Susan Roberts

Just For a Moment Maruia River retreat celebrates their newest upgrades and the opening of the season in the Heart of Shenandoah – Nelson Tasman Region, New Zealand. As the Shenandoah region bathes in the warm embrace of spring and summer, Maruia River Retreat beckons anew. Nestled within this soulful landscape, Maruia River Retreat captures […]

Maruia River Retreat is bursting with anticipation for the arrival of spring – a time of rejuvenation and fresh beginnings.At Maruia, we’re embracing the spirit of this vibrant season with some remarkable new enhancements to our facilities and offerings. We are excited to welcome you back soon to our unique sanctuary where the luxury of

ARCADIA LODGE AND COTTAGE and CLOUD 9 LUXURY VILLA Take a look at ARCADIA LODGE – this heritage lodge is located in one of Russell’s original Vicar’s homes, and offers boutique style accommodation in 5 suites and rooms. Or, the option of staying at ARCADIA LODGE which is situated right next to the lodge. The

And the best place to stay is The Vicarage Geraldine The best small town in Canterbury is… “With the Southern Alps forming a backdrop to its well-tended English cottage-style gardens, Geraldine is just as pretty at some of the South Island’s better known settlements, but attracts far fewer visitors. Its natural attributes have inspired lots

Republished with permission from Niki in New Zealand A few weeks ago, Ben and I got the chance to stay in the Ashley Mackenzie Villa at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. To say that this mini staycation was fancy is an understatement — everything was so lush. Here’s a full review of our stay, including my thoughts

THE STOPOVER YOU SHOULDN’T MISS VIA the POWDER HIGHWAY It’s not long before dawn on a frosty morning in Geraldine with the layers of ice on my car’s windscreen thicker than Jacinda Adern’s vowels and matched only by the layers of clothing required on this kind of bracing Kiwi winter’s day. I’m up early, with the sun

One of 9 RAINFOREST RETREATS THAT PUT YOU RIGHT IN THE JUNGLE Maruia River Retreat capitalises on the expansive nature of the region. 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

As the sun rises on the mountains and the peace and stillness of simply being is all around you, this is one of New Zealand’s greatest hidden treasures; Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. Its 70 acres have been a haven and tranquil escape for loved ones, family, friends and guests for 10 years now. It has

Get out into the fresh country air and connect with rural New Zealand. Native forests, rivers and mountains surround the pretty town of Geraldine, located between Christchurch and Lake Tekapo. Take a farm tour, handle deer velvet, sample deer milk cheese, visit historic farm buildings, hear the stories of New Zealand’s early farm settlers, visit

Discover the least cycled roads, the most gorgeous gorges, and the perfect pit stops along the way.   Choose your own adventure to race your heart or rest your soul this Spring and Summer at Maruia River Retreat. Welcome to a season of new beginnings with brighter and sunnier days ahead! Come forth, Spring!   We

Donkey Bay Inn is nestled on its own beach near Russell, 3.5 hours north of Auckland. As a long-term American expat in New Zealand, something that has struck me since the first day I arrived here is how there always seems to be a place for independence, in every sense of the world. Independent businesses

Boutique Hotels & Lodges is excited to announce a partnership with three exceptional lodgings in the South Island to offer a six-night package that is sure to excite any gourmet who wants to experience some of the best food, stargazing, scenery, wildlife and hospitality that New Zealand has to offer! Experience three of the South

Courtesy – Tim Roxborogh – writing for the New Zealand Herald Lonely Bay – Cooks Beach Coromandel – Photo – Tim Roxborogh Location: Down a quiet cul-de-sac, a 10-minute stroll from the gently curving crescent of white sand that is the Coromandel’s Cooks Beach. More importantly, just 20 minutes on foot from one of the absolute

New to our boutique collection, this simply gorgeous heritage building has been lovingly restored into luxurious accommodation right in the heart of  the pretty township of Geraldine. The Vicarage has a self-check-in arrangement with a drop box containing your room key – a code is provided prior to arrival.  Complimentary parking onsite which made it easy