The Split Apple Retreat Center was the highlight of my 3 week stay in New Zealand. I consider it one of the most special wellness-based resort lodges I have ever been to, as well as the most unique luxury lodge of the 5 that I have stayed at in New Zealand over the years. It is my top recommendation for family and friends interested in New Zealand travel. Split Apple combines the refinement, attention to detail, and customer care that is expected at all high end resorts while infused with a personal warmth and peaceful energy. The lodge owners, Lee Nelson and Anne Pen Lee ("Pen") , have mastered the art of hospitality management. I've never experienced a hotel that combines such high sophistication with a spirit of genuine caring for the guests. Lee who has a wealth of knowledge about the immediate environs helped us to organize daily itineraries based on our interests, while Pen, an absolutely brilliant chef, fortified us with delicious, health-focused breakfasts and dinners which were enjoyed at set times each day with the other 4 guests on premises. The setting overlooking the Tasman Sea is spectacular. The minimalist Japanese aesthetic of the lodge is serene and beautiful. And, Lee's Asian art collection on display throughout the lodge is impressive. The "zen" energy at Split Apple is palpable. In an effort to get to know our preferences, Lee spent time chatting with us from the moment we arrived. He provided a tour of the "house" and shared details about all the wellness offerings there. We arrived after a 4 night outing in Abel Tasman Park so were primarily looking for a few days of blissful R&R which we found in abundance. Lee took time to understand what types of massage we preferred and selected therapists from his roster that could deliver the perfect experience for us. I splurged for the 2 hour massage and must say it was the VERY BEST, most unique, indescribable massage experience I ever had! There are no words for its healing and transporting effect on my mind and weary hiker's body. The meditation experience using and auditory binaural beat technology was extremely special as well. Add on my daily dips in the salt water infinity pool and FAR infrared sauna and I had no desire to ever return home! Pen took an interest in our food preferences and integrated some of our favorite things in her menus. There are too many examples to list but the dinner on the last night of our visit was a 5 course Japanese-inspired meal, including a spectacular sashimi plate. We had told Pen that Japanese was our favorite cuisine so she artfully capped off our 3 night visit with a meal to remember! Her thoughtfulness extended beyond her delicious cooking. Actions speak louder than words and who else would think to slip a fresh, perfectly ripe fig from her garden into your hand before your morning hike...or pack two perfect soft boiled eggs "to go" on the morning of departure because there was no time to eat breakfast??! I cannot stress eno
5.0分
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We had the most amazing experience staying at the Split Apple Retreat for a few days during our New Zealand exploration. From the warm welcoming of the entire house staff (special thanks to Lee & Pen, as well as Jj and Marcus !), to the delicious (and healthy !) food of Chef Pen, the jaw-dropping majesty of the location and Ocean views, and the beautiful bedroom we stayed in, everything was utterly perfect and definitely made turned our few days at the Split Apple Retreat into a magical and unforgettable experience.
5.0分
其他
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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”.
5.0分
其他
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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.
5.0分
其他
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Pen and Lee make you part of their family. The location is lovely, the rooms perfect and the “vibe” is unlike anywhere else I have been. The artwork alone is worth the trip. Lee’s passion for Japanese art and history has made me want to learn more. Pen cooks truly incredibly healthy and tasty meals The surroundings are magical as are the meditation sessions…just a wonderful way to start your day
5.0分
其他
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Split Apple is a "magical"place, from the stunning views, superb food that exceeds all expectations and tip top accommodations; the place is a gem. Pen, Lee and their team are warm, friendly and make you feel like you are in your own home. My wife and I have several dietary restrictions which they have no issue at all tailoring the amazing food so we can enjoy the full experience. Finally, from their property, they will arrange for any and all of the incredible experiences to do in the area.
5.0分
家庭亲子
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Can’t think of an adverse comment to make on anything - except the time to reach them from Nelson which of course is part of their charm. The food by Pen and Alanna was sensational. The infra red sauna was a delightful discovery for me as well. My wife loved the infinity pool and an added high spot was the private water taxi to her old favourite, Watering Cove
5.0分
情侣出游
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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.
5.0分
情侣出游
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Pros—Extraordinary in every way. 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.
5.0分
其他
展开
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.
The Split Apple Retreat Center was the highlight of my 3 week stay in New Zealand. I consider it one of the most special wellness-based resort lodges I have ever been to, as well as the most unique luxury lodge of the 5 that I have stayed at in New Zealand over the years. It is my top recommendation for family and friends interested in New Zealand travel. Split Apple combines the refinement, attention to detail, and customer care that is expected at all high end resorts while infused with a personal warmth and peaceful energy. The lodge owners, Lee Nelson and Anne Pen Lee ("Pen") , have mastered the art of hospitality management. I've never experienced a hotel that combines such high sophistication with a spirit of genuine caring for the guests. Lee who has a wealth of knowledge about the immediate environs helped us to organize daily itineraries based on our interests, while Pen, an absolutely brilliant chef, fortified us with delicious, health-focused breakfasts and dinners which were enjoyed at set times each day with the other 4 guests on premises. The setting overlooking the Tasman Sea is spectacular. The minimalist Japanese aesthetic of the lodge is serene and beautiful. And, Lee's Asian art collection on display throughout the lodge is impressive. The "zen" energy at Split Apple is palpable. In an effort to get to know our preferences, Lee spent time chatting with us from the moment we arrived. He provided a tour of the "house" and shared details about all the wellness offerings there. We arrived after a 4 night outing in Abel Tasman Park so were primarily looking for a few days of blissful R&R which we found in abundance. Lee took time to understand what types of massage we preferred and selected therapists from his roster that could deliver the perfect experience for us. I splurged for the 2 hour massage and must say it was the VERY BEST, most unique, indescribable massage experience I ever had! There are no words for its healing and transporting effect on my mind and weary hiker's body. The meditation experience using and auditory binaural beat technology was extremely special as well. Add on my daily dips in the salt water infinity pool and FAR infrared sauna and I had no desire to ever return home! Pen took an interest in our food preferences and integrated some of our favorite things in her menus. There are too many examples to list but the dinner on the last night of our visit was a 5 course Japanese-inspired meal, including a spectacular sashimi plate. We had told Pen that Japanese was our favorite cuisine so she artfully capped off our 3 night visit with a meal to remember! Her thoughtfulness extended beyond her delicious cooking. Actions speak louder than words and who else would think to slip a fresh, perfectly ripe fig from her garden into your hand before your morning hike...or pack two perfect soft boiled eggs "to go" on the morning of departure because there was no time to eat breakfast??! I cannot stress eno
We had the most amazing experience staying at the Split Apple Retreat for a few days during our New Zealand exploration. From the warm welcoming of the entire house staff (special thanks to Lee & Pen, as well as Jj and Marcus !), to the delicious (and healthy !) food of Chef Pen, the jaw-dropping majesty of the location and Ocean views, and the beautiful bedroom we stayed in, everything was utterly perfect and definitely made turned our few days at the Split Apple Retreat into a magical and unforgettable experience.
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”.
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.
Pen and Lee make you part of their family. The location is lovely, the rooms perfect and the “vibe” is unlike anywhere else I have been. The artwork alone is worth the trip. Lee’s passion for Japanese art and history has made me want to learn more. Pen cooks truly incredibly healthy and tasty meals The surroundings are magical as are the meditation sessions…just a wonderful way to start your day
Split Apple is a "magical"place, from the stunning views, superb food that exceeds all expectations and tip top accommodations; the place is a gem. Pen, Lee and their team are warm, friendly and make you feel like you are in your own home. My wife and I have several dietary restrictions which they have no issue at all tailoring the amazing food so we can enjoy the full experience. Finally, from their property, they will arrange for any and all of the incredible experiences to do in the area.
Can’t think of an adverse comment to make on anything - except the time to reach them from Nelson which of course is part of their charm. The food by Pen and Alanna was sensational. The infra red sauna was a delightful discovery for me as well. My wife loved the infinity pool and an added high spot was the private water taxi to her old favourite, Watering Cove
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.
Pros—Extraordinary in every way. 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.
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.