About the hotel
Nihi Sumba is a beach resort at Hoba Wawi, Wanokaka, in West Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. According to NIHI, Claude and Petra Graves came to the beach in 1988 looking for surf and went on to create a resort there called Nihiwatu. In 2012 the American entrepreneur Christopher Burch acquired it in partnership with James McBride, who is Co-founding Partner and CEO of NIHI and was President of YTL Hotels from 2009 to 2012.
The resort’s villas page describes 31 villas and estates, from one to four bedrooms, along a beach of about 2.5 km. Dining venues are Ombak, Nio Beach Club, Kaboku and the Boathouse Bar. Facilities include the Nihioka Spa and Spa Safari, a Ride & Racquet Club with tennis, padel and pickleball, and surfing. The resort is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.
Rooms and keys
'31 villas and estates' (official villas page text); the same page's metadata says 28 villas and Leading Hotels of the World lists 32 suites
Inside the hotel
Restaurants and bars
- Ombak Restaurant
- Nio Beach Club
- Kaboku Restaurant
- Boathouse Bar
Facilities
- Nihioka Spa and Spa Safari
- Ride & Racquet Club with tennis, padel and pickleball courts
- 2.5 km beach
- Surfing, diving, fishing and horse riding
As listed on the hotel’s own website. See sources.
Recognition
- No. 35
- The World's 50 Best Hotels 2026
- Three Keys (2025 and 2026)
- Michelin Guide
Questions readers ask.
Who operates Nihi Sumba?
NIHI, the company led by Co-founding Partner and CEO James McBride. The owner is Christopher Burch.
How many villas does Nihi Sumba have?
The resort's villas page describes 31 villas and estates. Other sources give 28 to 32.
Who owns Nihi Sumba?
Christopher Burch, who acquired the resort in 2012 in partnership with James McBride.
Sources & context.
Facts are taken from the pages listed below. Where a detail could not be confirmed it has been left out. Profile last checked 10 October 2026.