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Wellness retreat

Maruia River Retreat

Murchison,

South Island,

New Zealand

Selected by Mat

Welcome to Maruia River Retreat

Set along the mesmerising Maruia River, Maruia River Retreat offers a sanctuary where tranquillity and nature converge. Spanning 500 acres of untouched native beech forests and stunning mountain ranges, this boutique lodge and wellness resort invites you to reconnect, relax, and rejuvenate. With only seven luxury villas, each stay promises a secluded and serene escape, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Embrace the enriching experiences and peaceful moments that await in this magical corner of New Zealand.

Details

Where:

Murchison,

New Zealand

Type:

Wellness retreat

Setting:

Rivers & Lakes

Book via View Retreats

What we love

The name ‘Maruia’ means ‘sheltered’ or ‘shaded,’ and we think this perfectly captures its vibe of calm and serenity. One of the things we love most about it is its intimate and exclusive atmosphere. With only seven villas nestled in a lush area by the river, you’ll feel as if you’re well away from the rest of the world. It fits into our idea of luxurious seclusion.

Aligned with our Explore & Restore principles of balance and wellness, there’s also much to do when you stay here. Here, you can breathe in the purest air, wander along nature trails, or even get a little adventurous with river rafting or kayaking. If you just want to relax though, the retreat has got you covered too. Inside the riverside villas, you’ll still get to hear brown noise from the river. Think of it as nature’s noise-cancelling earphones. It’s the deep, soothing, river rush sound that’s fantastic for relaxation and deep sleep because it masks all those annoying noises that usually keep you awake. We love how you’ll hear it just enough from inside the bedroom to lull you into a relaxed and deep sleep state. Suddenly, these noise-cancelling earphones we wear while working have competition.

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Wellness matters

Maruia River Retreat creates the perfect setting for holistic recovery and rejuvenation. On-site, there are multiple ways to unplug and unwind.

Yoga Chalet

The newly renovated Yoga Chalet, with its timber floors, tall ceilings, and abundant natural light, provides a serene environment for practising Hatha yoga. Suitable for all guests, sessions range from gentle restoratives to intense vinyasas, promoting healing and balance.

Relaxing Baths in the Forest

Immerse yourself in the outdoor Stoked Hot Tub and two saunas—an Infrared Chroma-therapy Sauna and a Dry Finnish Sauna. Located by the river amidst the forest, these facilities offer complete privacy for relaxation and detoxification.

Personal Restoration Retreat

This customised 3 or 4-night retreat includes all meals, a light wellness schedule, and daily personalised 90-minute spa and massage treatments. Designed to provide space for breathing, relaxing, and reconnecting, this retreat offers deep rejuvenation. A wonderful choice for mid-year breaks.

Wellness Spa

Indulge in a variety of treatments at the Wellness Spa, featuring a Finnish sauna and treatment room. From massages and body scrubs to aromatherapy sessions, the spa specialises in holistic approaches to achieving lifelong wellness.

Daily gourmet meals

At Maruia River Retreat, the dining philosophy centres around wellness and seasonal flavours. The gourmet kitchen sources ingredients from the kitchen garden and local suppliers, offering nourishing international cuisine with authentic flavours.

Seasonal Flavours, Prepared Fresh Daily

Each day, you’ll enjoy the Maruia signature breakfast, lunch, and 3-course dinner, all included in the stay. The emphasis on fresh, simple, and beautiful food ensures a delightful dining experience. Throughout the year, culinary retreats transform the retreat into a gastronomic haven with curated local chefs.

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Experiences

Nature Walk

Enjoy private meditative walks along nature trails within the 500-acre beech forest and Maruia River estate, featuring a mini-waterfall and spectacular vista points.

Hydrotherapy

Experience the benefits of the new hydrotherapy spa with personalised massage jets and a heated magnesium pool with swim jets.

Private Garden Tour

Explore the meticulously maintained gardens, showcasing over 40 years of estate history. This full sensory experience includes exotic and native flora, sloping lawns, a fruit orchard, and an organic kitchen garden.

River Exploration

The Maruia River, running for over a kilometre along the estate, offers recreational adventures like swimming, rafting, kayaking, and world-renowned trout fishing.

Braeburn and Lyell Tracks

Accessible from the lodge, these tracks traverse five creeks and are home to wild deer, goats, and numerous native bird species.

Aerial Tours

Arrange private chartered flights and scenic aerial tours from the 480-metre airstrip, complete with a private hangar and helicopter landing area.

Restful sleeps

Maruia River Retreat offers only 7 gorgeous villas for a truly tranquil and private escape. Each villa is self-contained and beautifully appointed, featuring brand-new Italian kitchenettes, super king beds or twin beds, luxury linens, and the finest local bath amenities, ensuring a deeply restorative experience. Whether travelling with a special someone or with friends, there is plenty of space to recharge here.

Riverside Villas

The terraces by the river’s edge transform Maruia into a haven of serenity. The riverside villas are designed to provide a rejuvenating sleep experience with the most comfortable beds, pillow choices, luxury linens, blackout curtains, and the calming sounds of nature. With idyllic views of the Maruia River and estate gardens, guests can choose between two Master villas—river or treetop—or five Luxe Villas. Each villa offers an unparalleled blend of comfort and natural beauty, ensuring a restful and enriching stay.

All accommodation, experiences, and products featured on View Retreats are independently selected by our team. If you book something through our links, we may earn a commission. The information provided in our articles is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new health or wellness practice.