But the words “wellness retreat” can also come with a lot of negative connotations. Telling my colleagues I was off to a relaxing yoga-filled escape had them questioning if I would be up at 4am to meditate, if I would be allowed to speak at all, or – even worse – if I would be giving up coffee and booze for the foreseeable future. 

Instead, at Maruia, it’s wellness – but not as you know it. Everything is politely offered with no obligations, so you can do as much or as little as you like.

Upon arrival, a daily yoga schedule is written on a blackboard, with no expectations of attendance. Even better, the earliest class is about 9am, rather than a bleary dawn wakeup. A guided walk through the bush is also offered, again, only if you feel like it.

If you’d rather spend the entire stay sitting out in the retreat’s hot tub or sauna turning into a shrivelled prune, you’re more than welcome. You’re pretty much left to your own devices – although not literally, as cell reception only makes it into the retreat’s main building. Relaxation and switching off is the name of the game.