Sumba Island has quietly become one of Southeast Asia’s most exclusive luxury destinations, anchored by the legendary Nihi Sumba resort — voted the world’s best hotel by Travel + Leisure magazine. But Nihi is just the beginning. A growing collection of boutique properties, eco-lodges, and premium guesthouses now offers world-class accommodation along our most popular horse riding routes, allowing guests to combine extraordinary equestrian adventures with the finest hospitality the island has to offer.

Nihi Sumba — The World-Famous Resort

Formerly known as Nihiwatu, Nihi Sumba occupies a stunning stretch of West Sumba coastline that includes one of the world’s most exclusive surf breaks. The resort features individually designed villas, a world-class spa, farm-to-table dining, and a commitment to cultural authenticity that has earned it the top spot in multiple international hotel rankings. Room rates start at approximately $1,500 per night for two guests.

Our horse riding routes pass directly through the Nihi Sumba coastline, and we can arrange packages that combine Nihi accommodation with our multi-day riding programs. Nihi guests frequently add a day of horse riding to their resort stay, with our guides meeting them at the property for a beach ride that showcases the coastline from a completely different perspective.

Lelewatu Resort — Clifftop Elegance

Perched on dramatic limestone cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, Lelewatu Resort offers a more intimate luxury experience than Nihi. The property features just twenty-seven villas, each with private pool and ocean views that make you feel as though you are floating above the sea. The resort’s design draws heavily on traditional Sumbanese architecture, with soaring thatched roofs and local stone used throughout.

Lelewatu is positioned along our Nihiwatu coastline riding route, making it an ideal base for guests who want luxury accommodation without the price tag of Nihi. Room rates start at approximately $600 per night.

Maringi Eco Resort

For travelers who prioritize sustainability alongside comfort, Maringi Eco Resort offers beautifully designed bungalows built entirely from local materials using traditional construction techniques. The property operates on solar power, harvests rainwater, and sources all food from local farms and fishermen. Despite its eco-focus, the rooms are genuinely comfortable with quality bedding, private bathrooms, and ocean-view terraces.

Maringi sits along our village cultural route, making it the natural accommodation choice for guests whose primary interest is cultural immersion combined with horse riding. Room rates start at approximately $200 per night, representing exceptional value for the quality of experience offered.

Boutique Guesthouses and Homestays

For budget-conscious travelers and those seeking maximum cultural immersion, Sumba offers a growing number of quality guesthouses and homestay options. These locally-owned properties provide clean, comfortable rooms with local hospitality that large resorts cannot replicate. Prices range from $50 to $150 per night including breakfast, and many are located in traditional villages where the sounds of roosters and children playing replace the silence of a luxury compound.

Our Accommodation Recommendations by Package

We work with all accommodation tiers and can build packages that match any budget. Our 3-day and 4-day packages pair beautifully with mid-range boutique properties. Our 5-day and 7-day packages work well with a mix of properties, staying at different locations along the riding route. Our luxury packages feature Nihi Sumba or Lelewatu throughout. All packages include private airport transfers regardless of accommodation choice.