THE ULTIMATE ONE NIGHTER: INTRODUCING UMA IZZIE VILLA AT NIHI OKA, SUMBA ISLAND – THE NEW OVERNIGHT SPA SAFARI EXPERIENCE FROM NIHIWATU – LAUNCHING FEBRUARY 2016

This February, the resort of Nihiwatu located on the beautifully preserved Indonesian island of Sumba, will unveil its most secluded villa yet with the launch of Uma Izzie – a superb, one-bedroom Sumbanese-inspired property located in the breathtaking Nihi Oka Valley. Ideal for couples or honeymooners, Nihiwatu has created a memorable overnight experience combining a final night stay at new Uma Izzie with the resort’s signature ‘Spa Safari’ concept.
 
Sumba Island is located 250 miles southeast of Bali and is about as far away from the stresses of the modern world as one could request. Nihiwatu sits on the very southern tip of the island on a 560-hectare estate and truly exemplifies the spirit and soul of the island.
 
Venturing further across Sumba’s dramatic west coast from the main resort of Nihiwatu, the totally untouched Nihi Oka Peninsula, now home to Nihiwatu’s Spa Safari experience and new Uma Izzie Villa, can be discovered. Named after Chris Burch’s first daughter, Elisabeth Birch, Uma Izzie epitomises traditional Sumbanese architecture with locally sourced furnishings and interiors by Susan Colley.
 
Guests will commence their Uma Izzie experience with either a scenic, 90-minute trek along a lush green trail or a short drive in an open-air land safari vehicle from Nihiwatu to Nihi Oka Valley. On arrival, guests will check-in to the beautiful new one-bedroom villa where their selected overnight items will be waiting, having been delivered by Nihiwatu’s butlers.
 
Couples will then spend the rest of the day being pampered to the absolute max in their own private ‘bale’ (bah-lay) – an open air elevated treatment platform – boasting expansive views of the surrounding coastline and Indian Ocean waves below. Here guests will enjoy an unlimited number of pre-selected treatments including local, authentic therapies such as the Nihi Oka Signature Massage, Sumbanese Head Massage and Sumbanese Lulur Exfoliation, as well as classics ranging from a Deep Tissue Massage, Foot Reflexology and Hydrating Hair Smoothie.  
 
After savouring the glorious, Sumbanese sunset, the evening will continue with an intimate dinner for two prepared in the open treehouse fire, nestled in the side of ancient rocks and perched high above the pristine beach. Couples will be surrounded by 1,000 lit candles and can enjoy a romantic meal of locally-inspired dishes accompanied by the soothing sound of the waves.
 
The following morning, guests will awake to a delicious, bush-cooked breakfast complete with freshly pressed juices served in the rustic Nihi Oka tree house. Guests will then depart for Tambolaka airport, with the rest of their luggage already packed and waiting, once again courtesy of Nihiwatu’s butlers.
 
Since acquiring Nihiwatu, Burch and McBride have embarked on a major renovation programme and the resort reopened in March 2014 after a six month period of closure.  The resort launched nine new villas in Autumn 2014, the unique Nihi Oka Spa Safari concept in Spring 2015, and three spectcular new villa residences epitomising Sumbanese architecture in Autumn/Winter 2015. 
 
Further highlights of Nihiwatu include its pristine mile and a half long beach that is bracketed by two rocky headlands and fronts one of the world’s great surfing waves that delivers left-folding tubes (and the surfers inside) to within a hundred yards of the resort’s boathouse and Nio Beach Bar. Guests can enjoy huge privacy and many activities, ranging from world class surfing, the best sport fishing in Indonesia, hiking through dramatic waterfalls, ancient villages and butterfly trails, equestrian activities, and stand-up paddling down the Wanukaka River, to spa treatments by the beach.
 
HOW: The overnight Uma Izzie Villa & Spa Safari experience is priced from $1,800, based on two sharing on a full-board basis, including all spa treatments and wifi. Price valid until 30 April 2016.  Sumba is a one hour flight from Bali and there are daily flights from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. 
 
Imagery available on request.