Bensbach Wildlife Lodge

Beautiful Nihi Sumba is located on the island of Sumba, 250 miles to the East of Bali. The resort focuses on unregulated freedom with understated luxury, allowing you to reconnect with a life lived simply, healthfully and mindfully. The property on West Sumba is vast, private and at one with its natural surroundings. All villas are built on terraces with private verandas. Nihi Sumba Island was born of a vision to protect and preserve the unique culture and empower the local communities to support themselves and their families and give them the opportunity to improve their own lives. Nihi Sumba Island is an outpost to world-class surfing, hiking through breath taking waterfalls, ancient villages and butterfly trails and Stand-up Paddling down the Wanukaka River. For wellness buffs, the stunning yoga platform and the unique Nihi Oka Spa Safari allow for healthful holidays. Nihi Sumba is not just an escape from everyday life. Dining options include the spectacularly crafted open air Ombak Restaurant, plus more casual Boathouse bar and Nio Beach eats.

Nihi Sumba is a haven where rugged luxury meets unregulated freedom. A haven for the adventurer, for the wanderer and the endlessly passionate and curious. Arrive with an open heart and leave changed forever; this is a destination with meaning.

Where you stay on vacation is more than just a hotel room. It is an experience. A new way of living. Every detail in our rooms – crisp white bed linens on our signature canopy beds, handmade chocolate in the mini bar, sweeping panoramic views of the Indian ocean – is designed to make you feel both at home yet completely transported. The resort offers 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom unique and beautifully crafted villas as well as an Owner’s Estate and Secret Villa.

1-Bedroom Villa

Tucked away. Private. Intimate. Cozy. Watch the waves at the edge of your private lawn. Feel beach at your fingertips. Listen to the chirping birds in your private garden. Welcome to Lamba, secluded and convenient. Paradise. Built entirely on one level, each of the two Lamba estates features an exquisitely appointed master bedroom that opens out onto a deck with lounge chairs, an upholstered day bed and teak cabana next to a private plunge pool. A rambling backyard, private garden and outdoor shower with ocean views complete the scene. Ideal for couples looking for a sense of privacy and the perfect amount of space, Lamba is the jewel tucked conveniently away in the heart of the resort. Can be rented separately or connected for families and friends.

2-Bedroom Villa

Tucked away in the trees. Complete peace. Complete quiet. Dramatic views. Your own private outdoor lounge and large swimming pool. Welcome to Wamoro. Your stately jungle hideaway. The two bedroom villa features its own private entrance and king sized canopy beds. The large, shared outdoor bale complete with private dining area, bar, kitchen and a separate bathroom sits alongside the hero of the Wamoro property: a large infinity pool that with spectacular views.

3-Bedroom Villa

You wake to the sound of chirping birds. You fall asleep to the music of waves crashing softly in the distance. You are in the childhood treehouse of your dreams. High above the ground, far away from stress and distraction, you are alive and one with nature. Welcome to Mamole Tree House, let us remind you what it means to be young with an old soul.

Three separate but conjoining villas punctuate this breathtaking jungle property. Built around the trunk of a tree, Mamole is ideal for anyone who appreciates unique design and a sense of immersion in nature. The first floor contains an open air living room, ping pong table and a bathroom that leads out to a private lounge area overlooking a spectacular infinity pool. Generously appointed deck chairs and lounge seating make Mamole a social estate perfect for larger groups of friends or families that wish to be separate but close together.

The second floor holds the master bedroom and bathroom: circular in shape and encased in fully functional sliding glass doors on all sides, the Mamole master bedroom is one of the most beautiful and distinctive Nihi Sumba Island has to offer, complete with a balcony overlooking the ocean. There is additional tent style room for our guests that enjoy sleeping close to nature in the outdoors.

4-Bedroom Villa

Our love of chasing the perfect wave has led you to this place. Perched on the edge of the estate, you admire the scope and strength of NIHI Sumba’s famous left hand wave. You know getting a good ride will not be as easy as it looks. But at Kasambi, you have the advantage of studying it throughout the day. Soon, you will make the right pick and be rewarded. Kasambi is a surfer’s villa dream.

Large groups are ideal for this spacious estate.  A group of surf enthusiasts will find this villa to be a prime position. Kasambi’s two luxury one-bedroom suites feature private, creek-side entrances and are surrounded by gardens of Jasmine, Frangipani, and Palm trees.  They share a plunge pool with a private path to the Nio Beach Bar.

Additionally, the two-bedroom main house is great for families, with separate suites for in-laws, family service, or traveling childcare. The Kasambi experience is anchored by an open-air Great Room with a lounge, a private dining area, bar, and kitchen. A decked terrace includes day beds and lounge seating by the large infinity pool with undisturbed views of the famous surf break and 2.5km of beach.

Owner’s Estate

Take a moment. Draw a deep breath into your lungs. Open your eyes and pull back the curtains of your bedroom. Miles and miles of blue ocean stretching in all directions. Your new home is Mandaka. The owner’s six-villa estate and the crown jewel of NIHI Sumba. Give in to absolute luxury. You belong here.

Secret Villa

Indonesian for “secret,” the “Rahasia” villa offers a playground of privacy atop the resort’s coveted Spa Safari. The award-winning Nihi Sumba resort, a fifty-minute flight from Bali, has added yet another layer of romance to its collection of private accommodations, transforming its stand-alone “honeymoon villa” at the nearby Spa Safari™ Nihioka into an all-inclusive upgrade of secluded allure and flirtatious detail on the Edge Of Wildness™.

The only villa situated within the Spa Safari’s boundaries of rolling rice fields and cliff top views, Rahasia allows guests to feel as if they have an entire resort unto themselves. With unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean, a symphony of crashing waves, a plunge pool, several private bales for dining or spa treatments, bush-cooked meals over an open fire, colorful sunsets, and plenty of nearby hiking, Villa Rahasia is a lover’s paradise.

Room Amenities:

King size bed

Indoor round bathtub for 2 guests

Private plunge pool

Outdoor dining and entertaining area

Beach bag

Sandals

Bathrobe

Safe deposit box

Individual AC

Insect repellant

Ceiling fan

Lighted vanity mirror

Ample storage and hanging space

Hairdryer

Minibar

Wi-Fi

Yoga mat

Guest Captain

ADVENTURE

The resort’s unique location on the West Coast of Sumba offers a great opportunity to explore the Indian Ocean and enjoy world-class surfing and thriving marine ecosystem for fishing or diving. Here’s some fun things to do!

Swimming with the Horses

When the swell is low and high tide is waning, this is the perfect time to go swimming the horses on Nihiwatu beach. Down at the stables our horsemen will match you up with a horse fitted with a bareback pad for grip and comfort, and lead you down to the water in front of the Boathouse. The horses love to cool off in the water; it is a wonderful feeling to be on their backs as they wade, splash, and play weightlessly in the ocean. When the swell causes their hooves to leave the ground and they start to swim a little you feel yourself float momentarily above their backs, it’s quite exhilarating!

Snorkeling

The reef in front of NIHI Sumba has a beautiful wall that extends past the channel and is full of colorful coral and marine life. The ideal snorkeling conditions are when the surf is small and preferably at low tide, when the current is not as strong and visibility is better.

Konda Boat Cruise

This journey is designed for those who wish to combine fishing with some free time. You will leave the resort on one of our boats in the morning to catch your own lunch. Once the fish are on board, guests are transported to the white sands of Konda Beach, which is protected from the swell, for a fresh fish BBQ and refreshing prosecco. Guests can relax and swim, stand-up paddle board, or snorkel before heading back to the resort.

Horseback Riding
Saddle up for a ride along the beach or along island paths.
CULTURE
Nihi Sumba combines the ultimate luxury in comfort with the opportunity to embrace the local tradition, flavor and enjoy the rich symphony of Sumba's daily life. Sumba Expedition This excursion has it all! Traditional villages, lush rice fields, and majestic waterfalls. We will start by driving to the nearby area of Wanukaka where we will visit the old village of Weigali (where the monolith representing The Sumba Foundation is located) where you’ll receive an informative introduction to the Marapu way of life. After perusing some of the village’s arts and crafts, we will drive to Lapopu, a waterfall immersed in the jungle where you will have a chance picnic in front of the turquoise pools.

Blue Waterfall Trek
Stunning vistas as you descend into the Wanukaka Valley are a highlight of this 45-minute drive to Matayangu, the Blue Waterfall. After parking at the start of the trail, we begin a 1h30 trek led by local guides through the pristine Indonesian National Park to the blue lagoon at the base of the waterfall, where one might spot wildlife such as the long-tailed Macaques, reticulated pythons, the Nusa Tenggara fly catchers, and Citrus Crested Cockatoos. As the trail emerges from the jungle, the sheer size and scale of the waterfall basin is truly worth the walk. While you soak in your surroundings, guides will set up a picnic for a leisurely snack. You can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and swimming in this beautiful setting before trekking back to the vehicle. We recommend packing a sarong, swimsuit, extra shirt, sunscreen, camera, and sturdy shoes.

Wanukaka River Adventure

This is one of our most popular excursions! Float past riverbank village life on a paddle board or in a canoe, with the occasional water buffalo sighting!

This scenic adventure through Sumbanese river culture provides a glimpse into everyday living. It starts with a 30-minute scenic drive that descends through the Wanukaka Valley, and upon reaching the river, guests will receive paddle gear, instructions, and be escorted toward the ocean by guides. The adventure concludes with a picnic snack and panoramic view of rice fields and the beach.

Mountain Biking

Explore Sumba’s rolling hills and lush scenery from one of our mountain bikes. Our guide will show you the untouched beauty of Sumba, including a ride through nearby villages for a glimpse of daily life. We will help you choose a route according to skill level, tailoring an itinerary that combines a great workout with unmatched sightseeing … from exhilarating downhill rides, to a calm cruise through flat lands.

ENVIRONMENT

Guests can give back to the local community, by fostering village-based projects that impact health, education, water and income-generation, while preserving and respecting the fragile Sumbas' culture and traditions.

English Teaching

A wonderful volunteer effort for The Sumba Foundation, guests accompany staff to one of the nearby schools where they can contribute to English classes with playful lessons, songs, and games – incredibly rewarding and fun! One must be ready for all of the questions that the children will ask; they tend to be very curious!

Nihi Pasola

Engage in local customs that you will not find anywhere else in the world!

Our very own skilled Pasola horsemen will present a short demonstration and guide you in their high-adrenaline tradition of throwing spears, while you are dressed in cultural attire. Once you look the part, from the safety of our equestrian arena you will be mounted bareback on one of our Sumba ponies to try your hand at spear throwing.

To see more of Nihi Sumba, click HERE