Self-care for the New Year

Sarah McGuinness is a wellbeing disruptor, burnout awareness advocate and Founder/CEO of Revolutionaries of Wellbeing. ROW helps wellbeing leaders to be change makers and to create better workplaces, together. She draws on her honours degree in psychology and degree in communication, training in health behaviour, coaching, fitness and facilitation, plus a 15+ year career in the corporate sector specialising in leadership and organisational development in Australia and New Zealand. She is a passionate mental health and wellbeing champion and is one of Nelson’s own, growing up here and attending Nayland College before embarking on her career. She kindly wrote this piece for Nelson Magazine about the importance of looking after yourself.

There’s no doubt that life has thrown us some curveballs recently. The pandemic continues to impact many aspects of our lives, from the cost of living to business impacts, to our health and wellbeing. It’s no wonder many of us feel tired. It’s quite telling that more and more retail stores have a ‘please be kind to our staff’ notice on the door. This time of year is typically pressured, but the impact of Covid lingers and people are desperately trying to hold it together to get through. Of course, many challenges to our wellbeing predate the pandemic. So why does looking after our wellbeing suddenly feel so hard and what can we do about it? And with the number of articles on the web and experts and influencers you could consult, surely wellbeing can’t be that hard…. right?! Well, as you’ll know – it’s not quite that straight forward. We don’t exist in a vacuum. In our quest for wellbeing, it’s easy to think that we’re at fault for somehow not being able to keep up with what’s expected of us.

As a society, our values have shifted, and we have prioritised work as being essential to prosperity. We value constantly ‘being productive’ over being at leisure. Leisure time is often positioned (and marketed) as a luxury. Work has become more accessible with technology; we have less boundaries between work and home life. In this Covid world, this has become even more blurred as more people work, live and manage life from home. We also live in an almost infinite world. It will almost never be possible to stay on top of the emails, current events, and social media. The brain can only cope with so much information and it is easy to become overwhelmed.

We’re also balancing our commitments to generations older and younger than us, financial responsibilities, biological changes associated with ageing, social pressures, and more. Of course, not all these things are negative. Many are positive experiences. The difference is the sheer amount that we’re juggling. And I say this as someone who has been there, done that and got the scars to prove it. I burnt out spectacularly in 2020 and spent 2021 recovering. It was a long, slow journey to get well, and I learned the hard way why being proactive about your wellbeing is so important. It’s easy to fall into the busy trap, but much harder to climb out of if you leave it too late.

So what does good wellbeing look like? In our work, we like to ask, “What does a good day at work look like for you?” Or, if you’re not working, simply “what does a good day look like to you?” When we ask people these questions, they tell us things like “I have control over my day”, “I spend time with great people”, “I have purpose”, or “I feel calm and not stressed”. These are the things that make people feel better. It’s what it means to be well. You can ask yourself that question: “what does a good day look like to me? What would I be doing, or what would I be thinking or feeling?” You can also try this exercise asking yourself: “how satisfied are you with life right now on a scale from 1 to 5?”. This is a great question for thinking about the different parts of your life (work, social life, relationship with loved ones, opportunities for learning and growth, time to do what you love (e.g. hobbies) and so forth), and your life overall. We can be doing well in one area of life, say relationship with loved ones, but be under financial strain at the same time and this can impact our overall wellbeing. These different areas are distinct, but inter-related. For example, your mental wellbeing can be affected by a physical illness or injury that is preventing you from living your life to the fullest. The life satisfaction question exercise is beneficial for two reasons: firstly, it allows you to purposefully reflect on the different aspects of your life and how you’re travelling. Secondly, it’s great at keeping you accountable and honest. Self-knowledge is a great starting point to understanding what’s truly driving your positive or negative wellbeing. Life satisfaction is a key part of wellbeing. It’s a long-term evaluation of life and perhaps not surprisingly, there is a link between lower life satisfaction and wellbeing challenges like burnout. Wellbeing is a continuum, one that we move up and down every day based on all that’s happening around us and our responses to those things. It’s also not just about the absence of a negative (i.e. stress, anxiety, etc); it’s about creating the conditions that allow you to flourish and be at your best. But to do that, we need to start from a place of self-knowledge and self-care.

1. Proactively develop a sense of who you are – take some time over summer to reflect on the year that’s been, and where you’d like to be this time next year. You can use the questions about a great day or life satisfaction to give you a guide. Consider what’s important to you, and what you’d like to stop, start or continue doing. 2. Be deliberate about what you do next – just like we don’t expect an Olympic athlete to be race-ready every day, consider when you’ll need to be ‘raceready’ during the year (eg when there might be times of high pressure) and when you can schedule in times for recovery. 3. Much of wellbeing is mundane and boring, it’s the micro decisions we make every day. Consider the tiny decisions you could make each day that will make even the tiniest difference to tomorrow. It might be eating an extra vegetable, or calling a friend, or sitting outside for lunch. 4. Respond to setbacks as opportunities for growth. Make a date with yourself when something doesn’t go well. Consider, what happened? What influenced how I feel and what I’m thinking? How did I behave? Was it ok or could I have done something differently (with the benefit of hindsight)? What positive do I need right now to feel better? Who can help me? What do I need to do? When you’ve answered those questions, you’re ready to put your new mini-plan into action. 5. Acknowledge what you’re already doing. Often, we end up looking for the magic answer to our wellbeing challenges, but there will be many things you’re already doing that will be making a positive difference to how you feel. Keep doing them too. After all, you’re the expert in you.

6. Be right here, right now. Practicing mindfulness is probably the last thing you’d think to add to your festive to-do list, but it can be a helpful calming tool if you feel overwhelmed at any point. Mindfulness is about living in the moment and taking note of what’s happening. Examples include using your five senses to enjoy the foods on offer, watching the sun on the water at the beach, and being present with loved ones. A great way to pause is to take a really deep breath, exhale and let your shoulders drop. 7. Know that good enough is great. There can be a lot of pressure at this time of year, especially when hosting or staying with family and/or friends. Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix when it comes to dealing with difficult people but what you can do, is focus on you. Be clear about what you can control and what you can’t, and what’s important and what’s not. By February, many things that are stressful now will be long forgotten so give yourself a break and know that good enough is great. 8. Be with people who love you in all your glory. There’s almost nothing better than spending time with people who love you for who you are and can make you laugh until your sides hurt. Find time to be with those people and find ways to help each other take care – be it a walk together, joining a festive activity or simply sitting down over a cup of tea to catch up on life. There are lots of other great people you can talk to in your community too. 9. Celebrate the goodness. When you get a chance, write down a list of all the good moments from recent years. It might be a list of big things, small things or both. The idea is to come up with 10 to 20 things that make you smile and feel buoyant. And those things can be personal and professional. My highlights include all the awesome people I’ve worked with around the country and of course, the time I’ve spent with my family and friends. 10. Support the community. There are many families that go without in some way. Donate your time or items to organisations that support families or individuals in need. Or if you know of someone, reach out to them in whatever way feels comfortable to you and to them. Check on neighbours and colleagues too. To quote the Mental Health Foundation, “Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connection with the people around you.”

Take care, stay safe and wishing you a happy summer ahead.

Too often we tend to put others needs in front of own, ensuring their health and happiness are being met. But what about ourselves? Self-care is important for our own well-being, increasing emotional resilience, self-esteem and overall health. The benefits of self-care are vast, including reducing stress and anxiety, protecting mental health, and can lead to better relationships in the long-term. Understanding our own mind and body enables us to be the best version of ourselves, protecting our own mental state and physical being, to be in a position to help those we care about. Focusing on ourselves encourages a feeling of self-worth and balance within the psyche and promotes a sense of calm, important to navigating everyday life stresses. In a world fraught with anxiety and depression, it is vital to take some time out for yourself, whether it be in an emotional, spiritual or physical sense. Take time to reboot and do the things you love most, go for a walk with a friend, book a massage or a good-for-the-soul therapy session, meditate, tend to the garden, or treat yourself with a pamper pack. Allow yourself to indulge in life’s simple pleasures and celebrate you.

“It is almost forty years ago that my parents established Kimi Ora Eco Resort as a very special place for people to relax, unwind and eat well,” says Angelika Mant. Only minutes from Kaiteriteri Beach and close to Motueka and Nelson, Kimi Ora feels like a world away with its bush-clad twelve hectares and abundant native bird life. “It offers a chance for our guests to relax and recharge from the stresses of life. We offer an indoor heated pool, an outdoor pool, spas, sauna, steam room and an infrared sauna. Our Wellness and Beauty Spa on site offers exquisite pampering with a range of body spa treatments.” The Views Restaurant has fresh and delicious vegetarian meals which include vegan and gluten free options.

03 527 8027 | kimiora.com 99 Martin Farm Road, Kaiteriteri

Morgan Spittal, a registered nurse and a holistic health practitioner, is passionate about lifestyle medicine. She believes that being conscious and mindful of your health and wellness is the ultimate act of self-care. “I focus around five essential wellness pillars; nutrition, movement, sleep, stress reduction and relationships,” she says. “The relationship pillar has a focus on the relationship we have with ourselves, through self-care and self-compassion.” Morgan offers bespoke coaching sessions and programmes to provide her clients with the tools to kickstart their health journey using practical tools and resources. She also facilitates group workshops and offers a free discovery call to people who are eager about the possibilities of moving from stress and poor health to optimum well-being.

Building her business on a long-time passion for plants, herbs and botanical ingredients, Botanical Skin + Body owner Amy Burke uses nature’s best ingredients to create quality natural products, suitable for everyday use. Founded in 2012, Amy extensively researches her formulas for their function and purpose, forming a beautifully handcrafted range of body and skin-care products. “Natural is a big part of our process, but so is function and feel. We believe that skincare is a very personal thing, so we work hard to incorporate scent, feel and function to make your experience just that little bit more indulgent.” “Self-care is a way to find your centre or balance. By knowing and understanding our centre we can navigate life with care and harmony.”

021 130 2178 | botanical.co.nz BOTANICAL SKIN + BODY |

Putting ourselves first is vital for our own well-being, says Bliss Beauty & Wellness owner Bridgette Gordon. With a passion for beauty therapy since she was young, Bridgette says the industry is about so much more than appearance. “It’s about people taking time to practice self-love. By investing in something for only themselves they are telling their subconscious that they are worth it.”

“You could say beauty therapy was always in my blood. As a little girl I used to give my mum and her friends pedicures

Self-care is looking after yourself by staying healthy – physically, mentally and emotionally, says Harmony Balance 4 Health owner Yvonne Harvey. “Taking time out for yourself helps towards eliminating stress that may cause many aliments within the body.” Yvonne understands that each person is unique, so tailors her treatments to suit each individual’s needs, no matter the age. Enhancing harmony and balance to help provide quality of life, Yvonne’s treatments include reflexology lymph drainage, facial reflexology, ortho-bionomy, relaxation massage and Indian head massage. “I love seeing people walk away from my clinic floating on a cloud and smiling – it gives me the satisfaction of knowing I have given the right treatment for that individual person.”

027 316 6626 | harmonybalance4health.co.nz Crystal Affinity, 16 Bridge Street |

and massages. I have always found joy in doing for others, so when it came to choosing a career path, beauty was an easy pick.” Bridgette studied a two-year diploma in Beauty and Body therapies and consequently found her dream job at one of Nelson’s busiest day spas. “I went on progress my skill set, experience and clientele, working there for eight years and even managing that spa, which I enjoyed very much. Eventually it was time to challenge myself in a new way. I wanted to step out build my own path and it was time to do that for myself. Bliss Beauty & Wellness was born.”

“For me, self-care can be summed up with a quote, ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup’. Basically, we are no good to anyone else unless we practice putting ourselves first and doing things that recharge us.” Self-care comes in many forms, says Bridgette, knowing when to press pause and look after yourself is paramount to combat burnout and stress-related disease. “I feel that now more than ever people are realising that wellness encompasses mind, body and soul, not just the physical, and I’m excited to broaden people’s perspective on this by introducing them to a holistic approach to wellness alongside some other amazing practitioners with Bliss in the future.”

Bliss Beauty & Wellness offer a range of products and treatments to suit everyone’s needs, including facials, massage, pamper treatments and wellness sessions.

027 911 2085 | blissbeauty.wellness@outlook.com 39 Parkers Road, Tahunanui |

Self-care can take many forms, and going to the movies is an excellent option to escape reality, relax and be completely immersed in an experience without distraction. This even has a name – cinema therapy. Laughing is good for your heart, while sad movies produce endorphins which are excellent for your brain chemistry. Nelson’s locally owned and operated independent nine screen State Cinema complex is designed specifically to enable full immersion in the movie experience. With comfortable armchair seating, the highest quality audiophile sound, large curved screens, real Italian pizza, beverages, espresso and fine wine on site, there can be nothing better than taking time out to improve your health with a movie fix. Presenting the most diverse range of movie titles in the region, there’s always a movie for you.

Committed to creating luscious natural skincare right here in Nelson, Bay Soaps founder Stacey Hickey is passionate about developing products that are ethically made. “We can confidently say we use no fragrance oils, animal products or palm oil. It has always been important that we listen to what our customers want when developing products and that’s definitely a passion of mine.” As a committee member of the New Zealand Soap Makers association, Stacey believes self-care can be easily incorporated into your daily routine when you choose a natural handmade product that promotes skin health. “We encourage self-care using ingredients such as nourishing oils, butters, clays and essential oils to promote health and well-being.”

hello@baysoaps.co.nz | baysoaps.co.nz

Cranio Nelson owner Jonathan Chambers is a long-term practitioner and teacher of yoga, meditation, mindfulness and qi-gong. He has taken this exploration inward to develop an intimate experiential knowledge of how body and mind respond to the many and varied challenges of life. Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is a powerful holistic therapy, founded on thorough anatomical understanding. It employs deep listening to tune into the subtle interplay of body, mind, environment, and the essential forces of life itself, helping to awaken our innate capacity for healing. “Self-care for me is primarily about discovering and nurturing a sense of integrity – that feeling of wholeness and purpose we find when all aspects of our being come into alignment. From here we can engage with life fully; and relate to its wonders and challenges with a healthy body, clear heart and open mind.”

021 186 0476 | cranio.nz Seymour Ave, Nelson

Located on Hardy Street, Kathy and her team at BKinky are there to help spice up your sex life with a range of adult items suitable for any situation. Priding themselves on delivering highly pleasurable products, Kathy is a firm believer that everyone deserves the very best experience, every time! “Self-care for me, means getting to know your own body before someone else does. It is really important to know what you like, first and foremost. Forget about that awkward feeling. We have been doing this for a very long time and discretion, for us, is paramount.” If you are unsure of what you need, just ask the friendly staff, or visit their website chatroom for advice. BKinky ship all over New Zealand and their packages are very discrete.

03 544 4444 | bkinky.co.nz 117d Hardy Street, Nelson

Bodypulse training is one of the world’s most efficient and addictive full body workouts in just twenty minutes, combining state-of-the-art full body EMS (Electro Muscle Stimulation) technology with personal training. It is specifically designed to help improve energy levels, strength and posture, while being easy on joints, helping to reduce back pain while adding that all-important positive feeling of self-care. “Our team at Bodypulse is here for you. We engage your entire body by stimulating all the major muscle groups at the same time,” says Bodypulse Richmond owner Belinda Koloamatangi. “Our centrally-located private studio in Richmond has a FREE trial on offer so that you can get a taste of what all the hype is about.”

027 323 7105 Petrie Car Park Richmond |

Carmen of Soul Oasis is an intuitive healer, intuitive counsellor and spiritual teacher with over twenty years’ experience in providing insight, wisdom and healing to clients from all walks of life, worldwide. Sessions are online or via phone, so you are in the comfort of your own space. Carmen intuitively feels where energy is blocked in your body, then will release it to ease your emotional and physical issues. Each session is unique to your energy and needs. Often people feel changes during the session and feel better immediately. Dealing with your past or current issues in this way builds a strong and beautiful self-care foundation. Confidentiality is assured. It’s time for you to shine!

022 609 0088 | souloasis.co.nz Soul Oasis |

Tim Young has worked in health care for over twenty years, first as a registered nurse, and over the last twelve years as a therapeutic massage therapist. “Acute and chronic pain are a part of so many people’s lives but my clients will attest to the benefits of a self-care programme that includes regular massage,” he says. Alongside his popular massage treatment options, Tim also teaches stretching to aid strength, mobility, posture and stress relief, along with yoga that is based on healthy and sustainable principles. “Self-care shouldn’t feel like a chore or a bore,” he says. “It is important to choose activities that make you feel rejuvenated and recharged. Keeping them simple will encourage you to continue and reap the benefits.”

Coach Seals teaches women the secret to sustainable healthy weight loss for life. A daily chocolate eater herself, she’ll tell you nothing is out of bounds, moderation and consistency are key, while choosing health as your primary motivator. She will enthusiastically remind you that you are the most important person in your life and real self-care involves healthy eating, movement and postive self talk. Women working with Seals are encouraged to respect their bodies and feel grateful for what they do on a daily basis, moving away from critical and negative thoughts. At 46, Seals has 18 years experience taking women from overweight and unhappy to looking and feeling confident and healthy with her personalised 1:1 coaching programmes.

027 256 4404 | timyoungbackhealth.com 75 Russell St, Nelson | 021 547 688 | realhealthpt@gmail.com

Take some time for yourself and enjoy reading a copy of a home-delivered Nelson Magazine every month. Reading a magazine is a great way to relax, lighten your mind and reduce stress levels.

Treat yourself to one of the many tempting products or services within the pages, and be inspired by local people doing amazing things.

For just $49 (usually $59) you can get 12 editions of the Nelson Magazine delivered to your letterbox, meaning you never miss out on a copy, and if you order before the end of January, you’ll also receive a free six month subscription for a friend.

To subscribe, email office@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Stress, anxiety and trauma can result in dis-connecting from and not feeling one’s body. In the long term, this can impact physical, social and psychological well-being, quality of life and relationship to self and others. Yoga is a practice of re-connection and has been an important part of Jenny’s own healing journey. She offers trauma-sensitive yoga (TCTSY) group programs for participants who have experienced sexual trauma funded under ACC sensitive claims. Participants have shared that being able to connect with their body in a way that feels safe and empowering has been a valuable pathway to healing and care for the self. Over time, this permeates daily life, such as responding to hunger or the need to rest, from a place of a deep inner knowing, feeling and choosing.

022 500 1648 | findingspacewellness.com

Haven Health is a collective of healthcare specialists, including physiotherapists, psychologists, psychotherapists and specialist medical practitioners. They provide holistic, evidence-based medical and healthcare options for people across all of life’s different stages. They believe that self-care involves reaching out for help when you are struggling and in need of support. They appreciate that this can be challenging and uncomfortable, so they take the time to listen and work with you at your own pace to create a plan and help you live the life you want. They believe in empowering their clients to discover their own health and well-being priorities, and find sustainable ways to incorporate these into their day to day lives. This includes recognising that self-care is not something that you need to invest a lot of time or money in - instead it’s a way of living - as what you do on a daily basis can actually make the most difference, even if it seems small! They encourage people to think about self-care holistically, considering all of their different needs, including the physical, mental, emotional, relational, cultural and spiritual. They offer individual in-depth medical appointments, physical and mental well-being check-ups before and after birth, psychological therapy, supervised exercise, Pilates, trauma-sensitive yoga group programs, group classes, educational presentations and courses. They provide collaborative care, and can also refer clients to other practitioners in our Collective, or offer joint appointments where appropriate to help you on your journey. Haven Health is a warm and welcoming practice and can help with a wide range of problems, including pelvic physiotherapy (pelvic pain, painful sex, bladder and bowel control, pre and post-surgery care, prolapse and pessary fitting, abdominal separation; return to sport and exercise after childbirth, ACC birth injuries); pregnancy and postnatal support (perinatal mental health, birth trauma, breastfeeding support, infant sleep, parental burnout and parenting support, attachment and bonding); lifestyle medicine and nutrition (holistic comprehensive medical care, using evidence-based interventions and treatments to manage a wide range of health concerns); and help with persistent pain, chronic fatigue, anxiety and stress, trauma, low mood, depression and a wide range of other health concerns.

Jess Hannah Dance & Pilates (JHDP) offers a range of classes in Stoke, Richmond and Brightwater. These include group pilates classes for all levels, alongside dance classes for 3 years through to adults. Jess is qualified and registered with The International Dance Teachers Association. JHDP’s aim is to offer all students an inclusive, encouraging and kind environment. All students have exam opportunities and involvement in the annual shows. Jess is also a qualified pilates instructor, specialising in mat pilates with small props. JHDP has classes for all abilities including beginners, open, flow and over 55’s. With Jess’s gymnastic and dancing background, she is passionate about the benefits of movement to people’s health and well-being. Enrolments are now open for 2023.

027 921 5339 | jesshannahdanceandpilates.com 40 Saxton Road West, Stoke |

There are not many things as vital to self-care as a comfortable bed that supports the body in all the right places, particularly as most of us spend around a third of our lives sleeping. Nelson is fortunate to have an excellent local bed manufacturer in Nelson Beds. Owners Dave and Christine Bary joke that they “sell sleep” and they are certainly masters of creating the ultimate comfort in beds that are custom-made and built on their premises. Only the highest quality materials are used and they go out of their way to ensure customers get the right bed for their specific requirements. They also make bespoke beds for accommodation venues, caravans, motorhomes, trucks and boats of all sizes, ensuring a good night’s sleep anywhere.

03 547 4567 | nelsonbeds.co.nz 59 Quarantine Road

Nelson’s newest boutique hair and nail studio is the perfect place to rejuvenate and refresh over the holiday break. Located in the heart of Nelson, Poynter and Co’s welcoming and relaxed environment will afford you the time and care you deserve when you want to feel pampered. With over twenty years’ experience, owner and operator Juanita Poynter knows exactly how to make you look and feel amazing! There is also an excellent range of hair products for you to take home that will keep your hair looking wonderful. Poynter and Co also have rental chairs available for hair stylists who work for themselves but don’t want the major risks involved with business ownership. You will very much enjoy working in this creative and supportive environment.

Amber de Garnham takes self-care to a whole new level for her clients and staff in her busy Hair in the City salon. “We are a bit unusual in that we are a completely sustainable salon using only environmentally-friendly products,” she says. “All our packaging is one hundred per cent recyclable and our hair products contain no sulphates, parabens or nasties of any kind. I am so excited by the developments in technology that have enabled the beautiful NAK products we use to work so well and in which every single ingredient is approved for safety,” she says. “Our customers rave about the wonderful effect they have on their hair and how they feel beautiful after every treatment.”

03 545 7425 3/219 Trafalgar St (Farmers Arcade) |

Maker of Aurora Candles, Steph Lay, is very conscious of the need to push pause from time to time. “I’ve always been an active relaxer but am learning that sometimes we need to switch off from the busyness of life and take time for ourselves,” says Steph. “Enjoying a book or podcast with a cup of tea and basking in the scent of a moody candle hits all the senses - create a ritual your body gets to know and appreciate. Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or take much time. It’s about finding those little moments amongst the big moments.” With a range of candles and diffuser fragrances such as CocoVanille, Nelson Pear and Pomegranate, Aurora Candles has a fragrance for every palate.

Alison Singleton of The Natural Health Clinic, knows firsthand the power of information about food and other product sensitivities to change lives. Trained initially in the medical science field, it took the birth of her son and his autism diagnosis to catapult her into specializing in complementary medicine after finding traditional medical approaches didn’t help. Nowadays her scientific training combines with that in the kiniseology and nutritional fields to provide exciting and life-changing solutions for adults and children with a wide range of chronic health problems, including food allergies and eczema. “To be able to find solutions to problems that have left patients feeling hopeless and overwhelmed, often for years, gives me so much joy,” says Alison. “The simple, non-invasive treatments I work with provide transformative, powerful change.”

027 726 7324 | thenaturalhealthclinic.co.nz 2/32 Oxford Street, Richmond |

There are few places in New Zealand that receive as many outstanding reviews for a relaxing get away as the awardwinning Maruia River Retreat. Only two short and easy hours’ drive south from Nelson, it is the perfect destination when your world has become too fast to keep up with and you need to sink back into the bosom of nature and its healing, regenerative powers. Nestled alongside the Maruia River, the property is a two-hundred-hectare, private, pure and untouched nature estate of high ecological significance, and is home to a multitude of precious flora, fauna and wildlife, some of which are unique to the West Coast of New Zealand and include over fifteen rare bird species. Hosts Cristina and Lasse Holopainen are renowned for the care they show their guests who rave about the luxurious accommodation, tranquillity, the soothing benefits of forest bathing in the river hot tub and forest sauna under the stars, superb spa treatments, along with delicious, nourishing meals created lovingly from local and homegrown produce. For those who are feeling energetic, there are options of white-water rafting, kayaking, visits to the Maruia Falls and exploration of the nature trails around the Shenandoah area. Whether guests choose the opportunity to visit the Maruia Retreat for a romantic couple’s getaway, time out alone or with friends and family, every care is taken to provide them with an experience of healthy, blissful luxury that they will never forget. Throughout the year a range of special self-care retreat packages are offered also, sometimes led by visiting teachers. Upcoming ones include a two-night mini retreat complete with breakfasts, lunches and three course dinners along with daily yoga classes, sound-healing, gong bath sessions and nature walks. There are also popular writer’s courses and introduction to yoga retreats. Maruia River Retreat has been described variously as “peace on earth,” “truly magical” an “untouched paradise” and a place where mind and soul can be “recharged, reinvigorated and revitalized.” It is a place where you will quickly be enveloped with the feelings of serenity, peace and happiness, enabling you to face the world again, thoroughly refreshed.

027 563 3143 | 021 023 31144 | maruia.co.nz 2314 Shenandoah Highway, SH65 |