Nihi Sumba Resort (formerly known as Nihiwatu) was voted the best hotel in the world by Travel + Leisure. This luxury island resort in Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara even beats Brando, Obama's newest vacation spot. Nihi means "stone mortar," and the beach was originally named after the rock formations at high tide.
Nihi was founded by Chris Burch, best known for founding internationally recognized fashion retail brands, including C. Wonder and Tory Burch.
Burch, together with hotelier James McBride, bought a beach hostel on the Indonesian island of Sumba in 2012. The duo spent US$30 million on the hostel renovation and then reopened it as a five-star resort in 2015.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Burch divides his time between Miami, the Hamptons, and his resorts in Indonesia. Nihi has 27 private villas with plunge pools. The plunge pool has views of Nihi Beach and across the Indian Ocean. Raja Mendaka, Chris Burch's private home consisting of the main house and four additional villas, can also be rented for guests.
In addition to the beautiful scenery, Nihi also offers various activities for guests, including spa, yoga, surfing, horse riding and jeep trips.