Your Hosts
the caretakers of Maruia
Introducing
Cristina & Lasse Holopainen
Cristina and Lasse have created more than a retreat — they have curated a deeply personal sanctuary shaped by nature, wellbeing and genuine hospitality. Together, they blend Cristina’s background in yoga, wellness and nurturing guest experiences with Lasse’s passion for restorative living, storytelling, nature immersion and seasonal cuisine.
Guests often describe their approach as warm, thoughtful and quietly transformative, where every detail — from the yoga classes and forest rituals, to the meals and conversations around the table — feels intentional and heartfelt.
Their shared vision is simple: to help people slow down, reconnect with themselves and experience the healing beauty of New Zealand’s wilderness.
“Cristina and Lasse are the heart of the experience. Their warmth, attentiveness and genuine care shape the atmosphere in a way that’s hard to replicate. And if you have the chance to take part in one of Cristina’s meditation sessions, do. Her teaching has a way of settling your nervous system almost instantly.”
—Laura Hampson, Stuff Weekender
Cristina Holopainen
Cristina is the General Manager, resident yoga teacher and retreat co-host of Maruia River Retreat. Originally from the Philippines, Cristina brings together a unique background spanning entrepreneurship, finance, wellness and hospitality across Asia-Pacific and New Zealand. She co-founded Urban Ashram Yoga in Manila and has spent more than a decade teaching yoga, mentoring teachers and creating transformative wellness experiences focused on rest, self-care and meaningful connection.
Guests often speak of Cristina’s calming presence, thoughtful attention to detail and ability to make people feel immediately at ease. Whether guiding yoga classes, curating retreat experiences or welcoming guests into the rhythm of the retreat, her approach is grounded in warmth, authenticity and the belief that nature has the power to restore people in profound ways.
See Cristina’s Vogue feature
Read Cristina’s Wellness articles
Lasse Holopainen
Lasse is the Head Chef, nature guide, groundskeeper and co-host of Maruia River Retreat, where he brings his passion for nature, hospitality, design and slow living into every guest experience. Originally from Finland, Lasse’s connection to forests, sauna culture and the restorative qualities of nature shapes much of the retreat’s atmosphere and philosophy.
Known by guests for his generosity, grounded presence and exceptional hosting, Lasse helps create the retreat’s deeply personal and welcoming environment. From sharing stories around the dining table to curating nourishing culinary experiences and maintaining the beauty of the estate, he brings a quiet sense of care and craftsmanship to Maruia. Together with Cristina, he has helped shape the retreat into a place where travellers can reconnect with simplicity, stillness and the natural world.
Read Lasse’s interview with ShoutOutLA
Read Lasse’s interview about yoga
