NIHI debuts a new resort on Indonesia’s southernmost island
- Kait Nicholas
- 15 minutes ago
- 2 min read
NIHI Rote & Hospitality Academy has opened on the island of Rote, marking the brand’s first expansion beyond Sumba and introducing a new resort concept centered on cultural exchange and hospitality education. Set along Bo’a Beach on Indonesia’s southernmost island, the 21-villa property combines surfing, wellness, and locally rooted design with an integrated hospitality academy embedded directly into the guest experience.
Developed as a zero-plastic resort, the project draws heavily from Rotenese architecture and craftsmanship. Villas range from approximately 1,400 to 2,900 square feet, each positioned for privacy with private plunge pools and open-air layouts that frame the surrounding coastline. Interiors incorporate locally sourced materials, handwoven textiles, bespoke artwork inspired by tribal motifs, and natural finishes intended to reflect the island’s landscape and cultural heritage.
Amenities include NAMMO Restaurant & Beach Club, a beachfront pool, fitness and recovery facilities, and wellness programming developed in partnership with Nirvana Life. Visiting practitioners lead rotating programs focused on nervous system regulation, resilience, and performance, alongside daily yoga offerings. Dining will further expand with the upcoming Ombak Restaurant, an open-air venue and lounge positioned at the center of the resort overlooking the Indian Ocean.
The resort is structured around ocean access and outdoor programming. Rote has long remained a lesser-known destination within the global surf community, recognized for uncrowded breaks including Bo’a Barrel and the renowned waves of Nembrala. Guided “surfaris” by boat connect guests to seasonal surf breaks across the island, while NIHI’s local team also leads diving excursions to more than 15 surrounding sites with coral gardens and marine life. Additional programming includes deep-water fishing, foiling, mangrove paddleboarding, hiking, cycling tours, and an equine therapy program led by horse whisperer Carole Sharpe.
Cultural experiences are positioned as a central part of the stay, with activities ranging from Ikat weaving and batik painting to traditional cooking classes and Bahasa language lessons designed in collaboration with the local community.
At the center of the project is the Rote Hospitality Academy, developed by investor Michael Schwab in collaboration with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta. The academy operates as a working training program integrated into the resort itself, with guests arriving and checking in through the learning environment. Students receive hands-on hospitality training across all areas of the property while participating in weekly English classes, communal dinners, and shared programming alongside guests. The initiative mirrors the role the Sumba Foundation played in the development of NIHI Sumba, positioning the academy as a long-term foundation for the brand’s expansion onto Rote Island.
