Perched high above the luminous waters of Tasman Bay, Split Apple Retreat is one of New Zealand’s most distinctive luxury hideaways—an intimate, design-led wellness retreat where architecture, art, and nature exist in quiet balance. Located on the edge of Abel Tasman National Park, the property offers both seclusion and direct access to one of the country’s most beautiful coastal regions.
With just three suites, the experience is inherently private and deeply personalised. Days are shaped by a sense of calm and restoration—whether spent by the saltwater infinity pool, in the onsen-style hot tub, or exploring private tracks that lead to secluded beaches, including the iconic Split Apple Rock.
At its core, Split Apple Retreat is not simply a place to stay, but a retreat in the truest sense—designed to nourish, restore, and reconnect.
Your hosts Lee & Pen
Lee Nelson is a retired doctor who specializes in making people look – and feel – as good as they can, through thoughtful food, expert nutrition and relaxation. His wife Pen Lee is a highly qualified chef who has incorporated the philosophies of ultimate health into her gourmet cooking, with a range of mouth-watering dishes.
Accommodation
Accommodation is intentionally limited to three expansive, ocean-facing suites, each designed to maximise privacy, light, and connection to the surrounding landscape. All suites feature two private decks with garden and sea views, generous bathrooms, and a seamless blend of Japanese-inspired design and contemporary comfort.
Lotus Suite
A serene, Japanese-inspired sanctuary, the Lotus Suite is positioned directly on the oceanfront, with uninterrupted views across Tasman Bay. Defined by clean lines and natural materials, it features a striking granite soaking bath, creating a deeply calming, spa-like experience.
Fuji Suite
Warm and refined, the Fuji Suite is distinguished by rich timber finishes and a cocooning atmosphere. Also, ocean-facing, it offers a similar Japanese aesthetic with a granite bath and expansive private decks, ideal for couples seeking quiet immersion and privacy.
Rainbow Suite
The most spacious and flexible of the three, the Rainbow Suite is a split-level design with a separate lounge area. Slightly more contemporary in feel, it offers generous living space, making it well suited for longer stays or guests seeking additional room to unwind.
Across all suites:
- Panoramic ocean views with two private decks per suite
- Super king or king bedding
- Indulgent bathrooms with soaking tubs (Japanese or Western-style depending on suite)
- Apple TV, sound systems, and high-speed Wi-Fi
- A seamless indoor–outdoor living experience
Dining
Dining at Split Apple Retreat is a defining part of the experience—thoughtfully designed around wellness, seasonality, and individual preference.
Guests enjoy a daily gourmet program that typically includes breakfast, pre-dinner drinks with canapés, and a multi-course evening tasting menu. Each dish reflects a refined fusion of Asian and Mediterranean influences, created using ingredients selected for both flavor and nutritional benefit.
Menus are fully personalized, tailored to individual dietary needs and preferences, creating a dining experience that feels both indulgent and restorative.
Experiences
Experiences at Split Apple Retreat are centered around wellness, nature, and quiet immersion rather than schedule-driven activity.
Within the retreat
- Saltwater infinity pool overlooking Tasman Bay
- Onsen-style hot tub, steam room, and infrared sauna
- Massage therapies, meditation, and yoga pavilion
- A curated collection of Asian art and a private theatre room
Beyond the retreat
Positioned on the edge of Abel Tasman National Park, the retreat offers access to:
- Coastal hikes and guided walks along the Abel Tasman Coast Track
- Sea kayaking, sailing, and private boat excursions
- Wildlife encounters, including dolphin spotting
- Bespoke helicopter experiences to remote beaches or scenic locations
Private paths lead directly from the property to secluded beaches, reinforcing the sense of exclusivity and connection to place.
At Split Apple Retreat, the experience is both elevated and elemental—where design, wellness, and landscape come together to create a stay that feels deeply restorative, quietly indulgent, and entirely its own.
