| 13 T T Kim Newth Maruia River - a place to recharge and reset Customised experiences at the retreat include private forest bathing in a hot tub or sauna, yoga classes in the wellness centre, guided nature walks and nourishing gourmet cuisine. Maruia River Retreat REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT When people travel to conferences or business meetings, many choose to extend their business trip for nonwork purposes. Increasingly, what they are seeking out is seclusion, solitude and wellbeing. Places like Maruia River Retreat, south of Murchison, present a compelling prospect for those in need of rest and rejuvenation. The private wellness resort, offering a range of tailored restorative wellness experiences, is surrounded by 500 acres of native beech forest, mountains ranges and gardens. With just seven private, self-contained villas, only a dozen guests stay at any one time. Designed for deep sleep, digital detox, relaxation and personalised wellness, the Qualmark-certified 5-star Gold Award boutique luxury lodge and eco-resort offers the ultimate wellbeing reset. Hosts Cristina and Lasse Holopainen acquired the estate in 2018, and following refurbishment work, opened just before the Covid pandemic. By necessity, it kept their focus on the local market and providing a luxury lodge experience at an accessible price point. “The majority of our guests are New Zealanders and most come back almost every year,” says Cristina, the retreat’s general manager, resident yoga teacher and retreat co-host. “A lot are business owners, who employ 20 or more people. They come to us with partners or by themselves for a minimum of three to five nights for a ‘Personal Restoration Retreat’. “We encourage our guests to stay for longer, as we have a large, self-contained estate; it elevates the experience if you stay for several days or more. “After an active holiday in Queenstown, you can come here and slow down. It’s an opportunity to step back and soak up space, stillness and the natural environment.” Many international travellers also stay at the lodge for several days, often as an antidote for jet lag – or use it to recharge ahead of a big flight. Cristina and Lasse’s vision is to continuously strive to make this a place of wellbeing and healing. It permeates every aspect of the operation. With an on-site mini-hydro plant providing renewable power, the secluded sanctuary steps lightly on the land. Customised experiences at the retreat include private forest bathing in a hot tub or sauna, yoga classes in the wellness centre, spa and skincare treatments, luxury massage treatments, a heated magnesium pool for soaking or swimming, guided nature walks and nourishing gourmet cuisine. “After an active holiday in Queenstown, you can come here and slow down. It’s an opportunity to step back and soak up space, stillness and the natural environment.” “When people first arrive here, we see a sense of curiosity and a desire to rest. Then, when they leave, they are so much more energised. “Some are completely transformed – they didn’t realise they could still finish a book, or get a good night’s sleep after doing nothing, or find joy in not being bothered all the time,” says Cristina. “People sometimes feel guilty about taking an opportunity to unplug, but wellbeing can be seen as a leadership quality. It’s about taking time to recalibrate so you can then go back to work and be fantastic again.” Beyond the retreat, there is much to see and do in the area, with the Maruia Falls Reserve, Buller Swing Bridge, Nelson Lakes National Park and Maruia Hot Springs all within an hour’s drive. The town of Murchison is only 25 minutes’ drive from Maruia, with activities like fly fishing and river rafting providing further options. Food & Fire, Family & Friends The Kiwi Outdoor Oven is the high-quality outdoor centrepiece that combines restaurant-quality, wood-fired cooking with the warmth and atmosphere of a premium outdoor fire. The Best of Both Worlds. Cook pizza, roasts, barbecue, smoked meats, vegetables, bread and desserts. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the fire with the people who matter most. Countless memories. thekiwioutdoor.nz
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