Positioned at the edge of New Zealand’s Abel Tasman National Park on the South Island, with private paths leading to two beaches and panoramic views over Tasman Bay, Split Apple Retreat is one of the most quietly extraordinary small retreats in the southern hemisphere. The house was built by Lee and Pen Nelson with a singular conviction: that the right food, the right setting and the right care can restore people in ways that few other experiences can. Lee is a retired physician who has spent his career on the relationship between nutrition, appearance and wellbeing. Pen is a trained chef who has built a gourmet Asian-Mediterranean fusion menu around the same principles, individually crafted for each guest’s constitution and preferences. Massages, acupuncture, meditation and stress-reduction therapies complete the offer alongside a saltwater infinity pool, detoxifying sauna, sea-kayaking, guided walks into the national park, and helicopter access to even more secluded wilderness. For every reservation, the retreat donates to the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust, deepening the connection to the landscape that makes the stay possible.
Assessed by HealingGuide
The Split Apple Retreat is an exclusive luxury lodge and wellness retreat located on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park on the South Island of New Zealand that offers some the best bushwalking in New Zealand, as well as secluded beaches, sea-kayaking and a helicopter service for drop-off at even more isolated spots.
The retreat, located near Nelson, New Zealand, is renown for its gourmet Asian-Mediterranean fusion cuisine where every ingredient has been selected for its positive contribution to health and wellness. Indulge in the spectacular setting, original art and antiques, and unparalleled service. With the Abel Tasman National Park at your doorstep, pristine nature presents a kaleidoscope of constantly changing colors and patterns.
Every aspect of the retreat revolves around relaxation, while pleasuring all the senses. Enjoy the salt-water, infinity swimming pool and Japanese spa overlooking the Abel Tasman National Park and Tasman Bay. Additional rejuvenation features include a FAR-infrared sauna, a large steam room, yoga pavilion, and meditation theatre.
Private Yoga sessions are available with highly skilled instructors. Choose between Hatha, Iyengar, Astanga and Vinyasa yoga. Sessions are held in our Yoga Pavilion situated in the rose garden of the retreat.
Learn how to meditate quickly and effectively. We use the latest hi-tech brain-entrainment methods so that you get the most out of this ancient art. A screening room with 8 luxurious reclining leather seats was constructed for this purpose. If you’ve always wondered what meditation is all about, this is your chance to have a true transcendental experience.
Private paths lead to two beaches - one at the base of the property and another via a private easement through adjacent land to the beach with the famous 120 million year old Split Apple Rock, after which the retreat was named.
Immerse yourself in the pristine surrounds, saltwater infinity swimming pool, beaches, spa and detoxifying sauna, a plethora of massages, acupuncture, meditation, and other stress reduction therapies.
Split Apple Retreat
195 Tokongawa Drive, RD2 Motueka
Tasman 7197
New Zealand
Where Healing Begins
This property has been independently assessed and selected by HealingGuide as part of a curated global collection of healing sanctuaries, retreat centres, and wellness hotels chosen for the quality of the inner states they make possible.
We earn no commission.
All links lead directly to the property, and we encourage you to book there whenever you can.
