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"This was my second visit to bishops retreat, having been there in April 2023 for a girly weekend."
This time I have brought the hubby and kids to show them the delightful property as well as the delights of both the Isle of Wight and ventnor itself! The island has so much to offer. We highly recommend west wight alpacas and llama walking, off the rails cafe just outside Yarmouth, the needles landmark attraction, donkey sanctuary (free entry but donations warmly welcomed), garlic farm, the gin distillery (has good grub), Besty and spinky’s, the spyglass inn for its amazing views, masala bay has amazing Indian food and my personal favourite a walk along the coastal path to steep hill cove and the botanical gardens. We have had two fabulous days on the beach in the glorious sunshine (rather different to my rather wet 2023 experience!). And now to the host Holly, what can I say, exceptional hospitality, helpfulness and from Prosecco on arrival (and milk!!) to donkey sanctuary biscuits and leaving body boards, buckets and spades out, to treating us to an icecream from the amazing crave (opposite tescos) for being return guests, we have been made to feel so welcome and I feel like I have know Holly for years!! The kids also were thrilled to have access to the Disney channel for a movie night and throughly enjoyed the big nickel bath tub, as did I with a glass of bubbles! Some people might be put off by having no dedicated parking but I’ve easily found a spot on both of my trips and the bus is the best way to travel around and see the sites anyway! Totally 5* thank you and see you again next time!
Reviewed by Amy5.0★May 2024
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"Had a lovely few days at Bishop's Retreat which is a very well equipped, spacious ground floor 2 bed apartment."
There were 5 of us, including 2 young children and there was everything you could need including a lovely bath in the main bathroom and a shower into ensure bedroom. Cooking facilities were good, plenty of plates and cutlery. A large fridge/freezer, a dishwasher and the added bonus of a washing machine. Although the apartment is on a fairly busy road, you couldn't hear any traffic noise whatsoever. It was in a good location to access the shops and beach although it is uphill coming back to the apartment. Holly was was very helpful, gave us loads of information including ferry discounts. Would definitely recommend and hopefully we can revisit soon!
Reviewed by Joanne5.0★Apr 2024
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"We had a lovely stay at Bishop’s Retreat."
Travelling as a family of 5 with 2 adults and 3 children it really met our needs. There is plenty of space and bathroom facilities for everyone! The standard is high and the decor etc is very plush. Holly is a great host and has really thought of everything. There was lots of lovely little touches like a towel and buckets for the beach by the door and a booklet with lots of recommendations for dinner not to mention the delicious cupcakes to welcome us for the Easter weekend. Ventnor is a lovely place and Bishops Retreat is in a great location to access the beach and the town, we would love to stay there again and hope to soon.
Reviewed by Katie5.0★Mar 2024
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"Had a very enjoyable stay at Bishops Retreat."
The location is close to all amenities that you would want. We found the accommodation very modern and spacious. Being November time, we used the heating a lot, and found it very warm and efficient. We found Holly, the Owner, to be very kind and helpful, and was always available to solve any problems. We would have no hesitation in returning and hope to next year.
Reviewed by Maureen5.0★Nov 2023
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"Fantastic high street location, the place was extremely clean, Prosecco was a lovely touch, very spacious, comfy, accommodating for families with young children and a dog, beautifully decorated, the host is absolutely wonderful, really friendly, happy to help, she’s on call, really goes the extra mile, great ferry discounts, we were all extremely impressed and satisfied with our stay."
Reviewed by Georgia5.0★Oct 2023
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"Had a lovely stay at Holly’s property."
It was well decorated and had everything you could possibly need when away from home. It was noisy when other people were walking about in the upstairs apartment and next door, it was loud enough that it did sometimes sound as if they were in the same apartment. The plumbing was also noisy, especially with what I assume was a toilet right above the master bedroom, which when flushed in the middle of the night multiple times did keep waking us up. Location was good and only a few minutes walk from the town centre. Holly was extremely helpful before we arrived with recommendations for food, days out and areas to visit which was great! We had lovely meals at True Kitchen and Masala Bay and a nice brunch at The Bistro. We also went to Osborne House which is definitely worth a visit!
Hello Anna. So pleased you had a lovely stay and enjoyed the decor, location etc.
I am so sorry you were able to hear guests walking about upstairs. I can only think this is coming from hard outdoor shoes being worn indoors . With regards to hearing the toilet flush I had not been aware and have now contacted a sound proofing company to fix this with sound proof panels so thank you for bringing this to my attention . I look forward to welcoming you back one day . Very best wishes, Holly
Property Owner
Reviewed by Anna4.1★Oct 2023
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"We had difficulty in operating the hob and couldn't work out how to operate the microwave."
Lack of cupboard space for our self catering food, etc..
Difficult to empty cars if unable to park nearby.
Hello Peter.
We were pleased to welcome you back for your second visit to Bishops Retreat. Thankyou for the lovely comments in our guest book again. Just to let you know the operating instructions for the oven and microwave are in the welcome pack by the front door still. You were given two numbers to call should you need any assistance or help in showing you how to use any of the equipment, we are always more than happy to assist. Extra kitchen storage has been added since your last visit but we will also move some of the cupboard items around to create extra space.
Yes the car has to be unloaded outside and then moved if parking is not available at the front ..
Thankyou again for choosing Bishops Retreat & Best Wishes Holly
Property Owner
Reviewed by Peter4.4★Sep 2023
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"Fantastic apartment with everything you would require, clean and very welcoming, ..."
Fantastic apartment with everything you would require, clean and very welcoming, close to town only a couple of minutes walk to all shops I’d definitely book again
Reviewed by Patrick5.0★Aug 2023
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"The apartment is stunning."
Full of lovely fixtures and furniture and very well decorated. In a great location, with a short walk to town, though parking can be a little tricky. Holly the owner and the housekeeper couldn’t be any more helpful and gave us lots of tips. Only downside was that we did hear the people above and to the side of us quite clearly at night, so as a fairly light sleeper I was woke up a fair bit. But that is the only criticism for a very nice stay. The kids really appreciated the beach toys too - nice touch.
Reviewed by Tim4.7★Aug 2023
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"Beautiful apartment with a great location."
Holly was very helpful and suggested lots of places for us to visit. We had a wonderful family holiday, thank you
Reviewed by Steven5.0★Aug 2023
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"Our stay at Bishops retreat was amazing beautiful flat easy access to the ..."
Our stay at Bishops retreat was amazing beautiful flat easy access to the Esplanade to some great restaurants and pubs holly was most helpful giving us great suggestions on places to visit would highly recommend Bishops Retreat
Reviewed by Paula5.0★Jul 2023
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"Excellent accomodation & great location to explore Ventnor & the Isle of Wight."
Holly was most helpful with providing information on restaurants & places to visit. Our picks would be Osborne House, The Donkey Sanctuary, Steam Railway & Botanical Gardens. There was so much do on a beautiful island. We loved it!!
Reviewed by Clive4.7★Jun 2023
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"Great property in good location."
Owner couldn't have been more helpful with lots of suggestions for places to visit or eat prior to our arrival.
Highly recommended
Reviewed by Simon4.7★May 2023
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"Wonderful place to stay
Spotlessly clean and such a great place to stay and explore from…."
Owner is amazing and really helpful with places to go and things to see
I will definitely stay again next time I’m in IOW
Reviewed by Wayne5.0★Apr 2023
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"5 ladies came for a stress free weekend for a 40th birthday!"
Blown away by the stylish decor but more importantly by the warm welcome and hospitality of Holly (and cleaner Tracey!).
Nothing was too much trouble and so accommodating!
Walking Llamas and Alpacas in the rain was something we will never forget and so much fun thanks to West Wight Alpacas!
The challenging but beautiful coastal (not all coastal) walk from Ventnor to Shanklin was a highlight and was finished off with a lovely sandwich at Pencil Cottage (highly recommended)!
Plus the bus service back to Ventnor for our aching feet meant we saw even more stunning views from up high on our return.
Swimming in the freezing cold sea being watching by onlookers from the infamous Spyglass Inn made it even funnier!
Garlic bread with cheese at the Garlic farm is a must and the IOW gin distillery is worth a visit and purchase or two!
Ventnor itself has many pubs, lovely little shops and places to eat, there is even live music along the esplanade in the afternoon/evening bringing a lovely atmosphere.
The IOW has so much to offer everyone.
We had a wonderful stay and would highly recommend Holly and Bishops Retreat to anyone!
Thank you Holly
From Amy, Cat, Beth, Jenny and Collette x
Reviewed by Amy5.0★Apr 2023
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"We had a wonderful stay at Bishops Retreat."
The accommodation is beautiful, very clean and a great location.
The host and cleaner were both amazing, they couldn’t have been more helpful, welcoming and friendly.
I will be recommending this property to family and friends.
Reviewed by Katie5.0★Apr 2023
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"We have just returned from a magical, family Christmas at Bishops Retreat!"
The beautiful, spacious apartment is a perfect mix of old, exterior architecture and modern, ‘Instagrammable’ interior. The location is a short walk from the beach and quaint, seaside town of Ventnor and the lovely village of Bonchurch. Holly is an amazing, friendly host who went above and beyond, with Christmas decorations and treats ready for our arrival. The apartment’s heating kept us cosy and we had all we needed for a comfortable stay. We were able to park on the road outside for the duration of our stay but there is a car park very close by for busier times. It was a great base for us to explore the island and we are looking forward to booking again in the summer months!
Reviewed by Julie5.0★Dec 2022
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"Wonderful property very close to the centre of Ventnor."
The host is extremely friendly and helpful, always on hand for recommendations and help! Had an issue with the kettle and was swiftly replaced in a few hours! 5* service
Reviewed by Jasmine5.0★Sep 2022
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"We had the best week staying at Bishops Retreat."
Great location, clean, such a lovely apartment with an amazing bath!!! We loved it and will be back.
Reviewed by Charlie5.0★Aug 2022
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"A fantastic place to stay."
Bishops Retreat is in a great location in Ventnor. We arrived to a friendly welcome from both the owner and cleaner, who pointed us in the right direction for tourist attractions, great places to eat and drink and all other amenities via text messages. Bishops Retreat was beautifully presented, a bottle of Prosecco waiting for us, clean towels and bedding with appliances we were able to use. One thing to be wary of is car parking, which can be a little difficult directly outside of the building, however, we did not find this a problem. Thank you for a fantastic stay
Reviewed by Naomi5.0★Jul 2022
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