Letting you into the secret

Pīhopa Retreat is New Zealand’s most awarded boutique hotel – six suites set within 5.5 acres of a historic bishop’s private estate in Bishopdale, Nelson. Established in March 2021, it has quietly become one of the most decorated small hotels in the world.

This media kit contains regularly updated documents, an image library and details to arrange an interview or visit. Please contact us for any further information.

Pihopa Retreat - Trip Advisor Accolade
Pihopa Retreat - UK Conde Nast Traveller Accolade
Pihopa Retreat - Booking-com Accolade
Pihopa Retreat - USA Conde Nast Traveller Accolade
Pihopa Retreat - Gold Qualmark Accolade
Aerial view of Pihopa Retreat

Key Facts

  • Property: Pīhopa Retreat, 225 Waimea Road, Nelson, New Zealand
  • Suites: Six individually designed suites
  • Setting: 5.5 acre private estate – the historic Nelson Bishop’s residence, established 1859
  • Opened: March 2021
  • Dining: Chef-prepared breakfast served in the 19th Century Chapel. Complimentary home-baked afternoon tea treat in your room. Drinks and canapés served by the pool each evening
  • Close to: Nelson City Centre (5 minutes), Abel Tasman National Park (45 minutes)
  • Airport: Nelson Airport (NSN) (10 minutes). Direct flights to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch
  • Website: pihoparetreat.nz

“Pihopa Retreat doesn't just offer luxury - it perfects it. Every detail felt deliberate, thoughtful, and indulgent. This wasn't just a stay. It was a reminder that true luxury doesn't shout. It whispers through craftsmanship, through intuition and through a commitment to excellence most will never see - but the discerning will never forget.”

Meg, NZ, April 2025

Pihopa Retreat - Sarah, Sam Mellor and Family

Your Hosts - Sarah & Sam Mellor

Pihopa Retreat was born from a love of travel, beautiful places, and the kind of hospitality that makes people feel genuinely cared for. Sarah and her husband Sam spent twenty years living in London and travelling extensively – having visited over 100 countries and staying in everything from small family-run boutique hotels to the world’s most celebrated luxury properties. The places they remembered most were those that made them feel something: warmth, calm, generosity, and a true sense of connection.

Learn about the full renovation and creation of Pihopa – the vision, the journey, and the story behind it.

Find out more

Interviews & Hosted Visits

Meet Sarah

We invite any interview requests by phone, video call or in person at the retreat. Sarah brings the Pihopa story to life: from a crumbling 1859 bishop’s estate to becoming New Zealand’s most awarded boutique hotel.

Stay with us

The Pihopa experience is best understood by living it. We extend a warm invitation to editors and journalists to stay as our guests – breakfast in the chapel, evenings by the pool, and the deeply personalised welcome that no award quite captures. Come and experience it for yourself.

Arrange interview or visit
Historic woodland gardens

Interviews & Hosted Visits

Meet Sarah

We invite any interview requests by phone, video call or in person at the retreat. Sarah brings the Pihopa story to life: from a crumbling 1859 bishop’s estate to becoming New Zealand’s most awarded boutique hotel.

Stay with us

The Pihopa experience is best understood by living it. We extend a warm invitation to editors and journalists to stay as our guests – breakfast in the chapel, evenings by the pool, and the deeply personalised welcome that no award quite captures. Come and experience it for yourself.

To arrange an interview or stay with us, please contact Karenna. 

Arrange an interview or visit

"Pihopa Retreat personifies the ultimate luxury travel experience. In extensive global travel, never have we experienced such a high level of gracious and attentive service"

Michael, USA

Photography

A curated library of professional photography is available for editorial use, free of charge. Please credit Pihopa Retreat where required. Images are for editorial use only – please do not alter or crop without prior permission. For higher resolution versions or alternative images, please contact Karenna directly.

High-Resolution Photography Library

Download: Information & Press Releases

Pīhopa Retreat – Product Guide PDF – Updated June 2026

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Pīhopa Retreat – Presentation (26 slides of images and information on the Pīhopa suites, food and experience) – Updated June 2026

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Pīhopa Retreat – Media Background Document – Updated June 2026

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Pīhopa Retreat – Media Release 2026

For editors and journalists in the United States & Canada

Download PDF

Pīhopa Retreat – Media Release 2026

For editors and journalists in the United Kingdom

Download PDF

Pīhopa Retreat – Media Release 2026

For editors and journalists in Europe.

Download PDF

Pīhopa Retreat – Media Release 2026

For editors and journalists in Australia.

Download PDF

Pīhopa Retreat – Media Release 2026

For editors and journalists in New Zealand.

Download PDF

As Featured in...

Press Enquiries

Karenna Wood, Elevate Consultancy (PR Representative)

hello@elevateconsultancy.co.nz

+64 220 706 429

New Zealand Time (NZST/UTC+12)

What our lovely clients have said...

Retreat from the world among bird life and trees

Pihopa Retreat is the perfect place to clock off from the world and immerse in beautiful natural surroundings.
Stunning bird life, nearby bush walks and coastal exploring.
The room was beautifully decadent and the view from the bath an amazing.
Breakfast was another highlight. Just to experience that alone. In an old beautiful wooden chapel as well.
I’ll be back to enjoy a summer day by the pool.
A must visit.
Thank you Sarah for all your help.

Katie, New Zealand. August 2025

Pihopa Retreat truly stands out 

Boutique luxury at its very best!

You cannot fault the setting , the accommodation and the welcome you get from Sarah and her team. It is clear that Sarah is passionate about what she has created at Pihopa and the guest experience she and her team delivers. We really appreciated all the little touches and thoughtful things that we received. Love the cocktails and canapés by the pool in the evening!

Pihopa has won many prestigious awards, quite rightly so. It was our second stay here and I would not hesitate to recommend and book again.

Allison, United Kingdom. November 2025

So appreciative for the beautiful stay and impeccable service.

I rarely write reviews and I rarely am over the moon impressed – and here I am. Our experience at Pihopa Retreat was impeccable. Sarah and her team made us feel taken care of in all ways, while it also felt like we were at our own retreat. Everything from the evening canapés and drinks, a dip in the heated pool, amazing breakfasts, evening port by the fire, homemade treats in our room to the organizing of dinners and taxi’s in town so we saw something of Nelson beyond Abel Tasman track. We took a great hike straight from the property, and getting to town was super easy. I will recommend this hotel to anyone going to New Zealand, and I would recommend a stop in Nelson if for nothing else than to stay here and enjoy everything on offer. Thanks so much to Sarah and the team for creating a special memory for all of us.

Sarah. November 2025

The perfect retreat awaits at Pihopa

I highly recommend Pihopa Retreat! The exceptional service and friendly staff truly set this place apart. They go above and beyond with personal touches that make your stay feel special. The suites are spacious and comfortable, providing a perfect retreat after a day of exploring. Plus, the quality of the food was amazing! The location is ideal, with great proximity to dining options and various activities nearby.

Rita. December 2025

The best place you will ever stay

Lush gardens, well appointed and luxurious rooms, pre-dinner canapés, help with our Nelson adventure plans, breakfast in a former chapel, attentive and unobtrusive service, Pihopa Retreat has it all. They have created something special and superlative. We traveled with three generations, and everyone from grandparents to 11-year old twins was blown away by Pihopa. I almost don’t want to describe it in too much detail because part of the experience is being surprised at the quality of every detail. I would come back to New Zealand simply to stay at Pihopa longer and explore Nelson all over again. Book now. You will not be disappointed.

TripAdvisor

Delightful stay, FABULOUS staff!!

Charming retreat with amazing staff and SCRUMPTIOUS breakfast in the chapel. . From the moment we arrived the staff was very friendly and attentive. Our suite was spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully decorated. We had a kitchenette stocked up with coffee, several kinds of teas, milk, pastries, beer, wine, snack and after dinner liquors. We had two separate sinks which we appreciated very much, a bathtub and separate shower. Afternoon cocktails by the pool were tasty and fun too. The place is very nice, but what sets it apart is the magnificent staff! Annie, Linda, Sarah and everyone else we were in touch with were absolutely fantastic. We would definitely go back and highly recommend this gem!

Martha, USA. January 2026

Exquisite in every way!

Entering the gates to Pihopa Retreat, we were immediately transported, and continued to be enchanted by every purposeful detail along the way: The setting and landscaping; The charmingly stunning accommodations along with the most generous touches of just about anything one can dream of; The gourmet breakfasts and unparalleled baking treats; The people who work here ensure that our every need/ desire is attended to and every detail is just so – in a friendly, warm and welcoming way!

It is an enormous treat to be a guest here.
Thank you Sarah and to your wonderful team especially Annie and Carolina.
Sarah – please write a book so we can know your story and how your vision came to be!! We are so taken by your beautiful taste and consistent ability to delight.
Susan, Canada. January 2026

Somewhere incredibly special

We were only able to spend one night at this exceptional retreat but what we experienced during that time, was truly memorable.

We arrived, feeling rather weary, after a three day hike in Abel Tasman. We were collected by Sarah and taken into the Pihopa Retreat haven, where every little need had been thought of, with incredible consideration and care. The exquisitely-made bed, gorgeous sitting room with fireplace, and the most generous supply of goodies, including a carrot cake that was almost too beautiful to eat (almost.) Then there were the evening drinks and delicious canapés served by Sarah and her extremely hospitable staff – a lovely touch. In addition, Sarah had considered that we might not have made arrangements for dinner, which was correct and had pre-booked us a waterside table at The Boathouse in Nelson, together with a complimentary taxi to take us there (and back!) This was our last night in New Zealand and her thoughtfulness really made it a perfectly wonderful and relaxed one. When we arrived back at the room, we discovered an extensive continental breakfast, ready for us to take the following morning, for our 5.30am departure to the airport.

Many hotels can offer luxury but this establishment offers such care and generosity of spirit as well, which is rare and very much appreciated.

Suzi, United Kingdom. January 2026

An exceptional and memorable experience

Our stay at Pihopa Retreat was outstanding. The quality of the accommodation was exceptional. The facilities were superb. The food was sublime. It was, however, the quality of the personal attention that made this stay memorable. Every detail was attended to and we felt a part of the Pihopa family from as soon as we arrived to the moment we left. I count this experience as truly perfect.

Martin, United Kingdom. February 2026

A magical place. This is how hospitality is done.

I can’t rave enough about Pihopa. From the moment Sarah greeted me at my car to the moment I left with a small thank you gift, my stay there was magical. The rooms are perfectly appointed and spotless. The daily breakfasts and cocktail hour were inviting and delicious. Every member of the staff greeted me by name and made me feel like I was their most important guest. During our recent NZ vacation, my friends and I stayed in several five star lodges. While each was special in its own right, none of the others could compare to the warmth and hospitality of Pihopa. And did I mention the beautifully landscaped property and the surprise daily baked treats?
Bolmar, New York. February 2026

Decadence in the detail

Pihopa Retreat doesn’t just offer luxury — it perfects it. Every detail, no matter how small, felt deliberate, thoughtful, and indulgent — it all spoke to an experience designed with deep care and purposeful excellence.

The bedroom suite was a masterclass in understated perfection. Plush, perfectly weighted duvet, monogram linen, a warm fire on arrival into the room, and a minibar curated like a boutique gallery, generously sharing the best of the Nelson Tasman region. Even the bedside lamp switches were intuitively placed, almost as if they anticipated your movements before you made them.

This wasn’t just a stay. It was a reminder that true luxury doesn’t shout. It whispers through craftsmanship, through intuition, and through a commitment to excellence most will never see — but the discerning will never forget.

Meg, New Zealand, April 2025

Perfection

One word “perfection”!!! One if most amazing hotel experiences we have ever had! Tucked away on a beautiful property. The suites were welcoming, immaculate and cozy. The attention to detail was incredible. We wanted for nothing. Sarah and her team were warm and welcoming. The canapés & breakfast were top Chief worthy! Thank you to Sarah for giving us a lift to town so we could spend a few hours and see some of Nelson before we left! That was above and beyond! Truly a 5 star experience!

Donna B
Roland, Arkansas

Heaven on Earth

Pihopa Retreat personifies the ultimate luxury travel experience. Sarah and her team are at your disposal to ensure your stay is beyond perfect. In extensive global travel, never have we experienced such a high level of gracious and attentive service.

Michael F

Phenomenal Stay in the heart of Nelson, NZ

Treat yourself to the Pihopa Retreat! Beyond relaxing with incredible attention to EVERY single detail and service. The owners, the Mellors ,and staff are so very gracious and their hospitality absolutely unmatched. You’ll never forget this amazing experience.

Nancy M

Best Hotel Ever!

This place is magical and without a doubt a must stay if anywhere near Nelson! We were amazed! There are only 6 rooms, cabins really. Immaculate, comfortable, modern, private and perfect! The service is 5 star.

Breakfast is included and very special, served in a chapel on grounds, evening appetizers are served in the pool house and are plentiful, every day in your room there are homemade desserts.

Because there is no restaurant on site, they make reservations for you at terrific restaurants and so that you don’t have to drive, you are given a debit card to pay a taxi to pick you up and bring you back at their expense. Amazing service.
This place doesn’t skimp on anything, service, food, comfort.

One evening we were too tired to go out to eat so we asked if we could just have cheese and crackers, Sarah had way more than cheese and crackers prepared for us and there was no charge when we checked out.
Best place we stayed and most memorable.

Teri L
Sherman Oaks, California

Simply stunning in every way!

Pihopa has the wow factor ! A warm welcome awaits at this amazing retreat. The rooms are sumptuous, with every amenity and treat such as delicious cake to have with afternoon tea. The view from our balcony was amazing, the vista taking you through trees down to the sea. Everything has been thought of to make your stay memorable and the host, Sarah goes the extra mile to make your time at this amazing place feel extra special. Breakfasts were just incredible – a feast for the eyes. We really enjoyed the complimentary drinks and canapés at 6pm in the pool house. A complimentary taxi would arrive to whisk you to dinner in town and was there to bring you back again. We loved every minute of our stay here and hope to be back soon!

TripAdvisor
Bexhill-on-Sea, United Kingdom

A unique and fabulous place to stay

Just WOW! This was our favorite place over a six-week vacation in New Zealand and Australia. Only sorry we couldn’t stay more than 2 nights. As others have noted, it is perfection. The property — once an Anglican retreat and college — has been lovingly and beautifully restored and adapted into a luxurious hotel/5-star B&B. There are only six suites and they are spacious, with every amenity one could think of, and bathrooms to die for. Sarah, innkeeper extraordinaire, is a most gracious and warm host and thinks of everything. Rooms include a complimentary drinks/food bar with good wine, all kinds of treats, coffee, tea and fresh milk, and heavenly pastries baked fresh daily. The beds are beyond comfy and curling up in the leather armchairs before a gas fire each evening, wine in hand, was a delightful way to end the day.

Sarah makes reservations for dinner and cabs to and from the town are complimentary. The on-site breakfast is sumptuous, served in the original church, and a wine and canapes hour every evening was another treat. There’s also a heated pool, a wonderful spot to relax after a day of activity. I can’t say enough about the uniqueness of this place and only wish it were closer to the U.S. so I could visit regularly. If you’re planning to be in Nelson and the Abel Tasman Park area, this is THE place to stay.

TripAdvisor
New York City, New York

One of the top stays ever

By far one of the top places we have stayed at in all of our travel to over 15 countries. The owner Sarah’s hospitality and attention to detail (afternoon treats, making advance restaurant bookings, arranging complimentary taxis, breakfast table items, even doing a load of laundry, the list goes on) was the most immaculate part of the experience. It overshadowed the fact that the rooms were also beautiful and in a picturesque estate. Would not miss out if you can stay here.

TripAdvisor

Pihopa Retreat – absolutely outstanding!

Sarah and Sam are phenomenal hosts. Their attention to detail is exemplary and the accommodations exceeded our expectations. They’ve created an environment of understated elegance, and calm with amenities that are beyond generous, and beyond 5 stars! Having traveled extensively, we’ve stayed at many luxury boutique hotels, chateaus etc; Pihopa Retreat stands out as an oasis of comfort and grace.

The suites are beautifully appointed with classic furnishings that are welcoming and not too formal. The “Afternoon Tea” cakes, tarts and homemade oatmeal cookies were delicious as were the breakfasts – best omelette I’ve ever had – and the evening hors d’oeuvres, also a special treat. In addition, they provided complimentary laundry service and transportation into town. Set in the hills overlooking Nelson, the lovely gardens and landscaping complete this idyllic retreat. If only it was closer to the East Coast of the US, we’d be frequent visitors. Thank you Sarah and Sam!

TripAdvisor
Ridgefield, Connecticut

Amazing

Pihopa Retreat is an amazing place to be. Sarah’s immaculate attention to detail made our stay fabulous. The property is very well looked after. Sarah’s restaurant reservations, advise for day trips, organising taxis made our stay extra special. And not to forget the yummy breakfasts, cakes and pre dinner canapés.

TripAdvisor

Heaven in Nelson

When looking for the absolute possible best of everything in Nelson, look no further than Pihopa Retreat! The property is enchanting and Sarah the owner has anticipated your every need and desire! We arrived to a magnificent elegant english feel cottage equipped with complimentary fine teas, huge nespresso variety, Single Malt scotch, port Sherry, Sauvignon Blanc, juices, waters, freshly baked pastries, dark chocolate bar, potato chips and bowl of fresh fruit. There was a printed itinerary in our room with dinner reservations for two nights. We didn’t have to think of a thing! And restaurants were excellent! Lovely books in our room with the most comfortable bed and bedding. You can select from an array of special pillows and a merino wool blanket. The bathroom was lovely with two separate sink areas. No crowding! Evening, cocktails, and appetizers at 6 PM each night and Sarah arranged for a taxi pick up for us with her credit card to pay. Service a lovely, small gym, hot tub, and pool. Breakfast was delicious in the beautiful historic chapel on property. Without us asking, Sarah printed out Google Maps, highlighting routes and activities of the best of Nelson. Everything was perfect. We look forward to coming back next time and bringing friends.

Joy S
Bexley, Ohio

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Location

225 Waimea Road
Bishopdale, Nelson 7011
New Zealand

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Phone: 022 390 4463
Email: info@pihoparetreat.nz

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Pihopa Retreat - Trip Advisor Accolade
Pihopa Retreat - UK Conde Nast Traveller Accolade
Pihopa Retreat - Booking-com Accolade
Pihopa Retreat - USA Conde Nast Traveller Accolade
Pihopa Retreat - Gold Qualmark Accolade
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