Maruia River Retreat

We stayed for four nights and left relaxed but energised. It was a wonderful experience. The best part was the people - Cristina and Lasse are superb hosts - warm, naturally easy, and superb at what they do - Cristina with expert and intuitive yoga instruction and Lasse with his cooking (these are just the tip of their multiple talents!) Jackie was a great host and helper in perpetual smiling motion, and Marci and Katharina were great massage therapists. The surrounding forested hills and river were naturally welcoming and calming, the forest spa and sauna was a deeply immersive experience, and the forest walk was enlightening and enjoyable. We thoroughly recommend this for a relaxing break in nature, with quality dining and pampering. Neil and Anita.

Wow! We feel that words will dilute the purity of this magnificent experience and slice of heaven. Cristina, Lasse and Jackie were a joy to be around. This is a sanctuary to find "quiet", and a restoration of mind body and soul. Sending gratitude 🙏and love ❤️

We had a wonderful four-night stay at Maruia River Retreat. Everything was planned for us from the moment we stepped onto the grounds — from the daily massages to forest baths and yoga classes. All we needed to do was choose what we wanted for dinner and lunch. We loved the villa we stayed in, with birds chirping and the river streaming in the background. I felt weight lifted off my shoulders once I stepped in. The bedroom was very well shaded and allowed for deep sleep. Cristina and Lasse are a lovely couple who are passionate about what they do. We were so amazed by Lasse’s many talents and cooking skills. The food was top-notch! I’m still thinking about the chocolate cake I had the last night. They even made us pastries for the road. So sweet!

Absolutely loved our 3 night stay. Christina and Lasse are such lovely hosts. We felt cared for from the moment we arrived. The food, yoga, and massages were all exceptional. Loved the magnesium pool and the infrared sauna in the bush. Hope to return some day.

Arriving at Maruia certainly came with many hopes of restorative downtime and every single one of them was met with utmost care, professionalism and understanding of what we needed during our stay The property, to begin with, is nestled within a truly special bio-diversity zone. The guided walks are therefore spectacular. You breathe freshness and life. Lasse has worked very closely with local biologists who have been able to trace the history behind many of the single trees and plants. You can jump into the chilly river, dunk into the jacuzzi under the stars, have a sauna session in the forest… you name it. True helaing all around. Food is medicine and Lasse who is also the chef understands this. Needless to say, the kitchen works with a true diversity of choice and fresh produce from the neighbors, close-by farms and other purveyors. You will be spoilt with flavors. Cristina and Lasse take turns in running the morning yoga sessions as well as other healing practices that allow you to find your rest, sleep and much needed recovery. But most important of all, is the team behind this loving enterprise. There is a real commitment and kindness that just blankets the entire experience. We will forever be grateful to them for the gift that is Maruia.

Maruia is a place to recharge, rewire, recoup and pause from the busyness of life. You are surrounded by unadulterated nature that refreshes ones soul. The rooms are inviting, clean, food is excellent and service staff (thanks to Maricar) is optimal. Boredom is out of the question. There are activities (yoga, nature walk, massages, hiking, etc) that awake your minds and senses. I particularly love looking at the stars at night from the room's balcony and feeling its closeness to you. Meals are prepared exquisitely by Lasse. I especially look forward to breakfast with homemade breads, jams, fresh honey from the honeycomb and juices and a lot more. I will definite revisit Maruia in the near future to refresh and rewind. This is a slice of heaven on earth.