Reconnect with Nature

Tucked deep within a 500-acre native rainforest in New Zealand’s South Island, Maruia River Retreat is a place where nature quietly restores you.

Days unfold gently with forest yoga, river dips, guided nature walks, and time in the sauna or magnesium pool. Evenings bring beautifully prepared seasonal dinners before retreating to your private villa, surrounded by birdsong and mountain air.

With just seven villas and a handful of guests, Maruia offers something rare — space to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature. ✨

This is the signature wellness escape at Maruia River Retreat, a secluded eco-luxury sanctuary set within a 500-acre native rainforest estate in New Zealand’s breathtaking South Island.

Designed for solo travellers and couples, this restorative retreat blends nature immersion, wellness rituals, and chef-led dining in an intimate setting with just seven private villas and a maximum of twelve guests.

Guests spend their days moving gently between yoga sessions, guided forest walks, river soaking, sauna rituals, and quiet time surrounded by the sounds of the forest. Evenings bring beautifully prepared seasonal meals using local produce and peaceful nights in a private villa overlooking the river and mountains.

Recognised as one of the World’s Most Extraordinary Spas (2026) and awarded Gold Sustainable Tourism Certification, Maruia River Retreat offers a rare combination of luxury, sustainability, and deep nature restoration.

• Private luxury villa surrounded by native rainforest
• Daily breakfast and gourmet evening dinners
• Yoga in our forest-surrounded Yoga Chalet
• Guided nature walks through a 500-acre beech forest estate
• Private forest bathing experience with hot tub and infrared sauna
•  Infrared & Finnish Saunas
• Magnesium jet pool and wellness centre access (24/7)
• Direct access to the Maruia River and forest walking trails
• Unlimited coffee, teas, and spring water

Retreat Pricing

Minimum 2-night stay

Solo travellers
• Luxe Villa — from $990 NZD per night
• Master Villa — from $1,250 NZD per night

Couples
• Luxe Villa — from $1,250 NZD per night (for two)
• Master Villa — from $1,550 NZD per night (for two)

Includes accommodation, daily breakfast, gourmet dinners, yoga classes, wellness facilities, and nature immersion experiences.

Sample Retreat Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival & Forest Welcome

Arrive at Maruia River Retreat and settle into your private villa overlooking the forest and river valley. Take time to unwind with a walk through the gardens and surrounding nature trails.

In the afternoon, enjoy the wellness facilities including the magnesium pool, sauna, or river soak before gathering for a beautifully prepared chef-led dinner made with local seasonal ingredients.

Evening is quiet and restorative — perfect for reading, stargazing, or simply enjoying the deep stillness of the forest.

Day 2 — Nature Immersion & Wellness

Begin the day with morning yoga in the forest-surrounded Yoga Chalet, followed by a relaxed continental breakfast.

Later in the morning, experience guided forest bathing — a mindful immersion into the sights, sounds, and energy of the surrounding rainforest. Enjoy time in the forest hot tub and infrared sauna as part of the ritual.

The afternoon is yours to explore the 500-acre estate, walk along the Maruia River, or relax in the wellness centre.

In the evening, gather again for a gourmet dinner experience highlighting fresh regional produce.

Day 3 — Slow Morning & Departure

Wake to birdsong and forest views before a nourishing breakfast.

Enjoy a final nature walk, sauna session, or river soaking before departing refreshed, grounded, and deeply restored.

Location

Murchison, Nelson-Tasman Region
South Island, New Zealand

Approximately:
• 2 hours from Nelson
• 3 hours from Christchurch
• Gateway to the West Coast and nearby national parks
https://www.maruia.co.nz/reconnect-with-nature