NIHI Sumba has unveiled its newest addition: the Riding & Racquet Club - a new beachfront destination bringing together the resort's legendary Sandalwood horses, its first international-standard tennis court and a beautifully designed clubhouse on Nihiwatu Beach.
Created by NIHI founders James McBride and Chris Burch in collaboration with Creative Director Caroline Usher and the team at UBD Global, the club represents a natural evolution of NIHI’s adventurous spirit.
Located beachfront alongside NIHI's newest villas, The Riding & Racquet Club provides a gathering place where guests can move between horseback rides, tennis, long lunches and evenings by the sea, bringing together many of the elements that define a stay at NIHI. There is nothing quite like it on the island…or anywhere else.
CLUBHOUSE
The social heart of the Riding & Racquet Club is a relaxed clubhouse with an open-plan lounge, bar and expansive terrace facing the Indian Ocean and NIHI's Sandalwood Stables.
Designed by Caroline Usher of UBD Global, the interiors pair dark teak and vaulted thatched ceilings with handcrafted Sumbanese finishes and vintage sporting details from authentic Sumba spears and antique wooden tennis racquets to traditional polo mallets, alongside masterfully carved wooden décor. The result is a warm, welcoming space that evolves throughout the day, from coffee before a morning ride and leisurely lunches after tennis, to cocktails as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
SANDALWOOD STABLES
NIHI's Sandalwood horses have long been synonymous with the resort. Riding along the sweeping shoreline of Nihiwatu Beach remains one of its most defining experiences, offering a truly memorable way to discover Sumba's wild coastline.
The Riding & Racquet Club places the stables at the center of its design, creating a closer connection between guests and horses. Whether watching the morning activity from the terrace before saddling up or returning after a ride for a drink overlooking the paddocks, the horses remain an ever-present part of the club's atmosphere.
TENNIS COURT
Introducing NIHI's first international-standard tennis court, this new addition expands the resort's program of active pursuits. Available throughout the day, the court welcomes private coaching, informal rallies and family games, while also providing a dedicated space for guests looking to incorporate movement into their stay. Set just moments from the beach, it brings a new sporting energy to the resort without disrupting its relaxed rhythm.
BAKAR DI KANDANG KUDA
Meaning “grill at the horse stables”, Bakar di Kandang Kuda is a weekly open-fire dining experience held every Monday evening at The Riding & Racquet Club. Guests gather beneath the stars to enjoy dishes cooked over an open flame, showcasing the flavors and ingredients of Sumba. Set against the backdrop of the horses, the shoreline and the sound of the waves, the experience has become a weekly occasion and an evening of shared dining.
THE BOUTIQUE
A dedicated boutique presents a collection of limited-edition NIHI apparel, equestrian and racquet pieces, artisan-made accessories and signature collaborations. Created exclusively for the club, the collection celebrates Sumba's creative community and natural materials, with many pieces developed with local artisans. Alongside NIHI favorites, guests will discover designs that are available only at the club, making the boutique a destination in its own right.
THE BEACHFRONT POOL
Coming soon in January 2027, the Riding & Racquet Club will welcome a new adults-only pool overlooking Nihiwatu Beach and the Sandalwood horses. Positioned just steps from the clubhouse, the pool will offer another place for guests to spend the day, whether unwinding after a morning ride, cooling off following a tennis match or simply enjoying uninterrupted views across one of Indonesia's most celebrated stretches of coastline.
HOW: Rates at NIHI Sumba start from $2,090 / £1,550 per villa per night on a full board basis excluding alcohol. Sumba is a one-hour flight from Bali. nihi.com
