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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.
Unlike most spas in Bali, this place offers an experience and scenery unlike anywhere else.
Just an hour’s flight from Bali, Nihi Oka Spa is part of the acclaimed Nihi Sumba resort, beloved by global travelers.
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.
“Danny (one of the horses) already drank all the water from your foot soak,” said Evelien to Jenny Hewett, a writer for Travel + Leisure Asia, in her feature titled I Had a Massage With a Horse: Inside Nihi Sumba’s Horse Spa (published August 6, 2025).
Hewett is not the only writer enchanted by Nihi. The Independent’s Global Travel Editor, Annabel Grossman, also shared her unforgettable experience in an article titled How This Luxury Hotel on a Remote Indonesian Island Is Using Horses for Wellness.
In an article entitled "How this luxury hotel on a remote Indonesian island is using horses for wellness," Grossman tells how the horses live freely and comfortably at Nihi Sumba.
Grossman explains how the horses at Nihi Sumba are seen differently. They are companions for beach rides, trail walks, and even ocean swims — all guided by the horses’ instincts, never forced through fear or coercion.
At Nihi, horses are symbols of spirituality, beauty, and a connection to nature, exemplified by the breathtaking sight of entire herds galloping across the pristine white sands.
“Letting horses run together in herds reflects their instincts, enhancing both their physical and emotional well-being. Guests are captivated by the sight of them running freely along the beach — it’s a magical daily moment and a testament to Nihi’s wild spirit,” said Evelien Akerboom, who accompanied Grossman during her stay.
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.
The horses at Nihi are generally small but strong — and highly spirited, thanks to their unique genetics and lifestyle. Introduced to Sumba by traders in the 8th century, these horses are a hybrid of Arabian and Mongolian breeds.
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.”
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