Split Apple Retreat

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.

Pen, Lee, JJ, Marcus and everyone else we encountered at this wonderful resort went above and beyond to share their warmth, healthy lifestyle, encouragement and love for their guests, this special place and each other! It is hard to believe we only visited for 2 days and 3 nights. Regardless of the time, I cannot imagine a more enchanting experience that helped me and my family reconnect with healthy habits including what we ate, how to relax and the connections with others that enriches all of our lives! Thank you Pen, Lee, Marcus, JJ and the entire wonderful staff at Split Apple Retreat!

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.

My family and I spent 3 nights at the Split Apple Retreat during our two week trip in New Zealand. I can’t begin to express how amazing of an experience it was! Lee and Pen have created a unique oasis overlooking the Abel Tasman National Park filled with warmth, laughter, and amazing food. Each meal prepared by Pen and team was carefully curated with the freshest available ingredients designed to nourish and benefit the body. The flavors she created for every meal were impeccable - each meal was better than the last! And, her cooking class was so much fun. She is a ball of energy, wisdom, and joy! Lee reminded my family and I the importance of health and wellness over the course of our stay. We had countless discussions over our amazing meals - what an added bonus! Last but not least, our stay would not have been the same without JJ’s amazing energy and Marcus’s sense of humor! Split Apple Retreat is a truly special place and will have you leaving with full bellies and hearts!