Joya Garden & Villa Studios

Staying with Paulina was one of the highlights of my trip. I adored my time with her, and our conversations in the morning over breakfast. The house itself is older but well taken care of and has so much character. The garden is phenomenal, and I would do my stretches there in the evening after wonderful full days of exploring the Nelson area. My room also had a toaster oven so it was quite nice to have the option to do some falafel salad dinners in the room to save on eating out all the time.

I stayed for six nights and I can't really find anything to complain about

We stayed in the downstairs studio of the main house. Paulina is a great host - in our brief induction she said ‘what’s not good enough for me is not good enough for my guests’. That is evident in the quality of her supplies and towels. She is environmentally conscious and can’t do enough to make your stay comfortable. The grounds are surrounded by mature trees and a pond, which gives a great ambience and privacy to the place. Our studio was refurbished recently with wooden cabinets and freshly tiled bathroom. The studio was roomy and my only regret is that we spent our time in Nelson touring about and not long enough to enjoy the studio. It is located close to gardens and town centre. Only a couple of hours drive to Abel Tasman/Golden Bay/Picton/Blenheim.

The property is lovely and in a quiet garden setting up the hill but still walking distance to town. It's an older house and I loved the wooden floors, doors and many details. I stayed in the single room which is cozy and provided a mini fridge, kettle, coffee, tea and more. Paulina provides a fantastic breakfast spread - I loved it and was very surprised by it. She is also a caring human being and I enjoyed our conversations. I also enjoyed listening to the lambs calling in the evening and morning. And the heated bathroom floor! Leaving super early, I forgot my purse and Paulina called me as soon as she noticed. I was able to retrieve it in time for my bus to leave.

The room is a little over-furnished for my taste but that was not a problem for a couple of nights.

Beautifully furnished studio in garden of large old house. Very private with it's own deck overlooking a pond where we enjoyed dinner, listening to the trickling water & birdsong and admiring the plants. Paulina welcomed us to show us around & gave us advice about restaurants or places to shop for food. Sadly, we were only staying one night but would happily return for longer.

Had thought there was a microwave oven in kitchen but turned out to be grill/roasting oven. Electric hot-plate a bit slow to heat: difficult to fast-fry meat.

Special breakfast. The host is the most interesting lady you could wish to meet. Big and beautifully presented apartment at the back of her house, looking out into a green garden and views of surrounding hills. Best enormous bed I've slept in so far on my travels. Very good price. Better than some at twice the price. About 15 minutes walk to town centre and restaurants.

All good. The steep drive might worry some but you can easily park in the street if you want.

I had breakfast both days I stayed at Joya, the breakfasts were wonderful! Both home made muesli and Ancient grains, a selection of fruits and nuts, freshly made omelette followed up with toast and spreads and superb coffee. I stayed in the Villa Studio which looks out onto the garden, quite private but with French doors opening onto a small seating area. The room itself is superb, tastefully furnished and decorated and very comfortable.There is a small kitchen, although I didn't cook but only made coffee.

There was nothing I did not like.

Excellent, high quality accommodation with a friendly and thoughtful host, in an ideal location for exploring Nelson and the surrounding area. The room is so thoughtfully appointed with everything I could possibly have needed, including tea/coffee/drinking water etc., plates/cutlery, a fridge, and a comfortable desk/workspace, as well as a comfortable bed. Breakfast is healthy and delicious. Easy walking distance to town too.

Superb breakfast! Fresh fruit, French press coffee, yogurt, cheese, omelette and accommodated my gluten free diet in all ways including delicious multi-seed bread. Paulina, the host, was lovely and a pleasure to meet! I wish that I could have stayed more than 2 nights. My room, although small(1 twin bed), was conveniently laid out and even included a fridge, kettle, place setting of dishes and cutlery. Shared bathroom was spacious and very clean. For $5/ wash and $5/dry, Paulina did my laundry which was very appreciated.

Nothing!

Great hospitality and warm welcome from our host Paulina who directed us through SMS to the property, waited for us on the drizzling rain as we arrived late in the evening. The studio has everything we need and spacious for the 3 of us. The little pond by the studio reminds us of Monet's garden in France.:)

The path leading to the studio posed slight difficulty for our big suitcases, but I would not want it changed as it would spoil the look and feel of the garden. It is ok for small luggage.

What a peaceful place to rest your head. We enjoyed our stay here; the space was plenty large for us, with comfy sitting areas and a small kitchen area. We very much enjoyed our dinner outside with views of the garden, and the host was incredibly informative and welcoming. Joya is also a pleasant walk to central Nelson and its restaurants, bars, and parks.