

Maruia River Retreat: an oasis from the concerns of covid-19
“I believe we have a happy story to tell about a new, young lodge hit by covid-19, forcing us to regroup and go back boldly to our original ethos of a nature and wellbeing destination. And with Preno providing excellent support throughout the transition.”
Cristina and Lasse Holopainen, owners of Maruia River Retreat
– Cristina, owner of Maruia River Retreat

Tranquility & refinement, amid a global pandemic: reviving original values
Covid-19 has hit the accommodation industry with force, but with individual repercussions and circumstances for each accommodation owner. In the case of Maruia River Retreat – a tranquil, remote estate, purposeful for relaxation and reflection – covid-19 brought them back to their original mission. “Our retreat is designed to soothe the nervous system, a place to relax for that moment in time and reflect on life. When covid-19 hit, we refined our focus of being a luxury property, and remembered our original ethos by hosting yoga retreats focused on wellbeing and refuge.”About Maruia River Retreat: a sustainable, secluded, nature & wellbeing estate
Situated in one of New Zealand’s many secluded forests, on the edge of Maruia River, this estate covers 500 acres of natural beauty. The property offers 7 exclusive villas, each with their very own unique landscape view and setting – one among the treetops, another river-side, where you can hear the trickling of the stream, and various other unique natural settings. Maruia River Retreat offers a therapeutic experience, with yoga retreats and classes on offer, nature walks, sauna, spa, massage therapy and more. It is a tranquil getaway for New Zealanders and international visitors alike.
Rescaling & refinement: categorical change in both positive & negative form
Like many organisations across the globe, the owners at Maruia River Retreat, were worrisome in the early stages of covid-19. They sadly had to rescale their organisation, but regrouped, instilling positive change into their business. With meticulous standards, and a re-focus on their wellbeing ethos, the owners were able to re-align their business practice to accommodate for the changes of covid-19. How so? By shifting the focus to domestic tourism, with weekend retreats.A refuge for New Zealanders: a place to centre your wellbeing, and take the stress away
We asked Maruia River Estate what they learnt from their personal experience with covid-19 the most… “We recognised that you have to accept that things have changed, and not fight it. We had to regroup quickly, and execute fast, high-impact action plans.” Post-lockdown, the owners created weekend yoga retreats, shifting the focus from luxury international travellers, to domestic visitors needing a refuge; an escape from the bustle of life, and concerns of covid-19.