Nihi Rote & Hospitality Academy officially opened on April 16, 2026, bringing a 21-villa oceanfront resort and an embedded hospitality school to Indonesia’s remote Rote Island, according to Afar. Situated in Nusa Tenggara Timur near Bo’a Beach, the zero-plastic property operates as the sister resort to Nihi Sumba, the acclaimed eco-lodge founded in the late 1980s by Claude and Petra Graves before its eventual acquisition by billionaire entrepreneur Chris Burch and South African hotelier James McBride.
Expanding Luxury to Rote Island
The newly launched resort features one– and two-bedroom villas ranging from 1,400 to 2,900 square feet, all equipped with private plunge pools, according to Afar. Built using Rotenese techniques that incorporate coconut-leaf roofs and hand-carved wood, the property pairs local craftsmanship with contemporary comforts. Dining options include the Nammo Beach Club, which serves charcoal-grilled local seafood, rotisserie dishes, and wood-fired pizzas. Nihi Hotels CEO and cofounder James McBride characterizes the new destination by noting, “If Sumba is dramatic and untamed, Rote is the place you go for a cappuccino on the terrace and lose track of time—think Fiji or Goa 20 years ago.”
The Rote Hospitality Academy Model
Guests at Nihi Rote check in at the Rote Hospitality Academy by Nihi rather than a traditional front desk, where local students train in culinary arts, hospitality, and sustainability while helping run the resort, as reported by Afar. Developed with support from investment professional and surfer Michael Schwab, the training program welcomes students from Rote Island and neighboring Timor-Leste. Selected with support from Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta, these students gain hands-on experience as part of the resort’s core mission to create career pathways for young people in the region. McBride notes that the academy will “start small and evolve over time,” emphasizing that the primary focus remains on giving local children a real opportunity for their future.
Did You Know? Nihi Sumba founders Claude and Petra Graves originally arrived in Indonesia in the 1980s searching for surf breaks, enduring dozens of malaria bouts and negotiating with tribal kings before opening their initial property in 1988.
Two-Phase Opening and Guest Experiences
The resort is rolling out its amenities in two phases, with guests currently able to book villas, dine on-site, and access surf and beach experiences through September 2026 at all-inclusive rates starting from $800, according to Afar. Additional amenities—including a main pool, a spa, and the Ombak Restaurant & Bar—are scheduled to debut in September 2026, alongside expected rate increases. Activities include fishing and diving trips to nearby bays, guided hikes, and surf excursions utilizing a shuttle to Nemberala Beach, home to the long left-hand reef break known as T-Land. Wellness offerings incorporate daily movement classes and visiting practitioners brought in through a partnership with Bali-based Nirvana Life.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Nihi Rote officially open?
According to Afar, Nihi Rote opened on April 16, 2026.
What is unique about the guest check-in process at Nihi Rote?
According to Afar, guests check in at the Rote Hospitality Academy by Nihi rather than a traditional front desk, interacting directly with local students who are training in hospitality, culinary arts, and sustainability.
How does Nihi Rote connect to Nihi Sumba?
Nihi Rote operates as the sister property to Nihi Sumba, expanding the brand’s footprint under the leadership of hotelier James McBride and entrepreneur Chris Burch.
What are your thoughts on integrating vocational training directly into a luxury resort experience?
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