NIHI Sumba proudly joins an elite circle as one of only three resorts in Indonesia to receive the distinguished Three-Key distinction in the 2025 MICHELIN Key Awards, a new accolade from the MICHELIN Guide recognizing the world’s most exceptional hotels.
The honor celebrates properties offering “An extraordinary stay” — a rare designation that places NIHI Sumba among the top 5.8% of all MICHELIN Key-rated hotels worldwide.
In its official review, the MICHELIN 2025 Guide describes, “An hour to the east [of Bali], the island of Sumba remains far more wild, and it’s here that you’ll find the extraordinary Nihi Sumba. It’s been called the best hotel in the world… It’s fair to say there’s a strong case to be made.”
For NIHI Sumba, this recognition goes beyond accolades; it affirms a philosophy that has long defined the resort’s spirit. “We are deeply honored to be recognized with the MICHELIN Three Keys,” said James McBride, CEO and Co-Founder of NIHI Sumba. “This distinction reflects our belief that true luxury is found in connection — in the spirit of discovery, comfort, and heartfelt service that our team brings to life each day across this extraordinary island.”
At the heart of this philosophy lies the Equine Sanctuary at Nihioka, a 100-acre coastal haven framed by rice fields, jungle, and sea. Home to Sumba’s retired sea horses, once seen galloping along the surf, the sanctuary invites guests to share in their calm energy through guided equine therapy and mindful encounters that reflect NIHI’s deep respect for balance, healing, and the interconnectedness of life.
As part of its ongoing journey, NIHI Sumba is set to unveil Sandalwood Stable Valley, a rewilding initiative inspired by the island’s legacy as the “Sandalwood Island,” once famed for its aromatic wood and home to a thousand free-roaming horses. Here, guests reconnect with nature through encounters that celebrate freedom, resilience, and harmony between human and horse — an experience that perfectly captures NIHI Sumba’s spirit of untamed beauty.
In line with the MICHELIN Key criteria, which celebrate exceptional design, individuality, authenticity, and a true sense of place, NIHI Sumba distinguishes itself through its intimate villas, which harmonize natural materials with local craftsmanship, its intuitive and heartfelt service, and its ability to craft deeply personal experiences. From oceanfront villas and clifftop escapes to immersive cultural journeys and locally sourced cuisine, every detail reflects the resort’s enduring philosophy: to offer guests not simply a stay, but a transformation.
As one of the few destinations in the world to receive the MICHELIN Three Keys, NIHI Sumba stands not merely as a place to visit but as a movement — a reminder that true refinement is rooted in purpose, crafted with soul, and guided by respect for its surroundings.
For further information and reservations, please visit nihi.com.
