Sunday, October 13, 2013

Maruia Springs part 1: Our stay at a hidden Japanese Retreat

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In the midst of our chaotic uni/work/life schedules, Andrew and I decided on a whim to run away to Maruia Springs for a weekend. There is nothing better than being spontaneous and getting away from reality in the midst of routine and busyness!  
Maruia Springs is a Japanese style hot springs and resort seemingly in the middle of nowhere on the way to the west coast of New Zealand's south island. It is Maruia Spring's 'middle-of-nowhere-ness' that I love the most about it. We wound through the Lewis Pass through a never ending forest of native Beech trees until out of nowhere, popped up a small collection of buildings between the trees that you would miss if you blinked! 
We decided to go for an all inclusive package including a Japanese themed room, couples shiatsu massage, private spa, all hours access to the hot spring pools, complimentary kimono's, cooked breakfast and an incredible 3 course Japanese meal in their 5 star restaurant. It took all of our spare pennies to muster up such a treat- but it was something we desperately needed to do to restore our sanity!
We really did feel like we were far away from New Zealand high in the mountains of Japan. I have never felt so relaxed with all of the pampering, soaking and eating we got to do! Our 3 course meal was honestly one of the best meals I have eaten in my life! It was real authentic Japanese cuisine and they were fantastic at catering for my vegetarianism. I loved the 'agedashi tofu' so much, that it is now a weekly meal that I make myself at home (obviously nowhere near as good as theirs!).
I have more photo's of the hot springs, and the incredible landscape surrounding Maruia Springs to come- there was just too much beauty to photograph all around me!- So keep an eye out!
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50 comments:

  1. OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!! For a second there I thought you had traveled all the way to Japan for a getaway - how awesome that you have a place like this in NZ! I love everything about Japanese culture and would love to be able to have an experience like this. I can only imagine from these photos what an incredible time you had. I can't get enough of the fact that the rooms are decorated traditional Japanese style too, just heavenly.

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    1. It really did feel like we HAD travelled to Japan! It felt so authentic- such a wonderful place to escape to and relax! I am so into Japanese culture also!- It all started with watching 'My Neighbour Totoro!' haha. The rooms were wonderful- sliding screen doors, a miniature japanese garden at the door, and a futon bed on the floor! xox

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  2. I keep meaning to visit Maruia Springs - especially after my trip to Japan this year!! Thank you for sharing such stunning phot0s...now I want to visit even more! xx

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    1. Hey Bec, I thought of you and your trip to Japan when I put these photo's up- If you go, make sure you are there when the restaurant is open...the food is amazing! xox

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  3. You have such a sweet blog! Your adventures look like so much fun!


    I'd like to personally invite you to enter my MAC lipstick $40 MAC giftcard giveaway!
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    1. Hey Michelle, I do love having little adventures as often as possible! Thank you, I will pop over to your blog and enter :) xox

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  4. This looks like such an amazing experience, beautiful photos and amazing looking food! very very jealous xx

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    1. Hi Saida. It really was such an experience! Have never felt so far away from the city and so relaxed in my entire life! xox

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  5. How fun! I definitely want to do this someday :)
    xo TJ

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    1. Hey TJ, It really was so much fun- I think it's so important to just get away on a whim and catch up on some serious relaxation! xox

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  6. Lovely photos! It looks like a really great experience. The food looks delicious!
    Great blog, would you like to follow each other?
    I'm a New follower on bloglovin, waiting for Your turn ;)

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    1. Hi Diana, It was such a wonderful trip away! Thanks a million for the follow, I'll pop on over to your blog! xox

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  7. this sounds amazing! i mean first - middle of nowhere (that always gets me sold), then the whole japanese theme and it being so authentic - wow!

    ps- i'm having an anniversary giveaway on my blog, feel free to check it out

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    1. Hi Sandra, Yes I agree! middle-of-nowhereness always has me sold! Thanks I will have a look! xox

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  8. lovely!!Nice blog. wanna follow each other dear? :)

    http://choccopost.blogspot.com/

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  9. Ahhhh this is seriously the coolest place ever! So wish there was one in the north island!!

    X

    Ellen
    www.shopstyleconquer.blogspot.com

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    1. It really is so lovely! I'm sure there must be a few little hidden thermal gems tucked away somewhere in the north island? I've always wanted to go to Polynesian Spa in Rotorua- the mud bath looks amazing!! xox

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Thank you for your lovely words! I read and cherish, and try to reply to every single comment you leave xox

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