Pihopa Retreat

The property is a beautiful collection of historic villas with a stunning view, and our stay was a 10/10. Sarah, the owner, looked after every guest so attentively, like we were family visiting. The staff were all friendly and helpful, going well above and beyond with things like booking dinners, taxis, and services, as well as providing lots of complimentary items in the rooms. One of the best hotels we've ever stayed at!

We stayed three nights in early January 2026, and Pihopa Retreat felt like the home of a close friend. With just six suites, it has an intimate feel, and the flower garden makes the setting especially picturesque and unique. Breakfast in "the chapel" had a wide selection, and the early evening canapes by the pool were gourmet. The international staff were attentive and personable, which made the visit even more memorable. The property is near Abel Tasman National Park. Nelson was a hidden gem and our favourite of the four towns we visited during our two weeks on the South Island.

My two notes for the management team: the blue light from the bedside charging station was so bright that we had to cover it, and I imagine other guests do too. It might be worth taping over it or choosing a different device. Also, please label the coffee pods. I was told the wrong one was decaf and ended up awake all night. The teas have a detailed explanation, so coffee could use one too. The rest of our stay was lovely. This secluded little oasis in Nelson has just a few houses that feel like private homes, and the team took great care of us. They even arranged dinner reservations in town ahead of time and sent our postcards. Breakfast in the old chapel was delicious, with lots of freshly made choices from right next door. Our kids, five and seven, loved the pool and jacuzzi, and the hotel helped arrange a babysitter so we could have an adventure day.

Sarah Mellor has brought the original quarters and Chapel back to life, adding thoughtful touches like a pool, gym, outdoor hot tub, and a "Man Cave", or maybe a "She Shed", which serves as a cocktail bar before dinner. She also makes it easy to enjoy Nelson's restaurants, curating a list and arranging a reservation and included taxi service each night. As someone who travels widely, I appreciated not having to work out where to eat in a new town, and being treated like a special guest instead of just another tourist. The staff and service match the beautifully maintained grounds and exquisite property. Sarah even arranged a world-class massage for me at short notice, in the suite next door. The setting is stunning. The land was first developed by the first Bishop of Nelson in the 1860's, and, as with many Church holdings, it still has the best location in a town that has grown up around it. The grounds are meticulously planted and maintained, with water views and many huge old native trees. I haven't seen anything quite like it in Nelson, NZ, or anywhere else in the world. And breakfast in a Chapel is quite an experience, with the most wonderful breakfast I've ever had. Pihopa Retreat is Not To Be Missed when you're in Nelson.