Maruia River Retreat — Hotel in South Island

A Truly Transformative Experience at Maruia River Retreat – 5 Stars!

From the moment we arrived at Maruia River Retreat, we knew this would be the highlight of our first trip to New Zealand. We booked the Lovers' Package for three nights, and every aspect of our stay exceeded expectations. Nestled in the heart of the South Island, the retreat offers a rare blend of luxury, intimacy, and nature, making it a perfect escape for any individual or couples seeking tranquillity and connection to nature.

The location itself is breathtaking—surrounded by stunning mountains, lush old rainforests, and the pristine Maruia River. It's a peaceful sanctuary that feels as though you are worlds away from the everyday hustle, and the views are nothing short of magical and serene. The retreat’s design is beautifully intentional, blending modern luxury with a deep respect for nature, sustainability, and regenerative travel. Every detail of the experience was thoughtfully curated, making it clear that this is a place built with care and purpose.

One of the highlights of our stay was the food. Lasse, the talented chef, creates an incredible and unique dining experience that is both delicious and deeply connected to the land. Every meal felt like an art form, beautifully presented with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

The transformative aspect of our stay cannot be overstated. The combination of breathtaking surroundings, luxurious accommodations, and personal touches like the in-room massages (Katharina was a gem!) and private bathing in the outdoor cedar hot tub left us feeling renewed and reconnected. We also had the privilege of experiencing a sound healing session, which was incredibly relaxing and peaceful. The calming vibrations washed over us, leaving us deeply centred. In fact, we were so relaxed afterward that we had the best night’s sleep we’ve had in ages! We were so well-rested that we actually slept in and missed the morning yoga session, despite setting an alarm as a reminder! It’s rare for us to feel so deeply rejuvenated, and the sound healing truly contributed to that.

Speaking of yoga, the morning yoga session was a wonderful way to start the day. It was a gentle yet grounding practice, perfect for waking up the body and mind, surrounded by the natural beauty of the retreat. Although we missed it on one day, we made sure not to miss it again—what a great way to reset and stretch after a restful night!

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Christina and Lasse for creating such an extraordinary retreat and for sharing it with all who visit. Your dedication to intentional and regenerative travel is so evident, and we’re grateful to have experienced it firsthand. You’ve created a space where the essence of nature and luxury truly come together.

A special mention goes to the equally lovely staff, Jackie and Mathilde, who made us feel so welcomed and taken care of throughout our stay. Their warmth and attentiveness added so much to our experience.

Maruia River Retreat isn’t just a place to stay; it’s an experience that nurtures the soul. If you’re looking for a luxurious, regenerative, and truly transformative getaway, we can’t recommend Maruia enough. It was, without a doubt, the highlight of our trip to New Zealand. We will definitely be spreading the word to friends and family, and we can’t wait to return at the soonest possible time. Thank you again to everyone at Maruia for making our time there so unforgettable. We’ll...

Serene Sanctuary in Nature's Embrace

My recent stay at Maruia River Retreat was nothing short of transformative. Nestled amidst the lush embrace of the forest and alongside the soothing Maruia River, this retreat offers a sanctuary for both body and soul. We flew in from Sydney to Christchurch airport – an easy 3 hour flight, hired an SUV and took the most picturesque drive across the mountains of the northern parts of the South Island of New Zealand.

One of the highlights of our stay was undoubtedly the culinary experience. The kitchen team, under the expert leadership of Lasse and Zoe, crafts delectable dishes using the freshest local produce. Each meal felt like a celebration of the region's bounty, tantalizing the taste buds and nourishing the body. Of course all dietary requirements are taken seriously and well catered for.

Moreover, the holistic offerings at Maruia River Retreat truly set it apart. From rejuvenating yoga sessions led by Cristina to immersive sound therapy experiences, every moment was dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation. Cristina's guidance, coupled with the incredible hospitality of Maria and Jacki, ensured that every guest felt cared for and supported throughout their journey. Nothing was too much trouble with lots of the small details taken care of to ensure a 10/10 experience. Adding to the warm and welcoming atmosphere is Rhonda, the lovable canine companion who adds an extra layer of charm to the retreat.

The serene surroundings of the forest and the gentle flow of the Maruia River provide the perfect backdrop for introspection and renewal. Forest bathing, sauna sessions, and dips in the mineral pool offered opportunities to cleanse both body and mind, leaving us feeling refreshed and revitalized. And let's not forget the indulgent massages and skin therapies provided by Kat. Her expert touch melted away tension and left us feeling utterly pampered.

Maruia River Retreat is more than just a place to stay – it's a holistic haven where guests can reconnect with themselves and nature. Whether you're seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, or simply a moment of peace, this hidden gem offers an unparalleled experience that will linger in your heart long...

Maruia River Retreat is owned & operated by consummate professionals Cristina & Lasse, who are highly skilled in many areas. From the moment of booking to the final farewell, every detail was considered & executed with the utmost warmth & care. I was looking for a retreat which offered an element of pampering, quality facilities, relaxation, immersion in nature & good food. It boasted all of that & more. Nestled in serene native bush and situated alongside the charming Maruia River... you feel yourself instantly melt & succumb to the sounds & vibes of nature as soon as you arrive. Each Villa has complete privacy and is surrounded by lush bush with river views. The heated magnesium swimming pool was a dream to swim in... the water source comes from a pure mountain spring... no chlorine in sight. The Hot tub sits privately amongst tall native trees and overlooks the river – totally dreamy. The double infrared sauna is a stone's throw away from the hot tub and offers the ultimate in relaxation & rejuvenation. There is an outdoor shower next to the hot tub to indulge in your own hot/cold therapy. Don't even get me started on the massage & facial treatments – they were 10/10. The quality of locally sourced ingredients & exquisite homemade meals deserve a separate write-up of their own. The food was made & served with love & was of international quality. The selection of local wines & spirits was spot on too. Every aspect of my stay was flawless. Every guest is welcomed lovingly, and nothing is too much trouble for the hosts & employees of Maruia Retreat. I was able to totally switch off & feel looked after, but I also had plenty of quiet, restful time. Don't hesitate to book if you are looking for a luxe nature retreat – this has you...