SARGA.CO — A young woman lies face down on a cushioned massage bed set on the sand, surrounded by views of a tropical beach lined with palm trees. Standing beside her is a therapist dressed in a white polo shirt and black slacks, skillfully massaging the guest’s head.

But this outdoor spa setting is far from ordinary. This is Nihi Sumba. And near the woman receiving treatment are two horses, Danny and Hana. One of them is lying calmly on the sand nearby, as if joining the spa session — though without a therapist.

The horse’s breath can be felt from a distance, reaching the spa guest, while its gentle snorting sends shivers down her spine.
 

Here, guests can encounter something rare — retired Sandalwood horses roaming freely near the beach. Some are even brought into the spa area to enhance the therapeutic experience.

This wellness concept is a pioneering program in which horses are used not only for riding but also as calming companions during massage and yoga sessions. Their presence is believed to bring a sense of peace and emotional balance to guests.

The horses are treated with exceptional care. Evelien Akerboom, a Dutch-born horse consultant and equine welfare advocate, is employed to ensure their well-being.

 

Evelien also shared how guests often describe these interactions — whether riding along the beach, swimming beside them, or simply watching — as transformative experiences.

Even quietly sitting among the grazing horses in the resort’s lush fields brings guests a sense of joy and grounding.

Recognizing the emotional and healing impact the horses have on guests, the resort launched the Equine Intuitive Awareness Retreats — wellness programs that tap into the calming and restorative power of horse interaction.
 

They boast the signature beauty of Arabians, with slightly concave profiles, combined with the agility and endurance of their Mongolian and Arabian ancestry.

“The Sandalwood horse is a deeply treasured cultural symbol in Sumba, intertwined with dowries, ceremonies, and the annual Pasola festival — a vibrant tradition where brave local riders showcase their skills in spear-throwing competitions.”