The reputable lifestyle Travel & Leisure magazine recently picked Nihiwatu Sumba Resort on the little known indonesian island of Sumba in East Nusa Tenggara, as World's Best Private Hotel 2016, selected from a list of 100 hotels across the globe based on the magazine's readers' survey for its annual World’s Best Awards.
Nihiwatu Resort topped even other famous hotels like The Spectator, Charleston in South Carolina (USA), Huka Lodge, Taupo (New Zealand), and Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island (Australia) and the Peninsula Shanghai with its fancy rooftop bar offeringa view of Shanghai skyscrapers.
Nihiwatu Resort well deserves this accolade because of its luxurious accommodation built in local architecture set amidst some stunning landscape. Here the tropical forest, rice terraces, grasslands and protected white sandy beachfront of Nihi Beach blend harmoniously with authentic local experiences.
Located 55 minutes flight from Bali, Sumba island is known for its superlative waves so popular with surfers. One of the world’s most exclusive wave “Occy Left” remains its most famous draw, luring surfers from the world over, limiting itself to 10 surfers at the break per day.
Besides surfing Nihiwatu offers a wide range of activities that include spa options, waterfall hikes, biking, scuba diving and snorkeling, yoga, day trips or horseback riding.
James McBride, Managing Partner of Nihiwatu stated that Nihiwatu offers a unique personal journey for those who stay there since it involves guests in developing surrounding villages through its social reponsibility program. The resort aims to follow the principles of sustainable tourism by donating profits to the Sumba Foundation, that funds malaria clinics, run poverty prevention programs, build water wells and schools for the locals on the island. During their stay, guests are introduced to the Foundation's efforts through an impactful presentation and short film. The resort is the largest employer on the island where locals make up more than 90% of its total workforce. For rates ranging from USD 650 for One Bedroom Villa to USD 12,000 for a Five Bedroom Estate, guests find their stay at Nihiwatu rewarding since with the Resort they also become benefactors and give back to local communities funds for education and development.
"Hospitality-centric luxury has changed," Nihiwatu’s owner Chris Burch said in a press release. "It is more than just the finer touches. It has evolved to a custom-made itinerary, a personal journey, unexpected experiences, and a curiosity for the unknown. We have been extremely fortunate to exceed everything we set out to deliver with the Nihiwatu concept."
Travel behaviour of today’s consumer is changing rapidly. Today they seek a new type of luxury: one that is experiential in scope, activity-driven, culturally steeped and philanthropic, with attention to details that encourage guests to discover the very best in adventure, immersion, and fun.
For more information log on to : www.nihiwatu.com
The Top 10 private hotels named in Travel & Leisure's 2016 World's Best Awards are:
Nihiwatu Sumba, Indonesia
The Spectator, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Huka Lodge, Taupo, New Zealand
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia
Montage Kapalua Bay, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, USA
The Lodge, Glendorn Bradford, Pennsylvania, USA
The Willcox, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
Casa Gangotena, Quito, Ekuador
Twin Farms, Barnard, Vermont, USA
The Singular Patagonia, Puerto Bories, Chile
