The Retreat Bay of Islands

Hotels
9.3 (303 reviews)
22 Paihia Road , Paihia , nz

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Free beach shuttle
Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Terrace
Family rooms
BBQ facilities
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
Tour desk
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Comfortable beds
Amazing views
Friendly and helpful staff
Cons:
Some amenities could use upgrades
Slight street noise was noted

Categories

Cleanliness
9.35
Most reviews highlighted the cleanliness of the property with terms like 'very clean' and 'super clean'.
Service
9.65
Guests frequently mentioned the hosts being 'lovely' and 'friendly', providing excellent service.
Location
9.65
The location received positive remarks, described as 'great location' and offering 'amazing views'.
Room Quality
9.15
Rooms were described as 'extremely comfortable' and 'spacious', contributing to a positive experience.
Amenities
9.15
Amenities were generally appreciated, although a few lacked some upgrades; overall satisfactory.
Value for Money
9.15
Guests felt the experience was worth the cost, particularly considering quality and location.
Food and Beverage
8.65
Food options mentioned were generally satisfactory, but not extensively covered in reviews.
Overall Experience
9.65
Overall guest experiences were overwhelmingly positive with many expressing a desire to return.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-16 04:44

Property Description

Breathtaking Views and Comfortable Stay

Luxurious Accommodations: Enjoy stunning sea views from your private balcony in our self-contained studios and apartments, complete with a cozy lounge area and modern amenities.

Convenient Facilities: Take advantage of our tour booking desk, secure parking for your car and boat, and shared BBQ facilities for a delightful outdoor dining experience.

Prime Location: Nestled overlooking the Bay of Islands, just a short drive from Paihia center and nearby attractions like Haruru Falls and Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Experience a relaxing getaway at The Retreat Paihia - book now for an unforgettable stay!

Important information:

If you expect to arrive outside reception opening hours, please inform The Retreat in advance, using the contact details found on the booking confirmation.

Please note, the cooking of odoriferous foods is not permitted in the rooms. If the room is unable to be occupied by subsequent guests due to cooking odors guests may incur a charge. Please use the designated BBQ area.

Please note that this property is strictly nonsmoking. If evidence of smoking is found in the rooms, an additional cleaning fee may apply.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 3 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 1 year old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 16 years old stay for NZD 60 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    People no matter the age stay for NZD 60 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.3
Based on 303 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.35
Service: 9.65
Location: 9.65
Room Quality: 9.15
Amenities: 9.15
Value for Money: 9.15
Food and Beverage: 8.65
Overall Experience: 9.65
M
Markus • couple • ch
10
2026-02-25 • via Nuitee
K
Keith • couple • gb
9
Wish we could have stayed longer.....we loved it.
Pros:

LOVED the view and the verandah to sip a glass of wine overlooking the bay. The accommodation had everything we needed and was retro yet cosy and comfortable. We had a very comprehensive check-in and felt right at home straight away.

Cons:

Only the small shower head really....but it was fine and there was good pressure & plenty of hot water.

2026-02-25 • via Nuitee
J
Jean • couple • gb
10
Was an amazing week!
Pros:

The hosts, property v views are all exceptional. Couldn’t be bettered!
Just loved it!

Cons:

Nothing

2026-02-24 • via Nuitee
D
David James R • couple • gb
9
Fabulous location. Quiet and convenient for Paihia
Pros:

Jo greeted us at the property. It was a quiet fabulous location and we had an amazing few days touring the area. Thank you.

2026-02-23 • via Nuitee
H
Holway • couple • au
10
Loved it. Highly recommend
Pros:

Peaceful, clean, friendly hosts

Cons:

NA

2026-02-23 • via Nuitee
U
Ulrike • extended_group • de
10
Pros:

Spectacular views! Very nice hosts! Calm and cosy!

2026-02-14 • via Nuitee
H
hauskapelle • couple • at
10
Pros:

Top Lage, nette Vermieter.
Go there...

2026-02-11 • via Nuitee
A
A789 • couple • gb
9
Pros:

Very warm welcome and helpful staff. Balcony to sit out on and admire the amazing view

2026-02-09 • via Nuitee
K
Keith • couple • gb
10
Pros:

Such a warm and friendly welcome. Very helpful with local info. Couldn't have been nicer.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-02-08 • via Nuitee
C
Clare • couple • nz
10
Wonderful place to base yourself in Paihia
Pros:

The place was spotlessly clean, well appointed, comfortable, had stunning views and as the name implies was a real retreat

Cons:

Nothing

2026-02-08 • via Nuitee
D
David • couple • gb
9
Very welcoming owners, beautiful view and yet secluded. Paihia is a great base to explore the beautiful Bay of Islands.
Pros:

Beautiful view, secluded and quiet. Jo and Marcel were very welcoming and helpful. Nothing was any trouble, even gave us a lift to the supermarket to pick up some shopping, to save us cycling there. Very well equipped.

2026-01-29 • via Nuitee
I
Isabelle • couple • be
10
Simplement superbe, vue incroyable
Pros:

Tout: la gentillesse de Marcel et Jo, leurs bons conseils, la vue époustouflante, la propreté.

Cons:

Rien, c’était parfait

2026-01-28 • via Nuitee
M
Martin • couple • au
9
Despite some wet weather we really enjoyed our stay
Pros:

Amazing View in Elevated Spot

Cons:

Little bit further from town than expected

2026-01-27 • via Nuitee
A
Andrew • couple • gb
10
Most enjoyable and very peaceful
Pros:

Fantastic views from the balcony and very peaceful

Cons:

Shower was a bit small

2026-01-26 • via Nuitee
M
Margit • couple • at
10
Ein unvergessliches. traumhaft und wunderschöner Platz !!!
Pros:

Sehr freundliche und hilfsbereite Gastgeber ! Wir haben ein Upgrade bekommen ( vielen Dank) und unser Apparment war traumhaft mit Meerblick ! Es ist eine Wohlfühloase !!!! Wir haben diesen Aufenthalt sehr genossen !!!

Cons:

Es war alles TRAUMHAFT !!!

2026-01-25 • via Nuitee
L
Louise • couple • gb
9
Great view, helpful host
Pros:

Great view, amazingly helpful host, basic but comfortable unit.

Cons:

Shower wasn’t great,

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
V
Victoria • couple • nz
9
The Retreat is a peaceful and comfortable place to stay, fantastic views from the private balcony
Pros:

The view was beautiful and the location was extremely peaceful and quiet, tucked into nature with only the sound of cicadas in the surrounding bush.
The unit was very clean and had everything we needed to make our stay comfortable.
It is a 5 min drive over the hill from popular eateries in Paihia but well worth the short drive for a peaceful and comfortable night's rest.
We loved having a glass of wine on the deck overlooking the ocean before heading out for dinner.

2026-01-12 • via Nuitee
A
Andrew • couple • gb
10
Pros:

Superb views, a bit out of the way, so very quiet. The owner was very friendly and very helpful. We had the smallest unit, but probably the best views.
It suited us perfectly.

Cons:

Nothing for us to dislike.

2026-01-12 • via Nuitee
L
Lorena • couple • au
10
Pros:

A beautiful and tranquil place
The retreat is beautifully designed to support rest, reflection and reconnection. Surrounded by the natural beauty it felt like a sanctuary away from the busyness of everyday life. Jo and Marcel are exceptional hosts, their warmth, generosity and genuine presence made all the difference, they go above and beyond to make sure your stay is comfortable and memorable. This retreat is a rare and beautiful place, we left feeling rested, refreshed and deeply grateful for the hospitality. A truly wonderful place we would wholeheartedly recommend.

2026-01-12 • via Nuitee
B
Bidois • couple • au
10
2026-01-11 • via Nuitee