About The Retreat
A one-of-a-kind healing experience awaits at Nihi’s Equine Sanctuary where you can unwind under palm trees, lulled by ocean waves, and surrounded by the gentle presence of horses.
Retired sea horses now guide guests on a journey of connection and calm. This soulful equine massage is part of NIHI Spa’s Equine Wellness offering, alongside reiki and yoga. You can include this unique massage in your half or full day at NIHI Spa.Led by renowned horse whisperer Carol, this immersive retreat invites you to connect deeply with yourself, with nature, and with the spirit of Sumba’s horses.
Experience the magic of the island as you explore and immerse yourself into Sumba’s stunning landscapes. NIHI Sumba’s Equine Retreats is where you’ll embark on a truly unique and memorable journey of healing like no other out on the Edge of Wildness.
Discover the transformative power of horses at NIHI Sumba’s Equine Retreats. Immerse yourself in a unique blend of equestrian experiences, mindfulness practices, and wellness therapies.
Retreat Location
Stay wild and free. Just an hours flight from Bali you will find another world of remote and rugged beauty. An Island barely changed by human habitation. A place with empty pristine beaches and swimming horses. NIHI Sumba, where the wild things are.
This is not an escape from everyday life. It is the return to a life well lived. Where luxury meets unregulated freedom.
A place to connect with something larger than oneself. A haven for the adventurer, for the wanderer. The endlessly passionate and curious. Arrive with an open heart and leave changed forever. This is vacation with a purpose. A destination with meaning. This is NIHI Sumba.
At Nihi Sumba Island we promote all facets of wellbeing. Our focus is to help you leave rejuvenated and rebalanced through a plethora of activities that have been designed to support our mission.
The Horse Whisperer
Over a decade ago, a remarkable journey began for Carol, sparked by a visit to what was then Nihiwatu Resort, on the breathtakingly wild Island of Sumba, Indonesia. Growing up on a horse property in South Australia, Carol had always nurtured a deep love for horses. However, she never anticipated that this island excursion would lead her to establish the Sandalwood Stables program, enabling her to grow and share love and connection with the island’s unique and untamed Sumba horses.
The endeavor was filled with uncertainty and cultural differences. Drawing upon her long-standing interest in intuitive awareness, personal development, and natural
horsemanship, Carol embraced the challenges that lay ahead. With limited access to modern medical resources in Sumba, she learned to respect and incorporate local healing
traditions, enriching her understanding of holistic practices.
Through this journey, Carol honed her skills in nonverbal communication, energy reading, and healing, allowing her to form profound connections with the local horses and the community. The Sandalwood Stables became not just a place for riding but a sanctuary for personal growth, healing, and the celebration of the extraordinary bond between humans and these majestic creatures. Carol’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of love, intuition, and the untamed spirit of Sumba Island.
Retreat Schedule
Day One: A BEGINNING
Arrive on the Edge of Wildness and embark on your journey of connection and healing as we begin this equine retreat, joining us on a group welcoming dinner.
Day Two: AWAKENING THE SENSES
Begin your day with a Sunrise Awakening the Senses at NIHI® Hills, incorporating breathwork, body movement, and connection with the herd. After a leisurely breakfast, head to Nihioka for an Equine Intuitive Awareness session exploring “Ancient intuitive wisdom” through shared practices with the horses. This unique experience
includes the opportunity to try traditional betel nut chewing.
Enjoy lunch and our Horse Whisperer is available to answer questions and have some one on one session time. Sunsets are always special at NIHI®, and on this day you can witness a thrilling Pasola demonstration on NIHI® beach. This vibrant and exhilarating event showcases the rich cultural heritage of Sumba,with participants dressed in traditional attire, charging on horseback and throwing wooden spears. It’s a truly unforgettable experience. A delicious dinner will be waiting for you at the end of the day.
Day Three: SPA SAFARI AND INTUITIVE EXPLORATION
Embark on a rejuvenating Half Day Spa Safari, choosing from a 90-minute trek, horse ride, or car transfer and savor a delicious brunch upon arrival at the tree house at Nihioka. Relax and unwind on the private beach and pool in the afternoon. Indulge in a personalized 2.5 hour massage treatment.
After brunch at Nihioka, engage in an Equine Intuitive Awareness session focused on “Creating Reality”, through visualization practices with the horses.
Enjoy a delicious lunch and more of the Nihioka grounds before returning to the resort. End your day with a delicious dinner.
Day Four: CONNECTING WITH NATURE AND COMMUNITY
Begin your day with an Sunrise Awakening. the Senses session, incorporating movement, rhythm, and a beach ride or walk with the horses. After a delicious breakfast at Ombak, visit a local village to learn about the challenges faced by local horses and animals. Connect and heal with the village horses and animals as a group.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Nio followed by an Equine Intuitive Awareness and a swim in the ocean with our horses. The rest of the day feel free to explore the resort and availability to book other magical experiences** NIHI® has to offer.
End the day at the resort with a relaxing happy hour before dinner.
Day Five: RELAXATION AND CULTURAL IMMERSION
Begin your day with a Sunrise Awakening the Senses and savor a leisurely breakfast.
Mid-morning, explore other NIHI® activity offerings* or schedule a personal Q&A session with Carol. Enjoy free time to relax and unwind in the afternoon. Gather around the fire for a soothing sound meditation and a delicious BBQ dinner under the stars in the evening at Nihioka, anticipating a celebratory party at Nihioka, where you can experience traditional Sumbanese dress and dances.
Day Six: FAREWELL
Begin your last day with a final yoga session to reflect on your journey and wrap up your retreat and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out. For those taking the
last flight, you still have one full morning enjoy the Edge of Wildness™.
Retreat Price
$9,900 Single occupancy
$10,900 Double occupancy
Inclusions
- 3 x Sunrise Awakening the Senses with the main herd at NIHI® Sumba
- 3 x Equine Intuitive Awareness
- 1 x Half Day Spa Safari
- 1 x Traditional Village Tour
- 1 x Swimming with Horses (weather, ocean permit)
- 1 x Fire Light Sound Meditation
- 1 x Dinner Under the Stars
- 1 x Pasola Demonstration
- 1 x NIHI® Signature Massage in-villa
Does not include
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- All additional activities and services
- Alcoholic beverages & tobacco
- Private Yoga/Pilates/TRX instruction, private surf lesson, waterfall treks, additional surfer spots
- Spa treatments
How to get here
There are three flights a day from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar (DPS) to Sumba Island’s Tambolaka Airport (TMC).
We are happy to secure the flights for you including VIP lounge access at both airports (an administrative fee applies). Alternatively, you can arrange your flights directly with the airline.
All international departures must travel via Bali (DPS). There are regular flights with Garuda Indonesia although most of them depart in the morning, thus an overnight stay in Bali is often required the night before for international travelers.
All foreign travelers to Indonesia need at least six months remaining on their passport as well as one full clean page for the visa on arrival stamp. This is strictly reinforced. Guests will not be allowed to board the plane in their departing country if this is not adhered to.
Booking
To book your place on this The Healing Power Of Horses Retreat at NIHI Sumba, please get in touch via the form below.
