Condé Nast Traveller

“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.”

VOGUE

“While the retreat’s real commitment to being a carbon negative resort makes for a complex operation, its offering is simple: to be a place of refuge, respite, and a regeneration of the self and of nature. Guests at the retreat, therefore, often leave with a newfound understanding of their vital relationship with nature, and the need of both sides to heal. “

Robb Report

“With just seven private villas, the retreat offers yoga, spa rituals, forest bathing, and river hot tubs, alongside Chef Lasse's cuisine, often hailed as a highlight of the stay.”

Cuisine Magazine

“The food is a highlight and none of it would look out of place in a swanky restaurant (think options such as tender eye fillet, coconut prawns or fresh salmon for dinner or local bread, Nelson granola, fresh fruit, eggs from their chickens and coconut yoghurt as part of the breakfast offering). Everything is fresh, local where possible, or right from the kitchen garden on-site.”

Lifestyle Asia

“It felt as though every huge weight evaporated right off my shoulders and I was able to feel, for the first time in a long time, really, truly relaxed.”

Luxury Travel Magazine

“At the heart of Maruia River Retreat are Cristina and Lasse Holopainen – hosts, owners and gentle guides who, with their tiny team, make guests feel genuinely nurtured. Whether preparing bountiful food, leading classes or guiding forest rambles, their passion for what they do is evident. It feels like staying with friends.”

NZ Herald

“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.”

Stuff Travel

“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.”

Canberra Times

There's Maruia River Retreat, a private forest sanctuary on New Zealand's South Island that's been designed specifically for deep rest, where the owner leads sleep workshops and sessions like gong baths and restorative yoga.

International Traveller

“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 New Zealand Guide

"Seemingly perfectly, Maruia means sheltered or shaded. This retreat is perched alongside the Maruia River and is guarded by mountains. Find your piece of shelter at their boutique lodge, and engage in all things wellness with yoga and meditation."

Stuff

“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.”

Nuvo Magazine

"Surrounded by beech forest, this retreat with classic New Zealand design is located near renowned fishing areas. Nature walks, bird watching on the plentiful trails will soothe even the most digitally addicted visitor."

Juliette Sivertsen, NZ Herald

“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.”

NZ Herald Travel

“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.”

Juliette Sivertsen, NZ Herald

“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.”

NZ Herald Travel Magazine

“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.”

Naomi Arnold, Stuff

“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.”

Neat Places NZ

“Escape to another world entirely with a stay at the ever-exclusive Maruia River Retreat. Quietly nestled alongside the Maruia River, this 500-acre lot is home to only seven luxury villas, so it’s about as secluded as they come.”

Jessica Lockhart, NZ Herald

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

Jessica Cameron, NZ Herald

“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.”

Lorna Subritzky, NZ Herald

“A tonic for the soul and a treat for the senses. Retreat, and recharge.”

Carolyn Enting, Good Magazine

“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.”

Colleen O'Hanlon, Stuff

“In its refreshed form, the retreat offers a luxurious minibreak for people who consider luxury to be shades of green and blue rather than gold or shiny.

If you're after a classy getaway with a strong wellness and nature vibe, head here.”