Sunlover Retreat
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Sunlover Retreat

Traveller (217)
Room & Suite (70)
Breakfast views
Dining (13)
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About

5.0
#1 of 7 B&Bs in Tairua
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Location
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Value
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to the top 1% of businesses across select categories.
Welcome to the Sunlover Retreat. A boutique bed & breakfast, nestled on a hill in the seaside town of Tairua, Coromandel NZ. Sunlover Retreat soaks up the sun and views from sunrise to sunset. There are two accommodation rooms, each with its own ensuite. The Estuary Suite has a bath luxuriously placed to look over the bush, Coromandel Ranges and Tairua estuary beyond. Every room has a large private deck and robes are supplied. During these COVID times and in the interest of guest safety, you will have exclusive use of the Sunlover floor or share with your close friends/family in a double couples bubble. The breakfast is a provisioned continental breakfast that you can help yourself to at your leisure. Don't forget to soak in our hot tub watching the sun set with wine in hand.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Hot bath
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Diving
Books, DVDs, music for children
BBQ facilities
Parking
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Special diet menus
Bowling offsite
Fishing
Patio
Tennis court offsite
Board games / puzzles
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun terrace
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Allergy-free room
Bathrobes
Private balcony
Safe
Coffee / tea maker
Microwave
Walk-in shower
Complimentary toiletries
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Hair dryer
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Qualmark.
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Family
Languages Spoken
English

Location

20 Ridge Road, Tairua 3508 New Zealand
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 62 out of 100
62
Tauranga Airport
80.2 km
See all flights
Auckland Intl Airport
93.1 km
See all flights
502Reviews1Q+A90Room tips

Reviews
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Traveller rating
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Detailed Reviews
Burses wrote a review Jan 2020
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A warm welcome from our hosts Donna and Chris who spent time with us giving us a great insight into how to make the most of our few days stay in Tairua. The accommodation is generously sized, spotlessly clean and the floor to ceiling windows provide wonderful views whilst relaxing in your room, or the lounge area shared with guests staying in their other room. There are also table and chairs and loungers on the balcony; great for relaxing after a long day. Breakfast is a delight (eggs collected from their own hens) and will set you up for the day. If you're visiting the Coromandel area, this is the perfect place to stay.
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Date of stay: January 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
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 Donna B, Owner at Sunlover Retreat
Responded 30 Jan 2020
There is no such things as strangers here, just friends we haven't met. We are thrilled you felt so relaxed and welcome here. Thank you for taking the time to write a wonderful review.
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Karen697 wrote a review Mar 2020
London, United Kingdom
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We have just spent a wonderful 3 nights at the Sunlover Retreat. This has to be the best accommodation we have stayed in during our 7 weeks of travelling through Australia and New Zealand. Staying with Donna, Chris and Rover (plus the chickens and Mint & Sauce - the sheep 😂) is like staying with family. We were made very welcome from the moment we arrived. There is private access to your room and a shared lounge (with the other 2 guests) which has everything you could want. The view of Tairua from the deck is stunning. Donna’s homemade bread, granola and yoghurt plus eggs from the chickens are the perfect way to start your day. Donna and Chris gave us places to visit where the locals go. Don’t rush through Tairua. If you can, spend at least 3 nights here and spend some time exploring the town. The view from the top of Mount Paku is breathtaking. Thanks Donna and Chris for sharing your beautiful home with us. We will be back!!
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip 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.
Response from Donna Brooke, Owner at Sunlover Retreat
Responded 16 Mar 2020
We're so pleased you had the time to explore Tairua as well. So many guests only have time to tick off the gorgeous hot spots like Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach ... that they don't have the time to truly relax 'beach style' in Tairua. Thank you so much for taking the time to write a fab review. We look forward to welcoming you back!
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Tony D wrote a review Feb 2020
Taupo, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We were given a wonderful welcome by Donna, Chris and Rover and delighted to settle into our very comfortable bedroom, overlooking Tairua Estuary and Paku Mountain.We had a large deck where we enjoyed a cool drink and took in the evening air. Our door was open all night and how great to hear sheep and birds so close by in the morning.
Donna had several options for an evening meal in the town and we opted to drive 5-7 minutes away to Tairua Beach Club Restaurant, overlooking the water. Our bed was so perfect and what a great shower!
There is a shared sitting room next door for both rooms with teas and coffees, a fridge and television.Upstairs, we enjoyed a jovial breakfast with the only other guests. Donna's 'Sunlover Stack' was delicious and iconic! We did so appreciate having our suitcases carried up and down the stairs and our car turned for us to negotiate the steep drive. Many thanks, Donna, Chris and Rover.
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Date of stay: February 2020
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 Donna Brooke, Owner at Sunlover Retreat
Responded 21 Feb 2020
Our sheep Mint and Sauce (hehe) have been such a welcome addition to our menagerie! I'm glad you enjoyed their morning calls. We have so many lovely cafes and restaurants in town that it does make it hard to choose the perfect one for each guest as so many are great! Thank you so much Tony for taking the time to write a fabulous reivew. We really appreciate it.
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JaneHuw wrote a review Feb 2020
Gosport, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
When we walked in through the front door we were greeted by a fantastic view of the estuary and Tairua town and we felt that ‘wow’ factor. This continued through the rest of our stay. The rooms were beautifully presented and the breakfasts were delicious with fresh local ingredients and eggs from the hens in the garden. What really lifts this B&B above so many others were the many little extra touches that the hosts went out of their way to provide for their guests. Really helpful advice was given in planning our days out in this stunning area. We visited some hidden, unknown spots where only the locals go! Give this area and the Sunlovers Retreat at least 3 or 4 days-it’s well worth it!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip 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.
Response from Donna Brooke, Owner at Sunlover Retreat
Responded 3 Mar 2020
Thank you for your wonderful review Jane and Huw. Yes, by staying just that little bit longer gave you time to visit some of our quiet, secret spots! So glad you enjoyed your time with us. All the best for the rest of your travels.
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Ihearttravel4ever wrote a review Jun 2022
Auckland, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel welcome. Our host Donna met us on the driveway with a complimentary refreshing drink and warm lemongrass-scented facecloth to cleanse our faces after our long drive.

Once shown the beautiful cedar hot tub with its spectacular views we were shown the accommodation where a lovely bottle of wine and the most amazing grazing board was waiting for us.

The grazing board was so huge we didn’t feel the need to leave the accommodation for dinner as we were so relaxed and filled by the huge array of little bites that were so inviting we didn’t know what to try first.

Our accommodation was immaculate with plenty of space. I had the best night’s sleep on the super large comfortable bed. Not to mention the super soft bathrobes that I did not want to take off.

The freshly homemade sourdough bread, homemade Greek yoghurt, muesli and Anzac biscuits were also very much appreciated as an added treat.

The whole experience was magnificent and I would highly recommend Sunlover Retreat to anyone.

Thank you Donna and Chris for the most relaxing weekend getaway!

Sorry my photos do not do the place justice
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Date of stay: June 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
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 Donna Brooke, Owner at Sunlover Retreat
Responded 23 Jun 2022
There really is something about managing to wash away the travels to get to Sunlover with a scented cloth. It has been a real hit! Thank you for all of the lovely things you have written about ... bread, platter and beds. It does people good to realise that a bed and breakfast is actually that ... bed with a beautiful breakfast. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful review!
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Anna F wrote a review Jun 2022
5.0 of 5 bubbles
It was absolute relaxation from the moment we stepped out of our car. We were greeted by a bubbly and smiley Donna (hostess with the mostess!) with a hot towel and water. She then gave us a guided tour of the spa area and our accommodation.
Every little detail was amazing, right down to the small little folds on the toilet paper with adorned with a little buttercup flower. Relaxation was our motive for the weekend and relaxation was what we got. Our breakfast was amazing - fresh baked sour dough bread in the mornings, home made muesli, fruits and home made yoghurt delicious.
Our rooms were just amazing, the largest bed I have slept in and the most comfortable right down to the crisp, cozy bed linen. Bathroom to die for, the rain shower was just amazing and although I never tried it out the claw bath tub looked like you could just stay in it for hours.
Views, views, views. We arrived at night so didn't get to see the views until the morning and boy was it stunning. A panoramic view from the estuary, over to the golf course, then around to the beach, Paku, Pauanui and harbour - just gorgeous!
From fantastic hosts, to quirky kiwiana décor, Sunlovers Retreat is just that, a place to catch the sun and to relax. A place you never want to leave.
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Date of stay: June 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
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 Donna Brooke, Owner at Sunlover Retreat
Responded 23 Jun 2022
Oh Anna ... what a fantastic review ... thank you so much for taking the time to write it. It means so much to small businesses like ours to get reviews and such a wonderful one makes it all the more special! We love taking care of the 'small stuff' with a bit of attention to detail. It was fab to read you had the opportunity to enjoy it! We look forward to hosting you again soon.
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Sabine W wrote a review Feb 2020
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The Coromandel Peninsula is a beautiful area and we stayed at Sunlover Retreat, the beautiful house of Donna and Chris. It is situated on a slope with a great view of the village of Tairura and the peninsula.
The light-flooded rooms are located in the basement with A private bathroom and A large terrace. THE very large and comfortable common room invites you to spend the evening together with the other guests.
Donna and Chris are very warm hosts and the breakfast is great. We would have loved to stay longer!

Sabine and Holger, Berlin
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Date of stay: December 2019
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 Donna Brooke, Owner at Sunlover Retreat
Responded 21 Feb 2020
I could hear your laughter as you shared stories and a wine with the other guests. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay with us so much. Thank you Sabine for taking the the time to write a beautiful review. Give our best regards to Holger.
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AngieMGaebler wrote a review Feb 2021
London, England, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We loved our stay here! Nestled between the trees in Tairua, Sunlover's cosy lounge room and elegant bedrooms open out to a huuuuuge and beautiful deck. We spent most of the afternoon reading in the sun, listening to the birds and enjoying the peace and quiet.

My favourite part of our stay was the two luxurious baths and our very own private spa! I don't have a bath at home, so i made the most of all 3 of these!

Donna was warm and welcoming, as was her husband Chris, and the freshly baked loaf of sourdough bread we received on arrival was the best i've tasted since coming home from Europe last year.

They also provided a delicious cheese platter which we enjoyed with a glass of red as we watched the sun go down over the ocean.

We walked into town for dinner, and had one of the best nights sleep we've had in ages, before waking super early and snuggling up outside with blankets to watch the sun come up.

A magical, unforgettable stay, and i can't wait for the next special occasion to go back :)
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Date of stay: February 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
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 Donna Brooke, Owner at Sunlover Retreat
Responded 23 Feb 2021
Thank you for such an eloquent and lovely review. Its so great to read that you made the most of your time here by relaxing and enjoy the indoor and outdoor baths! The hot tub is now proving even more popular. Look forward to hosting you again one day soon.
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Maree C wrote a review Feb 2021
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sunlover retreat is AMAZING!
We escaped from Whitianga (staycation in Tauira) for the weekend to have some much needed RnR.
The property is absolutely beautiful - with floor to ceiling windows and stunning views of Tairua.
We enjoyed a bottle of bubbles on arrival and listened to the Beetles on the record player ( lots of amazing records to choose from!)
We enjoyed a hot spa and watched the stars!

Donna is the most lovely and thoughtful host. She really thought of everything.. she supplied lots of fresh fruits and homemade sourdough ( which was to die for!)

We will be back many times for sure!

Thank you very much!!
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Date of stay: February 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
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 Donna Brooke, Owner at Sunlover Retreat
Responded 25 Feb 2021
Thank you for the fab review Maree. Love that you loved the sourdough and I can't wait to visit your cafe when I'm next in Whitianga. Great that you enjoyed a bit of 'old school' listening to the records. Hehe. Looking forward to hosting you again soon.
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Mabelle Teh wrote a review Feb 2021
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Found Sunlover Retreat on a last minute decision to go away for the long weekend. Turned out to be the best decision ever! Donna helpfully showed us around when we arrived and gave us some tips on dining etc. The room has a great view of the town, and very peaceful and quiet. The hot tub was romantic with views to the estuary, we even had Mint and Rosemary “singing” to us! Also pleasantly surprised with the homemade goodies, yummy sourdough, Anzac biscuits, muesli .. the list goes on! Donna also made us a delicious platter big enough to feed 6, with a bottle of champagne to go with. Sweet Rover greeted us every time we came back from our adventures too! It’s definitely a weekend we will never forget. Thank you Donna, Chris and Rover for sharing your beautiful home with us.
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Date of stay: February 2021Trip 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.
Response from Donna Brooke, Owner at Sunlover Retreat
Responded 8 Feb 2021
It has been so lovely to have guests back to stay! We are thrilled you loved all the homemade goodness. Those sheep ... what can I say ... they are enjoying having guests around too! Thank you for the fantastic review. A great way to start the year.
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Answer from Donna B
Tairua, New Zealand34 contributions4 helpful votes
Hi Wolfgang Yes, we have some days available. Go to the bookings page on the sunlover website to to see what is available. TripAdvisor does not allow me to send my email or web address so hopefully you can find our website. If you need more help, just email me. Enjoy your visit to the Coromandel! Donna
Miriam R wrote a tip Feb 2024
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Be prepared to be spoiled"
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gnome2011 wrote a tip Feb 2024
berkshire, england65 contributions39 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Book quickly, they are only running the B&B until end May."
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Ian L wrote a tip Jan 2024
39 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Steep driveway - just take it slowly! 👍🏻"
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Alice M wrote a tip Sept 2023
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Get ready to relax and recharge at this lovely Tairua retreat!"
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Chris C wrote a tip Oct 2022
Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Th Estuary Suite is fab…"
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There are more places to choose from in the Tairua area.
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandWaikato RegionCoromandel PeninsulaTairua
NUMBER OF ROOMS
2
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SUNLOVER RETREAT | UPDATED 2024 B&B Reviews (Tairua, New Zealand) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Sunlover Retreat
Which popular attractions are close to Sunlover Retreat?
Nearby attractions include Heaven & Earth (0.4 km) and The Little Gallery (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Sunlover Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Sunlover Retreat?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, a lounge, and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Sunlover Retreat?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Sunlover Retreat?
Conveniently located restaurants include Manaia, The Pepe Cafe, and Out of the Blue Cafe.
Is Sunlover Retreat located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.1 km away from the centre of Tairua.
Does Sunlover Retreat have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the harbour view available here.
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