no airconditioning

the view and good service

Stayed in March 2024

The shower door was a bit of a challenge!

Excellent view and peaceful location. Welcoming and helpful host.

Stayed in March 2024

We were very happy with our 3 day stay, No complaints

What a beautiful location nestled in the side of a hill overlooking the water. We were greeted by the owner who checked us in swiftly and walked us to the room to explain the facilities and area in general. The view from the balcony was stunning and was a great memory for our first few days in New Zealand

Stayed in February 2024

The bathroom worked well (hot water, shower, etc) but could benefit from an update.

The Retreat is a "retro" (i.e. genuine 1970's) holiday apartment overlooking the Bay of Islands in Northland NZ. Although it was dated, it was well maintained, clean and comfortable. The basic kitchenette facilities provided (fridge, stove, microwave, crockery, dining table, etc) were very appreciated. The king-size bed was very comfortable. But best of all the views were AMAZING! See photos. You could look out from your bed, lounge and dining table right across the bay. Parking was immediately behind the apartment, which was very handy. It was a quick 5-minute drive to the township of Paihia which has lots of cafes, restaurants and the wharf for boat excursions across the bay. The hosts - Jen and Marcel - were very friendly, available when required (even when we arrived late at night) and had lots of helpful information about the local area.

Stayed in March 2024

Lovely setting. Very comfortable and clean. Owner very friendly.

Stayed in February 2024

Nothing major…. it’s very fairly priced for its location and being actively upgraded by Marcel and partner. Adequate bed but a better one would be the icing on the cake:)…. and a way of shading the evening sun would have been good.

Great hosts, fabulous views, large size, lovely birds in trees, very clean, excellent parking, superb location! A really good decision to end our long AussyNZ trip chilling here at The Retreat in the Bay of Islands for 6 days.

Stayed in February 2024

Everything

The room was clean and comfortable with great views, the hosts were very friendly and welcoming, I would definitely stay again if in the area. I will also recommend to friends. Happy days

Stayed in January 2024

The shower took a long time to heat.

We loved the view and the quiet.

Stayed in February 2024

On hot days the fan helps cool the room but not as quickly as air conditioning.

How welcoming Marcel was and how accommodating given we arrived later than planned. The accommodation was spacious, great views and very clean. The cooking stove and facilities worked a treat. Marcel's tips about what to eat and where to visit. The hosts willingness to help.

Stayed in February 2024

Everything that was given to us on our stay was great.

The scenery was amazing The room was clean Nice and quiet

Stayed in February 2024

No washing machine.

Location. Jo and Marcel were very welcoming and friendly and informative. The views were amazing. By the way, Jo, we took up your recommendation of the Quay restaurant in Whangherei which was just great! Thanks a million for everything!

Stayed in February 2024

Gorgeous apartment with unbelievable views. Jo was really friendly and helpful, would highly recommend!

Stayed in January 2024

views over the Opua Channel, watching the herons fishing. At night we watched the peeps spotlight floundering in the shallows. Unit was great, very comfortable. Hosts were so awesome. We're going to go back in a few months for a longer stay.

Stayed in January 2024

The studio we had booked lacked storage space for clothes and cooking facilities so unsuitable for a week’s stay - but the property is in process of renovation so will surely be improved.

The studio wasn’t suitable for a week’s stay so we were generously upgraded to a cottage and had a brilliant and comfortable holiday. The view over the bay was gorgeous although road noise could be a little intrusive. Marcel was an excellent host.

Stayed in January 2024

Jo and Marcel were amazing hosts! So helpful and friendly. The location is amazing with an unbeatable view. Would definitely come back again.

Stayed in January 2024

Great views and quiet. Clean and tidy

Stayed in January 2024

view was spectacular and nice to be away from the business of town

Stayed in January 2024

The flat was very comfortable to stay in during 12 days. The view from the balcony was spectacular and everchanging. The hosts were engaging, very friendly, responsive, informative and 24/7 reachable. The apartment was very clean. We would come back any time.

Stayed in January 2024

Nothing

The host was absolutely amazing, very helpful. The place is a gem - lovely accommodation in idyllic settings.

Stayed in December 2023

Nothing. We will gladly come back again

The friendliness of the hosts and the flexibility of the arrangement.

Stayed in November 2023

Really great location, apartment was really nice and well kept. Staff was amazing!

Stayed in October 2023

Nothing! Bathroom and kitchen were utilitarian but it all worked very well.

Very comfortable bed. Fantastic views. The accommodation was very simple and everything worked as it should. Very good value for money indeed.

Stayed in March 2023

nothing

Peaceful and quiet with fabulous vies.

Stayed in April 2023

Leaving and unable to extend our stay.

It's our 8th visit. The view. Location. Facilities. Value. People. Enough said. TripAdvisor Torbayaotearoa 🇬🇧 🇳🇿

Stayed in April 2023