The team behind NIHI Sumba just opened a second resort on Rote Island

The sister property to multi-awarded NIHI Sumba has opened in soft phase on Rote Island, Indonesia’s southernmost major island, bringing the same formula of remote barefoot luxury to a quieter, less-visited corner of the archipelago

NIHI Rote has opened in soft opening phase on Rote Island, Indonesia, the southernmost major island of the archipelago and home to the Bo’a Barrel — one of the region’s most celebrated surf breaks. A sister property to NIHI Sumba, the resort shares its DNA of remote barefoot luxury while offering a distinctly different pace. The soft opening continues through 2026, with further development planned for 2027.

The property occupies Bo’a Beach and comprises 21 villas and Duplex Estates, each with a private plunge pool, outdoor shower, tub bath and lush garden surroundings. Architecture draws on local Rotenese tradition with thatched roofs and stone walls, while interiors are the work of Susan Colley, who designed NIHI Sumba, in collaboration with Dara Huang of Design Haus Liberty.

Surfing

Like at NIHI Sumba, surf is central to the NIHI Rote experience. Beyond Bo’a Beach, Rote has more than eight named breaks, accessible via boat or land through the resort’s Surfaris programme. Jackson’s Surf Shack, a dedicated surf lounge adjacent to the forthcoming Savu Restaurant, provides a space to review sessions, watch footage and connect with the resort’s surf team. Savu Restaurant, an oceanfront dining venue with a menu built around seasonal Indonesian ingredients, is due to open in late 2026. In the meantime, Nammo Beach Club serves as the resort’s social hub, with a poolside setting, sun loungers and sea views.

Other activities

Beyond surf, NIHI Rote’s activity program includes a custom-designed Pump Track for BMX bikes and scooters, a Games Pavilion with a Full Swing golf simulator, pool table, bikes and skateboards, a padel court, beach volleyball, NIHI Fit gym and a dedicated yoga platform. Water activities extend to snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding through the mangroves of Telaga Nirvana and fishing. Excursions to nearby Do’o Island are also available.

Meti Spa, operated by Bali-based Nirvana Life, offers NIHI Journeys treatments including body massages, scrubs, facials, reiki and equine therapies with local Rote horses.

A distinguishing element of NIHI Rote is its on-island Hospitality Academy, launched in May 2026 alongside the resort. The program trains young Rotenese islanders in housekeeping, bartending, food service and English, with more than 51 students across three cohorts and graduates already placed in resort positions.

The details

Access is via Kupang (KOE) from Jakarta, Bali or Sumba, then a 30-minute domestic flight to Rote (RTI) and a 90-minute resort transfer.

Rates start from US$680 per night full board for two in Uma Boa Garden Villas; Uma Boa Beach Villas from US$880 per night. Visit nihi.com/rote