There are few places still on our bucket list but this is definitely one of them. Nihiwatu on Sumba Island – the Number 1 hotel in the world as voted by Travel + Leisure magazine – sits on two and a half kilometres of private beach within 567 acres of unspoilt, natural reserve. And for a limited time only they are offering special rates for Indonesian citizens and Kitas holders who wish to visit over Nyepi and beyond.
Villas are distinctly tropical in style, and come in a variety of sizes. But we reckon the go is to book out the entire place for a week … yes … let’s get over there with 80 friends and have ourselves a full seven days of celebration, relaxation and adventure.
The experience is said to be unforgettable. There’s surf, snorkeling, SUP, freediving, spearfishing… you can go deep sea fishing, kayaking, horse surfing (yes, it’s a thing) as well as boogey boarding, wake-boarding – and that’s just in the water. On land the resort offers mountain hiking, horse riding, Land Rover safaris and visits to local villages and markets or monumental megalithic burial sites.
If it’s wellbeing you’re after there also a full range of spa treatments, yoga and ‘spa safari’, which involves a full day of spa treatments in four cliff top bamboo bales. If it all get too much there’s even a chocolate factory. The wonderful Nihiwatu staff can help with your flights reservation too, so we’ll see you there.
