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LifeTime Private Retreats – reviews, photos

Kangaroo Island, South Australia SA5223, Australia
Hotel amenities
LifeTime Private Retreats
4.5 of 5 stars 26 Reviews
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26 reviews from our community

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London
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
“A good choice for getting away from it all”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 April 2012

A very pleasant long weekend at the Stone House. The house is situated on the beautiful north coast, with lovely views down to Snelling beach, and has been nicely done up with thoughtful touches such as provision of a good selection of board games, magazines, watercolour paints, brushes and a pad.

We went for the Concierge option, which includes car hire and delivery of all meals. There was a bit of a hiccup with the car hire since, when I emailed Lifetime to confirm my hire car a few days prior to arrival, it transpired that the booking had not been made and, due to public holidays, all cars had already been reserved. This news was not well received by my group as we knew the house was in a remote location and had planned on being able to explore Kangaroo Island at our leisure. However, the Lifetime team eventually found us a car to use for the duration of our stay so all turned out fine.

The food provided as part of the Concierge package was delicious, we were glad we opted for it as our stay was relatively short (three nights). It meant we could focus on seeing the island and relaxing without having to plan our day trips around supermarkets which I believe are in pretty short supply.

The house was extremely cosy and home-like; we looked forward to returning to it after a long day of driving round the island. Very comfortable beds. Nice complimentary Aveda toiletries in the bathrooms.

However a few small negatives:

1. The wireless internet was out of order for the duration of our stay (due to heavy winds the evening before and day of our arrival)

2. Impractical design of master bedroom ensuite (which I think other guests have commented on)

3. Whilst the Stone House is certainly not overlooked, it is right next door to another house (not part of Lifetime Private retreats).

That said, I would recommend Private Lifetime Retreats and would stay again.

Room Tip: Opt for the Cliff House if in a group, Sky House if travelling as a couple.
See more room tips
  • Stayed April 2012, travelled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask ooooh_pardon about LifeTime Private Retreats
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
NSW
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Amazing place! Glorious isolation in a spectacular setting.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 August 2011

It takes a bit of driving to get to Kangaro Island and once there, it is another 2 hours to reach this place but once there, you don't want to leave. The location is dramatic and although we were here in winter (the wind and rain came and went) it didn't really matter. We self catered and travelled around the island during the day. Go west to the Remakable Rocks and see the NZ fur seals up close. Any land that fronts the Great Southern Ocean is going to be wet and wild! We were happy to look after ourselves however this place can be catered for with advance notice. Truly beautiful!

  • Stayed August 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask cape123 about LifeTime Private Retreats
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Sydney, Australia
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“My idea of heaven!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 July 2011

Even though the weather was wet and very, very windy, we had 3 wonderful days at Stone Cottage. It is well appointed with quality fittings and with a relaxed ambience. My only comment for the main bedroom's bathroom is the design of the showers, too close to the toilet. Venturing out on dirt roads for over 30 minutes to an hour's drive for dinner with the high probability of hitting a kangaroo is not sensible so the key is to eat in at night. The service by Perry and Nick was flawless, nothing was too much trouble. Snellings Beach is a very special area of Kangaroo Island and the Hannaford family have set up stylish, quality accommodation for that very special holiday you have always dreamt of.

  • Stayed July 2011, travelled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Lords_10 about LifeTime Private Retreats
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Nick Hannaford, Owner at LifeTime Private Retreats, responded to this review
27 July 2011
Thank you for your review of our property and apologies for the late response! I agree about the showers... I could have killed the builders when I saw where they put them. Anyway I hope it wasn’t a deal breaker!

You may not be aware we have our 'Mates Rates' program where we can offer discounts to past guests so we hope to see you again.

Warm regards,

Nick Hannaford
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sydney
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Breathtakingly beautiful”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2011

We stayed 2 nights in mid June and this is absolutely the at least once in a life-time place to stay.

Initially we thought it is a bit out of town (Kingscote township) but after several people convince us, We made our booking and hope for the best. We opt for the house only accomodation and choose to have meals delivered to us at an extra cost.

Snelling Beach is beautiful itself, before we got to the sky house we stopped almost every 5 mins to take pictures. Sky is house is at the top of the hill with us busy taking photos we did missed the entrance, lucky Perry was at the office and direct us (and he gave us a bottle of wine for our dinner too). The entry is already a statement and once you get in the house it is just stunning, feeling like you are a world away. it is absolutly a million dollar view and the house is very tastefully decorated.

Angela who made our dinner is a absolutely sweetheart and tailor made our dinner / brekkie which my boyfriend claims the best apple crumble he ever had.

We had 'hire a guide' tour the next day and I think the location actually works out the best as it is midway to flinders chase and it is only just under an hour to airport as well. Will absolutely come back!

  • Stayed June 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Nick Hannaford, Owner at LifeTime Private Retreats, responded to this review
27 July 2011
Thank you for your review of our property and apologies for the late response! I’m glad to see the distance didn’t put you off as you often have to travel a bit of distance to find the special places!

We hope to see you again and maybe try another house!

Warm regards,

Nick Hannaford
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Kansas City, Missouri
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Looking for solitude and tranquility? This is it.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 February 2011

This is a great place to relax and enjoy the serenity of solitude. My wife and I spent a few days here on our recent Aus/NZ trip and were very happy with the Sky house. We had the full board luxury option and Sky house delievered. Everything was flawless for us, from the airport transfers via private car to the wonderful meals and unbeatable views.

  • Stayed February 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask blairs1335 about LifeTime Private Retreats
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Nick Hannaford, Owner at LifeTime Private Retreats, responded to this review
27 July 2011
Thank you for your review of our property and apologies for the late response. Being a family business is does mean a lot. We hope to see you again and maybe try another house!

Warm regards,

Nick Hannaford
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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