Location: Indonesia
http://www.nihiwatu.com/Book Now
Nihiwatu, a small and exclusive island hideaway on Sumba Island 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, sensational world class fishing, surfing and diving are available on your doorstep, and not far away are other unforgettable activities beyond compare.
The property encompasses 175 hectares of tropical forest, rice terraces and grasslands, while its stunning two and half kilometres 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.
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 and the headlands beyond. At Nihiwatu your sanctuary is superbly outfitted in contemporary Indonesian style with large glass walls and doors to maximise the views.
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 the culture. Surrounding Nihiwatu are Stone Age sites and traditional villages that have remained unchanged for centuries. With their ancient animist rituals, it makes for a truly incredible and totally unique tribal culture.
Nihiwatu was founded in 1988 with the intention of setting up a profitable yet environmentally and socially responsible business that would be aimed at conserving biodiversity and culture. Years later, it has held on to this spirit of environmental stewardship and spearheads a number of conservation initiatives that have positively impacted the region.
It is one of the few hotels in the world that are 100% powered by bio-fuel. It recycles just about everything and the resort itself was built primarily from sustainable materials. It has established a carbon offset programme which has seen a total of 110,000 trees planted – and the number is steadily growing. It is engaged in the protection of the turtle, of which it has hatched thousands, and has been successful in putting a stop to slash and burn agriculture in its region. It raises its own organic poultry and vegetables and passes on its sustainable agriculture knowledge to local farmers in the region.
Nihiwatu continues to raise the sustainability bar. It has gathered the best eco architects, designers and engineers from around the globe to take Nihiwatu to an even higher level of sustainable eco-tourism (Nihiwatu 2.0). Once completed, Nihiwatu 2.0 will incorporate the very latest eco-technology and put it to work in a hotel setting. This extensive greening of its facilities will see it setting new standards for sustainable tourism and design the world over.
Sumba is one of the few islands in Indonesia where a majority of the population still follow the ways of their ancestors. One gets the sense that time has passed this island by and that only now is it slowly being drawn into the present. The island is home to one of the last remaining Megalithic cultures on Earth. Livestock are still traded as currency and prevailing beliefs are animist, involving frequent animal sacrifice and ancient, archaic rituals.
The Sumba Ikat, or woven tapestry, is the most sought after fabric in all of Indonesia. At Nihiwatu, in-house weavers demonstrate daily the fine art of weaving fabrics from cotton and also baskets from dried leaves of the pandan tree. A team of local artisans on the property have revived the skill of traditional pole carving and have passed on their knowledge to their apprentices. Guests take part weekly in basket-weaving classes.
The Nihiwatu staff wear traditional Sumba garb for their uniform, consisting of a parang (machete), kain (woven cloth worn around the waist) and selendang (bandana). Guests are frequently treated to cultural performances such as traditional Sumbanese boxing demonstrations
Nihiwatu is a successful sustainable tourism destination with a keen sense for community. Staying on course with its vision to improve the quality of life of its neighbours it has initiated a number of community development projects which have culminated in the formation of the Sumba Foundation.
As a result of this model socially responsible business more than 22,000 people living in 400 villages within a 120 square kilometre area now have access to clean water from wells; medical clinics, schools, economic opportunities and much more.
