Pihopa Retreat

This was among our favorite stays anywhere anytime. The attention to detail was first rate and the hosts made us feel like their favorite new friends. Breakfast each morning was a highlight. We went as a couple but kept talking about how much fun it would be to return with the whole family!

What a lovely place! Our bungalow was nicely decorated and fully equiped. Having canapes with our host was a nice moment. And having breakfast in the former church was just a unique experience. I highly recommend it and it can be a truly amazing experience for a couple or a family

A beautiful place. A must stay. The place is spotless, elegant, to the highest standard. The welcoming and attention to details is excellent. Sarah’s communication is great. It is a true retreat, away from any noises. The gardens are immaculate and infuse a sense of well being. The rooms are excellent. The bed and pillows are of the highest quality so that your sleep will be great. The breakfast food is fantastic, with GF choices for people who wishes so but a very well looked after variety and to excellent standards. It is close to Nelson city centre and to airport but far enough to allow peace and tranquillity. This is our second time here and we will come back again no doubt

We had a wonderful stay at Pihopa Retreat. The room was cozy and well-appointed, with attention to detail evident throughout. The service was exceptional, with the staff going above and beyond to ensure our comfort. Every aspect of our experience was perfect, making our stay memorable. We definitely recommend Pihopa Retreat to anyone looking for a great place to stay.

One of the highlights of our 3 week trip to New Zealand this past March was our stay at the Pihopa Retreat in Nelson. Everything there exceeded our already high expectations. From the room, with its incredibly comfortable bed, thoughtful little surprises everywhere you looked - stocked fridge, teas and treats to enjoy every afternoon, notebook with helpful hints and suggestions, to the evening pre-dinner drinks and snacks, and the waiting complimentary taxi to take us to dinner and back, to the beautiful grounds and facilities (my husband even did some weightlifting in their gym), and the amazing breakfast served in the chapel every morning, we loved every minute of our stay here. Thank you, Sarah, for all your hard work in creating such a wonderful retreat. We will be back!

Arriving at Pihopa Retreat, we were all immediately captivated by the charm and attention to detail that Sarah and Sam have infused into every aspect of this beautiful haven. I just loved the history of the property and how each detail had been so beautifully restored; the result was enchanting, like stepping into a storybook setting, complete with lush gardens and stunning views. Sarah's warm welcome set the tone for a stay that promised—and delivered—exceptional hospitality. It was definitely the most impressive of all luxury lodges in New Zealand. The cottage was outfitted with everything we could possibly want, making it clear that Sarah and Sam anticipate their guests' every need. From the wide selection of teas to delicious baking, not to mention a well-stocked bar, every element was chosen with care. The room was a combination of pure luxury and a cozy retreat; the bed felt like sleeping on a cloud, the beautiful bathroom felt like pure indulgence, not to mention the cozy fireplace to relax in front of in comfortable armchairs. The gourmet breakfast in the historic chapel, a beautiful space, added an extra touch of magic to our morning. The chef was fantastic. I have never written a review before on TripAdvisor, but this was such a memorable experience that stood out and will be one for the memory banks. Sarah and Sam's exceptional service and the tranquil environment they've created made our visit truly special. We left feeling refreshed and cherished, already planning our next visit to this remarkable retreat. Would give 6 stars if l could.

The accommodation was fantastic! Many thanks to Sarah, who leaves nothing to be desired and takes care of everything with great attention to detail. The room was very comfortable, large and cozy. The breakfast in the chapel, which is part of the property, was exceptional. A total hit! If we come to Nelson again, we will definitely come back to Sarah and her family

Pihopa Retreat provides the best personalized experience. Sarah and the staff took very good care of us during our stay. Sarah arranged our dinner reservations and provided conmplemenary taxi service to and from the restaurants. Our room was immaculate and the treats for afternoon tea were a pleasant surprise. Breakfasts in the chapel were delicious. We would highly recommend staying at Phihop Retreat when visiting Nelson. We hope to visit again some day.

This was by far the most exquisite stay of our trip - a former bishop's residence and grounds. We had an apartment with fireplace, complimentary stocked bar, baked treats each afternoon, breakfast in an old church, cocktails each evening with other guests by the pool. The manager was ever present & kept everything in perfect order with her inviting, friendly manner. Staff was most attentive. We highly recommend it!