NIHI Sumba introduces its Equine Intuitive Awareness Retreat

Indonesian resort NIHI Sumba offers a unique opportunity to participate in its new Equine Intuitive Awareness Retreat, an exceptional experience guided by Carol Sharpe, the original NIHI horse whisperer. 

Slated for 5 to 10 December 2024 and again from 13 to 18 February 2025, this retreat is part of NIHI’s overarching Wild Wellness concept and is a key component of its new Equine Connection programmes. 

Through this groundbreaking initiative, NIHI Sumba is the first spa in the world to have horses located on-site 24/7 for wellness purposes, providing an unparalleled setting for holistic equine healing.

Riding to wellness

The retreat itinerary has been designed to guide participants in connecting with their inner selves and the natural world through a variety of enriching activities that nurture a deeper bond with these gentle creatures. 

The program includes energy awareness sessions, meditation with horses, Reiki healing, and equine yoga, alongside “Sunrise Awakening the Senses” sessions with the main herd on the hills behind NIHI, and the opportunity to swim with horses or enjoy a sunset beach horseback ride, depending on weather conditions. 

Participants will also engage in a Fire Light Sound Meditation and visit a local village to witness the impactful work of the Sumba Horse Charity, where they can contribute by offering Reiki healing to ailing ponies—an exchange of healing energy that fosters both emotional and spiritual growth.

Steeped in tradition

A key component of the retreat is the exploration of the Pasola, an ancient Sumbanese ritual that features traditional horseback riding, symbolising the balance between life and death. This cultural immersion provides participants with a unique insight into the Sumbanese way of life and the deep significance of horses in their heritage.

The Equine Intuitive Awareness Retreat is more than just a wellness experience; it is a journey that redefines the relationship between humans and nature and offers a rare chance to explore the profound healing and spiritual connection between humans and horses, providing an unforgettable journey toward inner peace and well-being. 

By integrating horses into the spa environment, NIHI Sumba is setting a new standard in holistic healing, offering guests the opportunity to experience profound emotional and spiritual growth.

Sumba is an island rich in cultural and spiritual traditions which serves as the perfect backdrop for this transformative retreat. 

The Marapu religion, practised by the Sumbanese people, venerates ancestral spirits and natural forces, with horses playing a central role in their rituals and daily lives.

 Participants in the retreat will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in these traditions, gaining a deeper understanding of the island’s unique equine spiritual heritage.

Expert guidance

Carol Sharpe’s work at NIHI Sumba is deeply rooted in her understanding of the natural world and the spiritual significance of horses. 

Her journey with NIHI began over a decade ago with a single pony, which has since evolved into a groundbreaking wellness initiative that seamlessly integrates the healing presence of horses into the luxury spa environment. 

The retreat offers participants a rare chance to engage with these magnificent animals in a setting that honours the ancient traditions of Sumba while addressing the modern need for emotional and spiritual renewal.