Reviews

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Caitlyn P.

While planning our trip through the south island of New Zealand, my husband and I wanted to plan around a sweet ending to the long drives and wet highways. I had high hopes of Maruia RR and they only surpassed them. The rooms are luxurious and private, while still being cozy. The service is personalized and attentive. The food nourishing and wholesome. You're in a valley as old as the dinosaurs but the staff works hard to keep the suites, the hot tubs, the saunas, the shared spaces modern and bright. It's a collapsing of worlds, the ancient and the new. And while I expected luxury, I didn't know to expect heart, too. Maruia is run by a tight-knit group of staff that operate like a family. They treat the land with conscientiousness, investing in its preservation for the future. And they treat their guests the same, with a tender hand eager to prepare them for the bright future ahead. I can't recommend a stay here enough. It is a blend of luxury, recovery, and care that is hard to find anywhere. Let alone in a remote valley in New Zealand.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Lydia

I have been lucky enough to attend 2 retreats at Maruia River Retreat and cannot speak highly enough of my experiences there. For me what makes this place such a special destination is the hospitality. From the moment you arrive, you are warmly greeted by the hosts and your bags are taken to your rooms. There is a level of consideration and attentiveness in their hosting that I have not experienced elsewhere. Cristina, Lasse, Nanae and Ana really care about your experience and that is evident in every detail. When I returned, I felt like I was visiting friends- the hosting is so genuine and personable. Cristine and Lasse are also fascinating to chat to about all manner of topics. The accommodation is beautiful- the towels are plush, the linens are top quality, the decor is tasteful and restful. The accommodation emphasizes the natural beauty of the place and invites you to notice your surroundings- with lovely balconies and beautifully landscaped gardens. I loved forest bathing in the outdoor hot tub and using the sauna with the glass door so you can peer into the draping beech forest. The yoga classes are a highlight- with Cristine and Lasse both having detailed knowledge of both anatomy but also of the ancient yogic traditions. The food is exceptional. Locally sourced where possible- the meals are nutritious, wholefood but decadent in the right ways. Staying at Maruia River Retreat is nourishing. It reminds me to slow down and pay attention to the beauty of simple things- a nourishing meal, the beauty of a beech forest, some deep breaths, a good night of sleep. If you get the chance to go, I so recommend it.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Graeme

We first went to Maruia River Retreat late2020 as Covid prevented overseas travel. We had no expectations . What a revelation! Great accomodation in villas with balconies facing a pristine fast flowing river. Great beds, towels and linen. So, so relaxing.Drinks and gourmet three course meals in a beautiful main lodge with caring hosts Lasse and Christina and their amazing staff (Nanae a standout.)
Add to that morning yoga with both hosts being expert caring teachers adjusting the level of the practice to the participants. Then there is the stainless hottub set in the beech forest with riverview, the glass fronted sauna in a similar location and the amazing bushwalk.
The food is locally sourced as far as possible from their organic garden. We left feeling we were part of the Maruia family.
Fast forward to July this year. Our trip to Sydney was canceled due to Covid. An email was received from Maruia for a weekend yoga and writers retreat. They had a cancelation due to the border closure, so off we went.
Second time round is usually harder to be impressed. However the ethereal mid winter cold,mist and short daylight hours made it even more special This is a great location for couples, a special birthday or group celebration. It is as busy or quiet as you want it. We have already booked for next March. FIVE BIG STARS.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Birgit L.

We received an exceptionally warm welcome. Every wish was read from our eyes. We recommend booking more than one night. The facilities are excellent (pool, sauna, hot tub, jacuzzi, yoga, kitchenette, reception area and reading room....). This is food excellent with fruits and vegetables from our own garden and freshly baked bread for breakfast. You have your own little cottage for the night. For my birthday I was surprised with a present.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Danny S.

The Maruia River Retreat was simply AMAZING !! From the moment we arrived and were greeted by our host Cristina, we were made to feel like royalty. Nothing was too much trouble for her and all of the wonderful staff at the retreat. They make you feel so special and go above and beyond to ensure your stay at the retreat is one to remember. From the beautiful surrounds to the gorgeous cozy rooms, from the relaxing forest hot tubs to the delicious meals curated by Cristina’s husband Lasse, you are transported to another level of comfort and luxury. Put simply, the retreat is heaven on earth and everyone should treat themselves to a stay at this magical place.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Michael N.

My wife and I had a wonderful weekend retreat at Maruia River. Hosts Cristina & Lasse plus their team were extremely caring and thoughtful. The chalet bush setting is wonderful and the food experience was amazing. Plus, the yoga classes in the mornings. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to 'get away' and having a rejuvenating break from busy lives.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Tom

I’m not a yoga (or wellness!) guy. This place was my wife’s idea. But I had the most relaxing and rejuvenating time. It is a beautiful place, with the most delightful staff and program. The whole experience is beautifully designed to relax and reconnect you.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Diane

I spent an unforgettable 3 nights and 4 days at a Writing/Yoga retreat at the Maruia River Retreat. The property is magical, the staff warm and welcoming, the villas clean and lovely, the food healthy and delicious.
The writing and yoga went so well together. As a writer, I deepened my writing. As a person who had done yoga in the past, I renewed my commitment to include it in my life again.
The retreat also operates as a lodge, so if you have a chance to go, don't miss it!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Christian

Our stay at Maruia was incredible, we both feel so refreshed from our time there.

• The attention from Nanae, Lasse and Anna was so personalised and genuine we felt very at home

• The facilities were incredible including our room upgrade which was a lovely and appreciated touch

• The food was so thoughtful and delicious we will be talking about the dark chocolate granola and eye fillet for time to come

It is often used as a throwaway line but we have both commented that the first time in a long time, our minds feel very clear - a rare feeling.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Laura

An experience everyone needs to have in their lifetime! The food was absolutely delicious, by far the best dining experience we have ever had – so much flavour and you could really tell how much passion went into creating each dish. The owners have truly gone above and beyond to create a luxury nature experience, with every detail taken care of. Even the little touches such as the beautiful floral arrangements crafted by the gardener, the cosy bath robes, the insect repellent in the bathrooms and the fresh fruit on the dining table make all the difference.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Kelly B.

I can't articulate just how special Maruia Retreat is...
Writing workshops with Kerry Sunderland, Yoga with Christina, Soul Food by Lassi, the hills and river of Maruia, all colliding with Matariki Weekend created a very special event laced with magic. The environment holds space for the things you need that aren't necessarily outlined on the program; things like gaining perspective on life, nurturing and nourishing yourself, disconnecting from stress to rebalance, meeting like minded people that help move you forward in one way or another.
If you are looking at Maruia's page, your inner voice is probably calling out for these things, my advice would be listen and step in - make it happen. Take the time and create the space for restoration in one of the most special places I have ever been.
Thank you team Maruia, that was the step-change I needed in my creative wheelhouse, my yoga practice, and my mindset around work-life balance.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Tanya P.

I attended a three day wellness retreat at Maruia. I made the most of the hot tub and infrared sauna in the beech forest, the finnish sauna inside, massage, yoga and delicious food - as well as the transformational sessions with wellness coach Rachel Grunwell. Cristina and Lasse are very personable and caring, and have a lot of vision and energy. The yoga, massage and food are all top notch. The retreat is situated in about 200 hectares of almost untouched mature native beech forest, contributing the feeling of removing to an untouched place. This is the best break from work I have ever had.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Nancy

Lovely, Zen-like Atmosphere. I recently spent two nights at Maruia River Retreat and experienced the most peaceful. relaxing stay. The location is beautiful. Floating in the hot tub among the trees at the riverside was amazing. I've never relaxed so much. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the area. They make you feel very welcome and at home. Local, fresh ingredients are used in the meals which were all delicious. The suites are beautifully appointed with views of the river and hills. I will definitely be returning to enjoy another wonderful holiday. Thank you Maruia River Retreat.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Helen S.

What a special place. From the minute you enter this unique property you are transported to a land of peace tranquillity and kindness. The staff here are next level and can’t do enough to make your stay complete and memorable. The Yoga, fresh and delicious food, forest bathing and guided forest walk all combine to create a soothing and relaxing experience. Thank you to the team that make this place so wonderful.