Nihiwatu to yourself: what does the best hotel in the world look like
An elite island resort in Indonesia has been recognized by Travel + Leisure as the best hotel in the world in the annual World's Best Awards ranking. Nihiwatu, a former surf shelter on the little-known island of Sumba, includes 8 villas, each of which is equipped with a separate deep-sea pool, as well as a 24-hour tree spa, a horse riding center and a beach restaurant serving healthy dishes cooked on fire.
At the height of the season, a night at this hotel will cost 12 thousand dollars. Guests can enjoy horseback riding at sunset, first-class surfing, exploring local hidden waterfalls and stunning views of rice plantations. The island of Sumba itself is the size of two Bali, but almost not built up. Nihiwatu won a special prize in the competition due to its close ties with the local population and almost imperceptible influence on the ecology of the island.
Nikhivata was discovered by an American surfer and his wife from Germany in 1988. At first it was a hotel for surfers with ten rooms, but gradually it turned into a more elite place. In 2012, it was bought by American entrepreneur Chris Birch. "Luxury in hospitality has changed. It's more than just the most exquisite details. This has evolved into a private itinerary, a personal journey, an unexpected experience and curiosity in front of the unknown," says the current owner of the elite resort.
(18 photos in total)
Welcome to Nikhivata.
Guests are surrounded by nature, whose fruits are also used in the decor.
Yellow sand, bright greenery, and all this is on the shore of the Indian Ocean.
A night in Nikhivatu at the height of the high season costs 12 thousand dollars, and out of season — 650 dollars for a double room.
The paradise round-the-clock spa offers a full range of services accompanied by the sound of the surf, including facials, various types of massages and manicures.
A delicious romantic dinner with a wonderful view of the sea consists of healthy dishes cooked over an open fire, surrounded by flowers and candles.
Kanatar Sumba House is one of the resort's villas, which has a separate swimming pool, a sunbathing area and a spacious interior.
The entire complex overlooks an idyllic private beach with a length of 2.5 kilometers, which is located on the territory of a strictly protected nature reserve.
The rooms are decorated with lacquered hardwood floors, natural material roofs and elegantly selected mosquito nets over luxurious beds.
At the Bao Boathouse, you can have a snack and a drink and, of course, take a surfboard to ride the famous local waves.
The magnificent villa Cliffside Bale is located above the sea. Her bedroom is an observation deck from where you can watch the sunset and look at the water.
View of the same bedroom from the other side.
Marangga pool.
Villa Kasambi Estate is ideal for surfers, as it allows you to watch the movement of the waves.
The family villa is decorated in beige and yellow shades and is equipped with panoramic windows with views of trees and sand.
One of the "endless" pools.
Here's what it looks like from the other side. From a certain angle, it seems that the pool has no edge and smoothly turns into the sea.
If there is a paradise on earth, it is most likely there.
Keywords: Villa | Waves | Indian ocean | Indonesia | Resorts | Sea | Island | Vacation | Hotels | Hotel | Beaches | Surfing | Spa