Hotel No. 1 In The World

Nihiwatu Resort in Indonesia was named the world’s best hotel by Travel + Leisure in its annual World’s Best Awards. The former surf retreat on the remote little-known island of Sumba includes 28 villas, each equipped with a private pool, as well as an all-day treetop spa, an equestrian center, and a beach restaurant, where they serve a variety of healthy dishes cooked over an open fire. In high season, one night in this hotel will come to $12,000. The hotel’s guests can enjoy sunset horse riding, surfing, exploration of local hidden waterfalls and the breath-taking views of rice fields. See what the best hotel in the world looks like.
 

Welcome to Nihiwatu - the luxury Indonesian island resort ranked best hotel in the world in Travel + Leisure's annual World's Best Awards

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Guests at Nihiwatu are surrounded by nature at its most beautiful and decor at its most restfully opulent

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Nestled on Sumba island overlooking the turquoise Indian ocean, Nihiwatu (pictured) boats lush vegetation and rolling yellow sands

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The lavish beach resort commands up to £9,300 a night for an estate at high season, or £500 a night for 2-bedroom villa in low season 

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The heavenly all-day spa offers a full range of treatments including facials, massages and manicures, all to the tune of the ocean waves

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A private dining experience with a glorious view, serving up healthy bush-cooked cuisine and strewn with flowers, reeds and candles

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Kanatar Sumba House, one of the residences complete with a private pool, a sunbathing deck, and a spacious outside entertainment area 

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The whole complex overlooks an idyllic 2.5 km private beach (pictured), set within 567 acres of carefully protected natural reserve

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The decor comprises polished hardwood floors, fringe-trimmed roofs and four poster beds shrouded in elegant mosquito netting

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The Bao Boathouse - from where guests can enjoy world-class surfing on Sumba's famous 'Occy's Left' wave - serves snacks and drinks

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The spectacular Cliffside Bale villa, elevated above the sea, provides a little nook for daytime sun gazing or night-time star spotting

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Nihiwatu was first established in 1988 by an American surfer and his German wife as a ten-room surf retreat. Pictured - the Cliffside villa

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It was gradually developed and upgraded, and then purchased in 2012 by U.S. entrepreneur Chris Burch. Pictured - the Marangga pool

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The rustic Kasambi Estate (pictured) has a prime position for surf enthusists who want to keep a close eye on the movements of the waves

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The sprawling family villa, decorated with hues of cream and yellow, has floor-to-ceiling glass panels which look out to the trees and sand

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Owner Chris Burch says: 'Hospitality-centric luxury has changed. It is more than just the finer touches'. Pictured, one of the infinity pools

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Burch added: 'It has evolved to a custom itinerary, a personal journey, unexpected experiences, and a curiosity for the unknown'

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Sumba island is twice the size of tourist-favourite Bali and a 50-minute plane journey away, but is considerably less busy in comparison 

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