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Reviews of XSPOT cliff-top eco-holiday apartment for two 4WD

XSPOT cliff-top eco-holiday apartment for two 4WD
Tryphena, Great Barrier Island

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 86 out of 91 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 91 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 91 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 91 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 91 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lorraine V.

Liked: Cleanliness
A most relaxing stay
Beautiful setting and superb facilities, exceptional view, very comfortable, with welcoming, friendly and helpful hosts. A place to revisit!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

YVONNE M.

Liked: Cleanliness
The views are amazing!!!
Starting with the drive into XSPOT is lovely through natural bush and rainforest. Would definitely recommend a 4WD though. Once you get to XSPOT you’ll be so blown away with the amazing views you won’t want to leave.The cliff top apartment is very comfortable and clean. Host are lovely Hilda and Rodger, thank you for our peaceful stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Madeleine

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a FABULOUS time at XSpot. It is such a serene place. The view is unreal and Hilde and Roger are very hospitable. Thank you for having us!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen V., Auckland, New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness
Love, love, love XSpot
We loved this place - the space, the views, and the people were gorgeous! It's beautifully designed with high ceilings and massive windows that make the most of the views, and create a space that is lovely to spend time in. To top it off, Hilde and Roger were fantastic hosts. We will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 20, 2023
Thanks Karen, Roger and I loved hosting you and Bruce and we're looking forward to your return. XH

10/10 Excellent

Lauren W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Idyllic weekend getaway
Wow, just wow! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, the views were phenomenal, all the information Hilde gave us was wonderful, and the secluded feel made it even more special. I’d highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a special weekend away.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 1, 2022
Thanks Lauren. Fab to have you both stay. Such a lovely spring weekend, to make the most of the island and the solitude and views at XSPOT! Hilde

10/10 Excellent

Ian C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best view going
Great property with an even greater view, 180 degree from the lounge and you even get a view from the bedroom. Great host will give you a lot of information about the island. Just make sure you have your driving skills with you as the drive to XSPOT is something and all the roads around Great Barrier are winding with amazing views. The locals are very friendly and helpful. A must visit is the Irish pub in Tryphena for dinner.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 5, 2022
Thanks so much for taking the time to review and for your lovely review, Ian. We enjoyed having you as our guests.

10/10 Excellent

Kay M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing location, accommodation and great host!
Outstanding first trip to the Barrier. What a stunning location this property is situated. It feels like you are part of the view! Accommodation is spacious and well appointed and built for the view. Go out during the day to enjoy the spectacular beaches and walks on the Island and return for solitude, quiet and wonderous views wonder when you return home in the evening. One small critique is it would be great to have some chefs sharp knives for cooking but other than that, the place is amazing and has everything you could need for a relaxing get away.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 24, 2022
Hi Kay, Thanks very much for taking the time to review. Happy you loved it so much. Chef's knife sharpening coming up. :-)

10/10 Excellent

helene B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous property
Fantastic accomodation in a beautiful location. Wonderful hostess who had a fire burning when we arrived and some delicious fresh farm eggs in the fridge. Lots of great advice and local knowledge. We will definitey be back( the stars are stunning.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Natalie A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Incredible views with lovely hosts
Peaceful and private accommodation with the most stunning views, especially at sunset! We visited Aotea for our honeymoon, and this was a truly special place to stay. It is very remote, and you definitely need a 4WD and confident driver to get there, but the views are worth it! Hilde was very friendly and helpful too :)
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

susan h.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stop Looking, Start Booking
We've stayed in a lot of places all around the world, and this was one of the best. It's a simply magical place, and Hilde and Roger are wonderful hosts. It exceeded all of our expectations (and our expectations were high!) It's an incredibly special place - with an unbelievable view, and all the comforts you could ever want. The Barrier is a wonderful place, and you just couldn't enjoy it from a better place. It's easy to get around the island from here, and yet it gives you a retreat at the end of the day. Seriously, I wasted lots of time looking up different places to stay, and I couldn't have been more happy with where we ended up. A big thank you to Hilde and Roger for sharing their slice of paradise with us for a few days... We will never forget it and hope to return soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2021
Aw. We should have just let you move in... Thanks so much for your kind words. We loved having you as appreciative and fun guests, too.

10/10 Excellent

Matthew H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise on earth
The XSpot view lived up to the description - truly mesmerising. We thoroughly enjoyed our 5 night stay and Hilde was very welcoming and helpful.

10/10 Excellent

Maree B.

Liked: Cleanliness
⭐️ Amazing ⭐️
What a special place, breath taking views, everything from checking in to checking out was perfect. Hilde was so helpful in sorting a car as we came at peak time and limited. Thank you so much for having us, we loved it!

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect t honeymoon
Had a great time staying here. Hilde and roger were very helpful. Can get quite hot in the afternoons so remember to bring light clothes and was awesome to have be able to use the pool.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Philippa S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise
If you’re looking for a slice of paradise, this is it. Modern self-contained flat with everything you need, including organic eggs from the “girls”.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mark G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Prime location
The pictures do not do this place justice, I've never stayed in a place with views as amazing as you get here. The sunset you get from the house is spectacular. The house was warm, cozy, spacious and just absolutely incredible. Will definitely return when summer is in full swing
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 18, 2020
Thanks for taking the time to write a response, Mark. So pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay. Hilde

10/10 Excellent

Susie K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cosy mini-moon retreat
What a Fantastic stay with Hilda and Roger for our mini-moon post Covid lockdown. Would highly recommend booking onto the star gazing tour run by Hilda. Amazing sunsets from our remote spot. Thanks so much for making us feel so welcome.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Maria C.

Liked: Cleanliness
A stunning haven to relax in paradise
A beautiful quiet place to get away from the busyness of life to reflect, rejuvenate and relax. There are stunning views and spectacular sunsets from Xspot which is a modern, clean and spacious separate wing off the side of the host’s home. It has everything you need including a fully equipped modern kitchen, with milk in the freezer in case you run out! Hilde was the perfect, friendly host from start to finish, giving us privacy but also providing useful information about walks and other activities on the Island. While the 4WD drive up to the property requires care and focus, it’s definitely worth the effort. Thank you Hilde and Roger for opening your home to share this piece of paradise with us for 4 days. Would highly recommend it.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
Thanks very much for leaving such a thoughtful review. We loved having the two of you stay.

10/10 Excellent

Penny Anutosh C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical
We felt like we were at a 5 star resort in the middle of "nowhere" - with amazing views and the opportunity to just chill. Take along your favorite foods - the kitchen is great for cooking. You can lie in bed and star watch too.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
Thanks for your lovely review, Penny. It was a privilege to have you stay! Hilde

10/10 Excellent

Kurt M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our barrier island get away
What's a beautiful place we loved our stay at xspot. Views as far as the eye could see a warm cozy house though we spent most of our time exploring it was a great place to return to at the end of each day thanks for having us.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
Thanks so much for taking the time to review and for your great review! Hilde

10/10 Excellent

Hayley

Liked: Cleanliness
Spectacular stay
Breath taking views, quiet, spacious - everything from checking in to checking out was perfect. Hosts are very lovely and happy to help with any enquires about the Island. Highly recommend :) thank you
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
What a lovely review, thank you! It's important to us that you have a fab time, and we're happy that you enjoyed staying at XSPOT.

10/10 Excellent

Brenda S.

Outstanding beauty
The 4WD drive into this property is fun in itself. The view on arrival is spectacular and impossible to take your eyes off. The apartment is styled beautifully and is very comfortable. The kitchen has all you need to help the self-caterer. Hilde was a warm and friendly host who has all the information you need to help you explore the Island. We also enjoyed the Good Heaven’s star gazing experience from the apartment. Our stay was the highlight of our honeymoon. Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
Hi Brenda, thanks so much for taking the time to review. I really enjoyed hosting you for your honeymoon! Hilde

10/10 Excellent

Grant W.

Superb
We had a fabulous stay at this very unique and amazing property. The view is breathtaking. The apartment is very well equipped and spacious. We loved the wood burner and one night we cooked our dinner on it! Hilda was very friendly and informative and we appreciated all her local knowledge. It is the perfect place to unwind and relax and also perfect for viewing the night sky. We highly recommend XSPOT.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
Thanks for taking the time to review, Grant! Fab to have lovely guests.

10/10 Excellent

Stacey W.

Stunning views
Hilde is the perfect host - friendly and very helpful. The house is modern, well kept, very peaceful and has an amazing outlook. The kitchen is well set up too. We enjoyed every minute and can't wait to come back! Don't forget to book in with Good Heavens for star gazing while you're there... A unique experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
Thanks so much for taking the time to review, Stacey! It was a pleasure to have you stay. Hilde

10/10 Excellent

Nicolette H.

Luxury in the bush
Breathtakingly beautiful. It was hard to take our eyes off the views. The apartment was very well set up. We would love to stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
Thanks for your review, Nicolette!

10/10 Excellent

Roeland D.

Amazing views
It took our breath away; what a location, what a view, and a beautiful designed house. We loved our stay in this hidden paradise. Hilde is a great host, friendly and very helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
We still can't get enough of this view, either. Happy you had a great time! See you next time.

10/10 Excellent

Julia P.

An idyllic deluxe suite with lovely hosts and an amazing panoramic view.
A stunning hideaway! The outlook from the clifftop is jaw dropping. Very remote definitely need 4 wheel drive. Perfect place to totally chill. Sunsets and night sky viewing have to be seen to be believed. Accomodation very modern/comfortable with a great kitchen. Expansive deck with chairs and a picnic-style table for outdoor enjoyment. Great accomodation and location!!
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
Thanks for your review! We are pleased you enjoyed staying at the XSPOT so much. We loved having you stay.

10/10 Excellent

Stephen H.

The XSPOT is the perfect island getaway
We had a lovely time staying in the XSPOT on great barrier island, the views from the property are superb and the house itself is really tidy and also comfy. It was a shame the Island itself has so many nice places to visit or we would have been tempted to stay in all day and watch the ocean. Hilde and Roger were great hosts leaving us to our own devices once they had shown us around the property, which is just what we wanted. The maps and information provided in the property really helped us plan our days and we loved the Island Art trail. Would definitely stay at the property again if we came back to great Barrier Island.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
Thanks so much for your kind words. Next time, once you've seen the rest of the island, you could also plan a few days to just relax? ;-) Looking forward to see you then! Hilde (and Rog)

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

Wonderful place to stay with very warm welcome.
Lovely views with great hosts. Everything we needed and more, great place to relax.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
It was a pleasure to have you stay! Thanks for your kind review. We love it that our guests truly relax while they are staying at the XSPOT.

10/10 Excellent

Neil S.

Superb
Fantastic 'off the grid' relaxing escape in a hilltop apartment with breathtaking views. Hilde gave us a warm welcome and the apartment is stunning.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
Thanks so much for your kind words. Happy you enjoyed your "off the grid" experience. We try to make it as comfortable as possible, and yes, those views do really help.

10/10 Excellent

Lee D.

An amazing place to spend some a few days or more!
What a place!! Fantastic hosts and stunning setting - just wish we could have stayed longer.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
Great to have you stay. We enjoyed meeting you both. So...come again and stay longer! ;-)

10/10 Excellent

Andrew R.

A magnificent property in a stunning location, run by a super-friendly but discrete host. Perfect!
We wanted a quiet spot with a superb view to use as our base for our first trip to Great Barrier Island. The photos on-line looked amazing. Reality was every bit as good. The apartment is well appointed with everything we needed. We wished we’d booked several weeks rather than several days! Prospective guests need to appreciate that staying at XSpot involves a 20 minute drive over mostly dirt, rough, steep and winding roads/tracks to get to the nearest shops etc. For us that was a bonus, as we enjoyed bumping along in a 4WD. For the less adventurous, this would be tedious at best; scary at worst. Hilde is a great host - she’s mastered the art of balancing warm friendliness and a ready information source with complete discretion, allowing guests the security of total privacy in what is otherwise a shared home. We have no hesitation in recommending XSpot to and couple. (But please appreciate its not a place for kids! Not least because there are unfenced cliffs less than 50 metres from the property. But also because the property is not designed for more than 2). We very much hope we can return, and are already recommending XSpot to several like-minded friends.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We do like future guests to have a superb experience and your description will really help to set the right expectations. I must confess that I have recently bought a portacot to enable guests to bring a baby along ;-)

8/10 Good

Linda W.

Great remote spot
Loved the starry night sky, awesome 270 degree views. Barrier hikes are incredible, biggest staircase I’ve ever been up
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
Thanks very much for your review. If there is anything we could have improved upon, please let us know. Best regards, Hilde

10/10 Excellent

Russell M.

Best spot on the Barrier!
XSPOT exceeded all expectations with it's breath taking views and tranquility. Modern eco apartment is warm and quiet with all the necessities, a very impressive off the grid home! Hilde is a friendly and knowledgeable host. Our first stay here won't be our last, highly recommended.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
Ow, thank you! Glad you liked it. Looking forward to your next visit.

10/10 Excellent

Vicky W.

Awesome
Exceeded our expectations, so spacious and tasteful with views to die for. Would highly recommend. Thanks Hilde for sharing your knowledge of the 'Heavens'
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
Thanks so much for reviewing your stay, Vicky. A pleasure to have you, and to show you our stunning dark sky. Hilde

10/10 Excellent

DEB K.

Beautiful property, stunning location
Our stay at the XSpot was perfect! Comfortable, super relaxing and with the most beautiful views. My husband hit the nail on the head with this choice for my birthday break.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 5, 2020
Thanks for your lovely words! It was a pleasure to have you stay for your birthday. We are hoping to welcome you again at the XSPOT in the future! Hilde