Visit Nihi Sumba for a look at high octane adventures and high-end amenities.
Nihi Sumba
To unveil the 67th Annual Star Awards, this honor celebrates the world's most outstanding hotels, restaurants, spas, ocean cruises and restaurants.
This list recognizes pioneers of travel destinations that prioritize protection, minimize impact and receive support from local communities, while still providing unparalleled access to remote, untouched destinations and world-class service and comfort, even at the most extremes.
“Currently, 70% of wealthy travelers prioritize experience over excess,” said Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide at the Monaco Summit Gala on Thursday. “Immersion, adventure, exclusivity – these are new luxury. But despite the growing demand for extreme high adrenaline experiences, visionaries who redefine adventure hospitality have not been recognized until now.” Elgar also said the tally will grow to 50 properties around the world later this year.
The first winners of Edgelist take travelers on high octane adventures on land and seas in the most farthest areas of the world.
Kayak in a remote area.
Ponant/Daniel Ernst
LCC redefines polar exploration. The world's first luxurious icebreaker, this groundbreaking 245-person expedition ship can take you to the geographical Arctic and deep Antarctic regions previously off limits to traditional cruise ships.
The experience is as extraordinary as the destination. Immerse yourself in a pristine, icy environment through unique activities such as glacier camping, greenlandic kayaks and polar snorkeling. During your voyage, you may spot polar bears and whales in their natural habitats, see icebergs dating back millions of years, or see the colorful lights of the shaking of the Aurora Borealis in the sky.
There is as much on a ship as there is in the water.
Ponant/Julien Fabro
Return to board and refuel at the only Alandukas restaurant in the ocean world, and raise the finest restaurants towards new latitudes. For relaxation, the gorgeous spa, sauna and snow rooms offer a serene contrast to the dramatic scenery. With a one-to-one guest-to-crew ratio, the ship offers careful, personalized services. Overall, the LCC emits refined elegance and introduces French roots to everything from ship design to cooking.
Beyond luxury products, LCC was designed with sustainability in mind. Hybrid propulsion systems with liquefied natural gas and batteries significantly reduce emissions and minimize environmental impact. This commitment to environmentally friendly exploration sets new standards for responsible tourism in vulnerable polar regions, proving that luxury and sustainability can coexist. Additionally, the ship can act as a floating laboratory, interacting with scientists and contribute to real-time polar research.
A breathtaking tree house.
Nihi Sumba
Hidden in a lush jungle of 567 acres on Sumba, a remote Indonesian island in Indonesia, Nihi Sumba shot to Instagram fame for the distinctive image of a wild horse with guests to join them to swim in the seas of Tarkhoes.
This harmonious coexistence between humans and animals sets the stage for an unforgettable escape. But you can also make deeper connections. In addition to swimming with native sandalwood, you can also receive equestrian therapy or take horseback riding lessons with gentle creatures.
Beyond the interactions of equestrianism, all inclusive Nihi Sumba offers a wealth of experience. Embark on thrilling adventures such as spearfishing, waterfall trekking, mountain biking, surfing and more. The boutique hotel is located in front of Occy's Left, one of Asia's legendary breaks. Or explore the diverse terrain by hiking 90 miles of surrounding trails (stops in a local village) from rolling hills to rice paddies, and closing out an outdoor cliff foot top spa treatment during a “spa safari.”
Blowing horses on the beach.
Nihi Sumba
The resort's 27 villas are especially as wild as the Mamoll Tree House. The vast treehouse, consisting of three Thatch-roofed villas with connected passageways, makes it feel like a Robinson Crusoe, but doesn't troll. The accommodation comes with luxurious amenities including two pools, a private spa treatment room, several spacious outdoor dining/lounge spots and “guest captains” (what you essentially need).
Sustainability is deeply ingrained in Nihi Sumba's philosophy. The resort supports the Sumba Foundation, which provides essential services such as clean water, health care and education to communities in need. 93% of the hotel's workforce is made up of Sambunnese. By staying at Nihi Sumba, guests will contribute to these initiatives and experience a holiday that is as meaningful as luxury.
