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“A tranquil and rejuvinating experience amid 500 acres of woodland. 7 luxury villas provide the lodgings, each built to exist in harmony with the beautiful natural surroundings. Relax in the sauna and spa with wellness treatments, enjoy guided yoga, and taste dishes created using homegrown produce.”

Hotel review

Nestled in a 500 acre expanse of beech woods, crossed with 5 creeks and teeming with deer, goats, wild birds and native fish. This out-of-the-way and idyllic resort is perfect for couples looking to reconnect with nature and themselves, through the extensive range of wellness and massage experiences and the 11kms of nature trails and tracks.

Stylishly rugged and cosy, blending seamlessly into nature, the private villas are well equipped, with many luxury options available; such as private hot tubs and Italian designed kitchens. Each lodge boasts spectacular views of the nearby mountain ranges and the Maruia River.

Dining at the Maruia River Retreat delightfully incorporates fresh and organic ingredients grown in the resort's gardens, served with locally sourced meats, cheeses and wines. The summer menu offers a sumptuous Ora king salmon yakitori, served with egg noodles and soy grilled veg. Activities around the property, outside of the spa and sauna treatments, include yoga sessions with experienced residential yoga teachers, guided walks and hikes, gorge rafting, helicopter tours and fantastic fly-fishing.

Relaxation, wellness, and the discovery of nature are explored with aplomb at this remote, comfortable and splendidly private resort, ideally located and equipped for a blissful wilderness escape.

Hotel Guru Staff Contributor
Hotel Guru Staff Contributor Review published: 04/06/2018

Recommended for

  • Back to Nature

    • Surrounded by beech forest, rugged mountain ranges, gardens and terraces in a resort encouraging guests to reconnect with nature
  • Foodies

    • Seasonal menus will delight lovers of organic produce, grown on-site, served with exquisite locally sourced meat and fish
  • Great walks

    • Traverse through 5 creeks, along the 1.5-km frontage of Maruia River and through beech forest with a nature guide
  • Romantic Break

    • Escape the world in 500 acres of secluded woodland, share a private villa and relax with a couples' massage
  • Rafting

    • White water rafting adventures through the Maruia Gorge & the Maruia River
  • Hotel Entertainment

    • Guests have the option to take part in themed dinner nights
  • Fishing

    • Fishing passes for the on-site river are available
  • Trekking

    • Excellent hiking routes surround the resort
  • Yoga

  • Cycling

  • Kayaking

  • Birdwatching

  • Cooking classes

  • Wellbeing

    • The resort's spa, sauna and yoga treatments and experiences promote a holistic approach to wellness inside and out
  • Child friendly

    • Guests of all ages are welcome, with indoor play area and a range of games, DVDs, books and music for kids
  • Gourmet

    • Wonderfully prepared dishes made with exquisite local ingredients to delight
  • Hills & mountains

    • Views of the rugged mountain ranges of the South Island's interior
  • Views

    • Fabulous views over the river and mountains from the villas
  • Pet friendly

    • Pets can be acommodated on prior request, charges may apply
  • Restaurant

    • On-site resturant serving up a range of organic produce
  • Private Hot Tub

    • The two master villas boast private hot tubs
  • Wedding license

    • Bridal suite on site
  • Riverside

    • On the Maruia River
  • Quiet

  • Organic food

  • Barefoot Luxury

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Spa

  • Boutique

  • Chic

  • Contemporary

  • Luxury

  • Secluded setting

  • Remote

  • Conference facilities

  • Eco

Facilities

  • Child friendly

    Guests of all ages are welcome, with indoor play area and a range of games, DVDs, books and music for kids
  • Views

    Fabulous views over the river and mountains from the villas
  • Pet friendly

    Pets can be acommodated on prior request, charges may apply
  • Restaurant

    On-site resturant serving up a range of organic produce
  • Massage

    Various massage therapies available from the spa
  • Private Hot Tub

    The two master villas boast private hot tubs
  • Hot Tub

    Outdoor Stoked forest tubs are fabulous
  • Airport transfer

    Available on request at cost
  • Satellite / Cable TV

    Shared lounge and TV area
  • Wedding license

    Bridal suite on site
  • Sauna/Steam

    Finnish style sauna
  • Billiard/pool table

  • Air conditioning

  • Outdoor dining

  • Meeting Room

  • Library

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Laundry

  • Concierge

  • Spa

  • Garden

  • Room service

  • Wifi

  • Games room

  • Conference facilities

  • Parking

Activities

  • Great walks

    • Traverse through 5 creeks, along the 1.5-km frontage of Maruia River and through beech forest with a nature guide
  • Rafting

    • White water rafting adventures through the Maruia Gorge & the Maruia River
  • Hotel Entertainment

    • Guests have the option to take part in themed dinner nights
  • Fishing

    • Fishing passes for the on-site river are available
  • Trekking

    • Excellent hiking routes surround the resort
  • Yoga

  • Cycling

  • Kayaking

  • Birdwatching

  • Cooking classes

Map & Location

Other reviews

9 Rainforest Resorts That Put You in the Jungle

"The retreat features seven luxury villas nestled among a 500-acre nature estate, on which guests can privately enjoy the surrounding beech forest. There is no shortage of gourmet food and luxury treatments to help guests kick back—forest bathing, guided walks, and restorative spa treatments are just some of the ways retreat-goers can expect to facilitate their rejuvenation in the jungle."

Originally published by Condé Nast Traveler

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