SOLD OUT. Sign up for the Yoga Immersion: Fall 2025 Retreat on May 1 to 4, 2025.
Spend 4 days learning and experiencing the different type of yoga practices guided and led by Jules Matthews and Cristina Holopainen in the most relaxed and private group setting and in one of the most colorful and transformative seasons at Maruia River Retreat.
You will experience alignment-based Yoga through morning Vinyasa flow, Iyengar basic posture workshop and Beginner’s Ashtanga LED class, afternoon restorative and yin yoga classes and evening Yoga Nidra and gong bath/sound healing sessions. A special Pranayama and Yogic Philosophy workshop will be led by Lasse Holopainen.
All classes are designed for all levels, especially new practitioners, as a gentle introduction to the Yoga practice. At the end of the 4 days, you will learn the foundations of a safe yoga practice with the intention to continue after you have left the Retreat.
This all-inclusive retreat includes the following:
Solo or twin share occupancy for 3 nights and 4 days in your own private Luxe or Master Villa (only 10 spaces available)
Daily breakfast, packed lunches and dinners (omnivore menu)
Daily morning, afternoon and evening yoga classes - designed to invigorate, restore and rest the body and mind
Evening Workshop on “The Magic of Better Sleep”
One (1) 60-minute massage by Maruia’s experienced therapist
Guided Nature Walk with meditation and breath-work
Private 1-hour forest bathing daily (outdoor hot tub and sauna)
Use of Finnish dry sauna and cold shower facilities
High-speed internet in the Lodge and Wellness Center
Group transfer service from Nelson airport to Maruia River Retreat and back (Shuttle time is at 11am from Nelson Airport and 11am from Maruia River Retreat) - additional cost and bookings required).
REVIEW:
“What a breath of fresh air arriving here, felt the lift and light walking into this beautiful space, the teachings brought clarity to “why we do”, the care and the beauty, the food divine. A truly enlightening space - THANK YOU! “- Solo Guest from the Intro to Yoga Retreat held last 12-15 May 2022.
About JULES MATTHEWS
Jules is a long-time dedicated yoga practitioner and experienced yoga teacher with a Level 1 Iyengar Yoga certification, a 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher training certification with Joan Hyman and a certified Yoga Nidra teacher. She leads the Yoga Nidra classes for students around the world online via The School of Yoga and teaches privately to business owners, mothers and students in her local studio in Herne Bay.
She started practicing yoga in her early 20’s initially to maintain a healthy balance of strength and flexibility with running. Her goal is to teach from her dedicated practice.
Jules will lead the morning Beginner’s Ashtanga LED class, Iyengar basic posture workshop and Yoga Nidra sessions at the Retreat.
About CRISTINA HOLOPAINEN
Cristina Holopainen has been teaching well-being classes and workshops for the last 10 years, focusing on the healing benefits of Yoga. She is known for creating a nurturing and safe place for her students with classes that are accessible for all kinds of students.
Cristina has been consistently teaching sleep sessions to teachers, work-from-home workers, business leaders and older adults both in person in New Zealand and online via Urban Ashram and The School of Yoga for the last 2 years. She has had an extensive corporate career in banking and marketing, and as a businesswoman over the last 20 years.
She is a co-founder and teacher at Urban Ashram for the last 10 years and she is currently focusing on teaching older adults, sleep and posture clinics and the business of yoga courses through the School of Yoga. In 2011, she completed her RYT-200 with YogaWorks under Joan Hyman and her RYT-500 with SmartFLOW under Annie Carpenter.
Cristina will lead the Vinyasa Flow, Hatha, restorative/yin and gong bath sessions and the Magic of Better Sleep workshop at the Retreat.