NIHI Sumba - #1 Hotel in the World by Travel+Leisure Magazine's World's Best Awards

NIHI® is the number one hotel in the world, voted by T+ L readers globally for its annual World’s Best Awards, the magazine announced today.

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The recognition acknowledges the changing travel habits of today’s consumer who seeks a new type of luxury: experiential in scope, activity-driven, cultural, philanthropic, and with attention to the details that encourage guests to discover the very best adventure, immersion, and fun.
“Hospitality-centric luxury has changed”, said NIHI® founder and investor Christopher Burch. “It is more than just the finer touches. It has evolved into a custom itinerary, a personal journey, unexpected experiences, and a curiosity for the unknown. This is everything we set out to deliver with the Nihiwatu concept.”

The Millennial traveler has accelerated this approach. Having grown up in a world of technology where travel is easier than in previous generations, they are taking full advantage to travel the globe in search of new experiences according to the WYSE Travel Confederation New Horizons Study.

“We have attracted a particularly discerning segment of luxury travelers who are willing to spend the extra resources and go the extra distance just to discover something truly extraordinary”, added NIHI® Managing Partner James McBride.

Re-imagined and re-opened in 2015, Nihiwatu has quickly captivated travelers from all corners of the world. On the remote island of Sumba in southeastern Indonesia, the once cult surf destination with its own popular wave, Occy’s Left, was acquired by Burch in 2012 and developed into a culturally immersive enclave of equal parts active adventure and endless indulgence, in an exotic and authentic setting. Among its unique and idyllic features:

A three-villa tree house atop a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean
A day-long spa safari with endless spa treatments, private bales, and healthy, bush-cooked meals
Over 33 villas with private plunge pools, indoor-outdoor entertaining, and views of Nihi Beach
Island exploration that includes hidden waterfalls, scenic views of farmed rice paddies, local villages and artisans, freshly harvested coconuts, and picnic lunches
A professional equestrian center for sunset beach rides, mountain excursions, horsemanship, and more

Maintaining its deep-rooted philosophy, and through the generosity of Burch, a portion of NIHI®’s profits are now repatriated into the Sumba Foundation established by Claude Graves and Sean Downs in 2001. With the enthusiastic support of hotel guests, NIHIWATU® is a philanthropic vehicle dedicated to fostering community-based projects. During their stay, guests are introduced to the Foundation’s efforts through an impactful presentation and short film. Many guests subsequently become benefactors to the Foundation. The result is a rare collaboration between a resort and its local community that today co-exist with compelling interdependence: the resort has become the biggest employer on the island and the Sumba Foundation gives back to the local communities. Over the last fourteen years, the Foundation has set up four medical clinics, a Malaria training center, and has developed over 100 water wells and water stations. The Foundation currently feeds young children in a malnutrition program, and has refurbished and supported 15 primary schools and provides lunch for over 1,000 schoolchildren twice a week.

NIHI® is enthusiastically planning an expansion of the brand to further realize opportunities grounded in its doctrine, “The Edge of Wildness.” Soon, the expansion of Nihi Resorts will include the current model of a luxury resort that emphasizes ultimate services and endless experiences; and the addition of a larger, less expensive format that the millennial traveler can enjoy on a similar, more cost-efficient level.

“The location is hyper critical for the growth of NIHI”, said Burch. “We will only advance the brand in very special ways that make sense to the sensibility we have established. It’s an experience like no other, and we intend to keep it that way.”