Nestled on Asia’s southernmost tip, NIHI Rote captures the essence of luxury and adventure on Indonesia’s Rote Island. While this exquisite resort is not yet done, it was born from the success of its sister property, NIHI Sumba, and promises a one-of-a-kind experience that blends opulence with the untamed beauty of island living.[Please embed this video https://vimeo.com/852168506/316fb03c0c?share=copy]
NIHI Rote represents the next chapter in the NIHI Hotels saga, a vision brought to life through the collaboration between the NIHI team and an owners consortium, including Big Sky Partners founder Michael Schwab. This partnership has set the stage for a new era of sustainable luxury tourism in Indonesia’s enchanting eastern region.
Rooted in the concept of “Adventure Capitalism,” a term coined by Big Sky Partners through their various projects, NIHI Rote seeks to combine high-end experiences with adventurous, off-the-beaten-path activities that resonate with like-minded travelers.
“This is not an escape from the everyday life…It is the return to a life well lived.”
NIHI Hotels
The story of NIHI Rote is intrinsically linked to the legacy of NIHI Sumba, a resort that has redefined luxury travel since its inception in 1988.
NIHI’s journey began when Claude and Petra Graves discovered the perfect wave on Sumba’s secluded beach, leading to the creation of a resort that would preserve and share the island’s breathtaking beauty. This vision caught the attention of American entrepreneur Christopher Burch and hotelier James McBride, who acquired NIHI in 2012 and transformed it into one of the world’s most acclaimed resorts, earning “The World’s Best Resort” accolade two years in a row.
Building on this success, NIHI Hotels set its sights on Rote Island, a hidden gem located nearly 500km northwest of Australia. The decision to expand to Rote was driven by the island’s untouched beauty and potential to offer a complementary experience to NIHI Sumba. Rote Island, accessible by a two-hour flight from Bali or Jakarta, presents a unique backdrop for NIHI’s signature blend of luxury and adventure.
The development of NIHI Rote is spearheaded by an owner consortium, PT Bo’a Development Group, which includes Michael Schwab of Big Sky Venture Capital and Greg Sarkissian. Their collaboration with the NIHI Hotels team, led by owner Chris Burch and CEO & Partner James McBride, aims to create a resort that captures the essence of NIHI while embracing the distinct character of Rote Island.
NIHI Rote is designed to offer guests an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional luxury. The resort features famous open-air, feet-in-the-sand restaurants, providing unique dining experiences that celebrate the island’s natural beauty. From intimate beach dinners to grand celebrations, NIHI Rote caters to a wide range of events, always with the stunning backdrop of the Indonesian archipelago.
The resort extends its itinerary further, offering various adventure-filled experiences such as scuba diving, fishing, spearfishing, foiling, surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, pickleball, and padel. It will also feature a world-class health and wellness program, including a spa and gym. With the guidance of world-class instructors and guides available for all skill levels, guests are guaranteed a premium experience in every activity. Michael Schwab, through Big Sky Partners, is instrumental in driving these innovative programs.
True to NIHI’s philosophy, the resort offers bespoke experiences tailored to each guest’s interests. Whether it’s surf lessons at Coconut Cove with world-class instructors or hikes into local villages, NIHI Rote creates personalized adventures that allow guests to explore the island’s hidden treasures. The resort’s commitment to an “off-script” vacation means that every itinerary is unique and designed to suit individual passions and requests.
At its core, NIHI Rote’s vision is to create a haven where luxury seamlessly blends with nature and local culture. The resort’s mission is to offer guests unparalleled experiences that push the boundaries of traditional hospitality and to do so in a way that respects and uplifts the local environment and communities.
NIHI Rote is committed to sustainable development, believing that environmental protection and economic development can and must coexist. This ethos is woven into every aspect of the resort’s operations, from its eco-friendly design to its community engagement initiatives.
The Rote Foundation, a significant initiative by NIHI Rote, focuses on uplifting the local communities by offering English and hospitality training, providing employment opportunities, and supporting vital programs such as malaria prevention, nutrition education, and building a new school in the local village.
This commitment to social responsibility underscores NIHI Rote’s holistic approach to sustainable luxury tourism. By creating a model of responsible luxury tourism, NIHI Rote aims to set a new standard for the industry, proving that extraordinary experiences can be delivered without compromising sustainability.
The partnership between NIHI Hotels and Big Sky has played a pivotal role in bringing NIHI Rote’s unparalleled vision to fruition. Michael Schwab’s active engagement through Big Sky has provided not only financial support but also invaluable strategic guidance and a shared dedication to sustainable luxury tourism.
Harnessing Big Sky’s robust backing, NIHI Rote has redefined the boundaries of resort development. From integrating state-of-the-art sustainable technologies to curating revolutionary guest experiences, this collaboration has empowered NIHI Rote to ascend to unprecedented levels of excellence in hospitality.
Under the guidance of Big Sky’s global network and profound expertise in the luxury travel sector, NIHI Rote is on the cusp of securing a prominent position on the global stage, alluring discerning travelers from every corner of the world. The seamless harmony between NIHI’s unrivaled prowess in hospitality and Big Sky’s forward-thinking strategy sets the stage for a triumphant ascent, propelling NIHI Rote to join the elite echelon of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
As NIHI Rote prepares to welcome its first guests, it stands as a testament to the power of visionary partnerships and the endless possibilities that arise when luxury meets the edge of wildness.