Hotel Legends: Inside NIHI Sumba with CEO James McBride

Located in Indonesia an hour east of Bali, NIHI Sumba is an extraordinary place that fuses nature, beauty and wellness in a thoughtful, soulful way. The hotel has been named the ‘Best Hotel in the World’ for two years in a row by Travel & Leisure and has mastered the art of transformative, luxurious simplicity. CEO and co-founding partner James McBride joins Melissa to explore what makes this hotel so special and how its magic came to be. After growing up in South Africa, he spent over two decades leading some of the world's most incredible hotels and has been recognized as ‘One to Watch’ by Bloomberg Businessweek, Bloomberg 50, as well as awarded the Independent Hotelier of the World by Hotels Magazine. He shares insight into NIHI’s unique wild wellness program - from equine therapy with sacred horses to surfing in one of the world’s most iconic destinations, butterfly meditation lounges and more. Plus, Melissa shares some of her favorite wellness retreats on this week’s Indagare Insight.

Lightning Round with James McBride

• Favorite activity at NIHI? Spa Safari
• A wellness trend you’re most excited about? Equine connect! Our programs with our retired horses are just phenomenal in balancing the mind , bringing tranquility and building confidence.
• Something that surprised you about Sumba? How similar it is to Africa. Tribal and beautiful. It has African energy with Asian softness.
• Sumba in 3 words? Vast, Addictive, Unspoiled
• Favorite place to watch the sunset or sunrise on the island? The amazing new Nio Beach Bar. It’s breathtaking.
• Best time of year to visit? It’s great all year round. I especially love June and September.