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With stunning sea views Split Apple Retreat is a quietly sophisticated and luxurious hideaway just minutes away from the stunning Abel Tasman National Park. The property offers every indulgence as well as the promise of exceptionally good health. Gourmet nutritious cuisine, exceptional spa therapies and unparalleled access to pristine wilderness and golden sand beaches.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, French, Japanese, Thai
Location
195 Tokongawa Drive Rd 2, Kaiteriteri 7197 New Zealand
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Split Apple Retreat is the most exceptional lodging we've ever had the pleasure of staying at. It's not just an ultra luxury boutique retreat; you are welcomed and pampered by Lee and his wife, Pen, like family. Each of Pen's gourmet dishes that she personally and meticulously prepared was not only nourishing, but a work of art. Each day was so fulfilling and interesting. We cycled in bucolic countryside, hiked from a secluded beach past a family of native Weka birds, to a cascading waterfall, learned mediation in a way that was gentle, yet transformative and profound. All we can talk about is when and how soon we can return.
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Split Apple Retreat is a little slice of heaven in the middle of the Abel Tasman. It is truly a special place of low key luxury and unpretentious perfection. Lee, Pen and their fabulous team are incredibly gracious hosts. They have created a sanctuary that is simultaneously serene and joyful. While the retreat can certainly be a destination on its own, we chose to explore the area by boating in Abel Tasman and biking through the beautiful countryside visiting local wineries. In the morning and evening, we relished every morsel of Pen’s phenomenal cooking. Her meals are stunning, deliciously creative and wonderfully healthy. Marcus and Lee are incredibly knowledgeable about wine and expertly paired excellent wines from the cellar with all of the meals. In addition to being a model host, Lee generously shared much of his inspiring wellness (and poker:)) knowledge throughout our stay. The rooms are perfection with spectacular views and private gardens. We felt like family from the minute JJ welcomed us across the threshold, and like family, instead of saying “goodbye" when it was time to leave, we said, “see you again soon”.
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Date of stay: December 2024
Value
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Location
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Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Split Apple Retreat might seem a bit remote, but it is absolutely worth the effort to get there
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We came to Split Apple with no expectations other than knowing we would be staying at a beautiful retreat. We were greeted by two warm and welcoming staff members - JJ & Marcus. Their warm welcome, calm demeanor and great sense of humor immediately made us feel at home. The incredible beauty of this little gem was only exceeded by the good fortune of getting to know the owners… Lee & Pen.
After 3 nights at this little oasis, they gave us so much more than a New Zealand experience. Lee shared his professional knowledge and experiences with health and wellness and reminded us above all… the importance of preventative care. Pen shared her expertise with healthy alternatives and spoiled us with beautiful presentations of mouth watering meals.
Despite the cold weather and rain, our experience was wonderful. What my family and I loved the most… was sitting at the table after meals sharing our own personal stories, as well as gaining so much wisdom & knowledge from our new found friends.
Thank you Lee, Pen, JJ, Marcus and the entire staff for giving our family an experience that we will treasure forever.
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We weren’t fully expecting just three rooms, and a little skeptical and somewhat hard to believe a luxury hotel with just three suites, but that hesitation disappeared upon arrival. Remove your shoes and settle in.
We were in the Fuji suite one of the two smaller ones, but all are spectacular each with an outside private deck as well.
JJ, the manager, Marcus, who knows the wine list and provides transport, Pen, who prepares inventive and delicious meals, and Lee, her husband and proprietor are the team.
Rooms include a delicious breakfast and dinner and during the day we were out boating, hiking and bike riding. We came here right from our flight from the states and stayed four nights, which was perfect. You could stay three, but not less than three would be our recommendation
JJ planned a boating trip, helicopter hiking and bike trip to vineyards all were totally delightful and set the standard for the balance of our time in NZ.
Massages were excellent.
Cons or areas for improvement.—a fitness room, the original fitness room was converted to a massage room. Fitness rooms were generally not found at all hotels in NZ, to my surprise. And that would be are only shortfall, if that matters to you.
Go you will not at all be disappointed.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:You don’t need a car at all and they have quick inexpensive laundry service, a plus!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed for five very special nights. It was all we thought it would be and then some. The rooms are luxurious spacious and filled with original art works. Waking up to a view across The Abel Tasman National Park was a revelation each day and the evening sky equally magical. You can have absolute privacy if you choose or join other guests at breakfast and dinner which is always a gastronomical delight. Pen is extraordinary at creating delicious food that is sourced locally and super fresh each day. The wine cellar is filled with a comprehensive selection of exceptional wines. Pens staff are attentive to your every need and requirement and all will quickly become your new BFFs. we felt so welcome and at home loved the meditations infinity pool and private beach, private access to Split Apple beach was also a well kept secret that all guests get to find out about. Don't delay in making a booking to stay at the retreat you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner. We most certainly will return.
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Date of stay: January 2022
Value
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Room Tip:all rooms have lovely views however we thought the Lotus room was best
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jj Luck, General Manager at Split Apple Retreat
Responded 19 Jan 2022
Dear kdh You are so kind to leave us such a wonderful review... thank you from us all. We enjoyed meeting you both and it was a delight to host you... we are especially pleased that you took advantage of the little private cove at the front of our property. We look forward to your return! The Split Apple Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
How to even put this place into words... Pen and Lee have created something really special. Split Apple is completely unique and clearly a personal passion project. Staying here feels more like being a guest in a home rather than a hotel, thanks to the intimate setting and warm hospitality of Pen, Lee and their staff. The property is impeccably decorated and maintained (don't miss the gardens!) and Pen's food is outstanding. There are lots of lovely little touches, like your own personal slippers and popcorn and blankets brought to you in their private movie theater! The bathtub is also probably the largest I've ever seen. The sweeping views are so serene and beautiful, and the property offers a perfect launching point for trips into the park. I also appreciated that they were able to sneak me in for a last-minute massage after I arrived with a stiff neck. We stayed in several very nice places during our trip to New Zealand, but this was our favorite.
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Date of stay: November 2024
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent 3 nights at Split Apple Retreat and upon arrival , we were treated like Royalty. The 3 bedrooms that are rented out are facing the Tasman Sea and the views are breathtaking. The house is decorated with unbelievable Oriental art work. There is a trail that leads you down to the Split Apple rock on the beach. You are also right next to the Abel Tasman National Park with spectacular views.
Pen and Lee Nelson are the owners that make you fell that the place is your home away from home. I have never had such gracious host as Pen and Lee. You leave their place feeling like you have a new family to come back to visit. Pen is an amazing chef that prepares gourmet dishes that will have you wondering how such amazing food can be prepared. The presentation is a lovely as the food is delicious.
Breakfast and dinner are included.
The staff at Split Apple are on top of every thing and you never have to want for anything.
We are looking forward to a return trip and a visit with our new family. Thanks Lee and Pen
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Date of stay: December 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:All rooms have great views. We stayed in the Rainbow room which was the largest room. All rooms...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jj Luck, General Manager at Split Apple Retreat
Responded 15 Mar 2023
Home away from home..... we hope you return one day! The Team at Split Apple
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This is a place you will never be ready to leave ! After 2 weeks of travel around New Zealand we arrived at split apple ready to relax. And it didn’t disappoint. The staff are all wonderful, Friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The owners make you feel like royalty and the food cooked by Penn is exceptional - even making me read her wonderful cook book. And if you can drag yourself away from the retreat beautiful walks and views await. Truly a wonderful place.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Split Apple Retreat is a world class resort and wellbeing experience like no other. With the beautiful Able Tasman National Park and stunning views at your footsteps, you get to stay in luxurious and intimate accommodation that provides the best food and wellbeing treatments and facilities. Your hosts are Pen, an amazing chef who creates and provides better than the best restaurant quality meals for your stay, and Lee who is up to speed on the latest health and wellbeing treatments and trends which are available from their amazing team of Yoga and Massage therapists to heal and nurture your body.
Start your day with and beautiful breakfast then relax in the resort with a sauna, a soak in the onsen, swim in the infinity pool overlooking the ocean, or go for a walk in the National Park or a quick walk down to Split Apple Beach and Rock and have a dip in the ocean. If you want more adventure the team at the Retreat can organise a boat trip to see the local sea life and more of the National Park, canoeing and more. Split Apple Retreat is a place where you think you are in heaven and want to stay longer.
The team are kind and caring going out of their way to make you feel at home and care for your individual needs. We are looking forward to our fifth visit next year.
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Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beyond World Class. This is one of the most charming and unique travel/hospitality experiences in our 54+years of traveling the globe. Lee and Pen have created a Shangri La of beauty, health and gourmet delicacies that are like ingesting art into your soul!
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Stay at least 3 days and nights!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Kaiteriteri area.
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandNelson-Tasman RegionKaiteriteri
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
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