Features Overview

9 RAINFOREST RETREATS THAT PUT YOU RIGHT IN THE JUNGLE

“A journey to the jungle may seem like a fantasy, but we’ve researched a handful of hotels that make it possible—without compromising environmental responsibility or luxury amenities.”

Cuisine - From New Zealand to the World

“If you’ve ever had that feeling of wanting to escape your day-to-day and be transported somewhere that feels like it’s a million miles away, Maruia River may be exactly what you’re looking for.”

Sleep amongst the trees at these dreamy forest spots

“Two hours from Nelson, Maruia River Retreat lies deep inside 200ha of untouched Aotearoa, on the river, surrounded by beech forest and protected from the east and west by mountains.”

Nelson Tasman paradise in the South

“Rejuvenate at Split Apple Retreat, an internationally award-winning wellness retreat in Motueka or unwind with a massage or yoga class at Maruia River Retreat in Murchison.”

Go To Guides Nelson Tasman

“Cristina and Lasse Holopainen​ bought Maruia​ River Retreat in 2018 transforming it from a fishing lodge into a world-class wellbeing destination complete with seven luxury villas and a yoga shala.”

The most luxurious places to stay in New Zealand

“From this sweet spot you can relax, restore and recharge with everything from yoga to spa treatments to forest bathing and nature therapy. Or go on bush, river and bird walks, fly-fishing and more.”

The best wellness retreats in New Zealand

“It really doesn't matter I'd forgotten to pack swimwear. I still manage to get in a few hours of forest bathing, and, by night, I bathe in the forest. Yes, those are two completely different things – and they're both exceedingly good for the soul.

The river is surprisingly warm on this 32C summer day but, realising I am "swimsuit-less," I leave the glistening and plump-bodied trout to make the most of the crystal-clear mountain-fed river that flows by the Maruia River Retreat, bound for Maruia Falls.”

New Zealand’s most sustainably focused luxury lodges

“In 200ha of beech forest, river and mountains between Nelson and Christchurch, Maruia River Retreat experiences include forest bathing, gourmet dining, river rafting and more esoteric encounters - spa, yoga, massage, naturopathy and guided nature walks. One may fly into the private airstrip.”

Wellness with wow factor: NZ’s most luxurious spa retreats

“For therapeutic nature experiences, head to Maruia River Retreat. Unwind and get close to nature with forest bathing, a Finnish sauna and hot tub, infrared chroma therapy sauna, guided nature walks as well as yoga, meditation and naturopathy consultation.”

Maruia River Retreat: Popular luxury escape reborn as a wellbeing destination

“Luxury accommodation can sometimes feel impersonal, steeped in pretentiousness without real connection or warmth. But that’s not the case at Maruia River Retreat, tucked beside a wide green trout fishing river in the upper South Island.”

GO NZ: Maruia River Retreat - wellness, nature and yoga to soothe stress

“Nestled on a gentle slope above the river within a 200-hectare private haven, of which 180 hectares are native beech forest, Maruia River Retreat is just that: a retreat, a salve for the soul, a place to re-connect with your partner or a place to clear your mind of life's clutter.”

The art of forest bathing in Whirinaki, Te Urewera and New Zealand's best tree retreats

“There's arguably no better place to forest bathe than in the Tasman's native bushland.

24 gorgeous New Zealand retreats to treat yourself

“In spite of a certain global pandemic — or perhaps because of it — it's quickly made a name for itself as one of the most destination-worthy spots on the South Island.”

The ultimate wellbeing retreat to rest and unwind

“Opening the veranda door of our villa welcomed the sounds of a bubbling creek tumbling past nearby. Just being here is deeply meditative. You can just sit, or lie back on the sofa, and enjoy the view, or close your eyes and listen to the water dancing over the stones as it flows to join Maruia River washing away worries and stresses as it goes.”