximum relaxation time.

At Nihiwatu we do know how to pamper. We have positioned our outdoor Jungle Spa under the trees just above the beach to allow for privacy and great views. A full range of massage and body treatments are available which, when coupled with the sound of the surf that is only meters away, will definitely sooth both your body and soul. Up high above the beach sits the Hilltop Spa, the ideal venue for a romantic experience. Here we can offer the “Ultimate Spa Experience”, soaking in a large scented tub, enjoying a chilled glass of wine or champagne with views to die for. Just when you think that it can’t get any better, it does … foot baths, massages, body scrubs, facials; this is an experience you will never forget!
 

There are few places better suited for Yoga, Pilates and Meditation than Nihiwatu. American Peter Jones is our resident instructor and he is available at anytime of the day for private or group practice and instruction. Our venue is inspiring; the structure is built according to traditional Sumba spirit house design and constructed following traditional methods and materials. It is the largest traditional building of its kind on the island and is the pride of the local residents who built it. More...

Although we don’t encourage our guests to mix business with pleasure we do understand that keeping in touch now and then is important. For you we have satellite phone communication and internet service available at our business center.

Dining & Cuisine
We aim to create the very best Food and Beverage experiences for you. Our entire team wants to meet and even exceed your culinary expectations, for them it’s important.

Dining options at Nihiwatu are designed to make your stay diverse, exciting and slightly adventurous. Our Chef and his team work to produce a combination of dishes that allow Asian and Western cuisines to meet in culinary terms. Every effort is made to find ingredients of the highest quality and have them delivered to Sumba as pure and as fresh as they might have been served at their origin. Perfect blends of eastern and western foods are presented with choices that change daily.
 

To compliment the dining options we offer a wine list that covers many wine producing countries in both hemispheres. This mixture of new world wines and good French classics offers you the opportunity to fulfil the dining experience despite the remoteness of the island.

If you think you have found peace and tranquillity at Nihiwatu, then brace yourself for the ultimate Robinson Crusoe experiences. We can take you to venues were the bounds of civilization no longer exist; where you will picnic on a remote beach or waterfall and have the opportunity to experience pristine nature in its raw form.
 

If you are taken by the magic of the Sumba sky, and you wish to capture a romantic moment while dining under the star lit sky, just ask and we will set up a table for you in one of many special private venues. Using only candles and natural light from the stars and moon your dinner is discreetly served. As the waiter slips away the rest is up to you.
Special Diets

We have an extensive Vegetarian menu available for you and we can prepare Vegan dishes on request, we also a have a great menu for the children. However if you have any special dietary requests please let us know about them prior to your arrival. We may need to ship in ingredients, but with enough notice we will get it for you.

Accomodation & Rates
"Best place in the whole world!!…sssshhhh!! Let's all be careful who we share this jewel with!"… guest comment

During your stay at Nihiwatu, your home will be one of only seven bungalows and three two bedroom villas that have been hand built by Indonesian craftsman. Each offers all of the comforts and the serenity expected. Your balcony features comfortable rattan chairs and a day bed with views to die for. All of our accommodations are ocean facing and fully air-conditioned with mosquito nets, mini-bars, in room safes, hot water, hair dryers and bathroom amenities.

There is a minimum stay of five nights but we recommend a stay of one week or more so that you can really experience all that Nihiwatu has to offer; the time you need to relax, to explore the island, indulge in sport, make friends among fellow guests and become part of the Nihiwatu family. A shorter visit hardly allows enough time to rest from the strain of travel and enjoy your holiday. We are fortunate to have a very high percentage of returning guests, most who stay longer on their second and third visits with us.

Our rates include airport transfers from Tambolaka airport in West Sumba, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning and afternoon tea) and all soft drinks. Also included is a complimentary full body massage at one of our Spa facilities, and a visit to one of the very interesting traditional villages located nearby Nihiwatu. Guests staying a second week receive an additional full body massage and a complimentary Yoga lesson.

Our rates are quoted in United States Dollars and subject to 11% government tax and 10% service charges. For the period of April 01st 2009 to March 31st 2010 the rates are:

Luxury Bungalows
We have seven comfortable one bedroom bungalows with king sized beds or with twins on request. The bungalows are complete with furnished balconies overlooking the ocean and sunsets; and with bathrooms having showers, hair dryers and the amenities you expect.

* US$ 550 per night for two persons
* US$ 490 per night for single occupancy
* Extra adult bed US$200 per night
* A child 13 to 16 years of age sharing the room US$110 per night
* A child under 12 years of age sharing the room with parents is free of charge
 

Nihiwatu Villas
We have two spacious villas that are perfect for friends wanting to stay closer together as well as for families wanting more space. Each villa has two large bed and bathrooms and a large balcony, all tastefully decorated with Indonesian antiques and furnishings.

* US$ 1.100 per night for up to 4 persons
* Extra adult bed US$ 220 per night
* An extra child 13 to 16 years of age sharing the room US$110 per night
* An extra child under 12 years of age sharing the room with parents is free of charge
 

Haweri Villa
Villa Haweri is dramatically positioned on a small headland with over two and half acres of spectacular waterfront land bordered on two sides by water with the jungle behind. The villa is separate from the resort yet close enough to feel a part of it. Living here offers total seclusion and privacy. There are two bedrooms and bathrooms in the main house with a third bedroom in a luxurious detached bungalow. The Villa also features its own waterfront swimming pool and a magnificent hill top living and dining room that has a fully outfitted kitchen … and butler service of course.

* US$ 1,600 per night for 4 persons in the two bedroom villa
* US$    590 additional for two people in the luxurious bungalow
* Extra adult bed US$ 220 per night
* An extra child 13 to 16 years of age sharing the room US$110 per night
* An extra child under 12 years of age sharing the room with parents is free of charge
 

NOTE:
The rates are subject to 21% tax and service charges. During the months of July 1st through September 15th accommodations incur a surcharge of $50 a night for the Luxury Bungalows and $100 a night for the Villas.