Maruia Hot Springs

Third time here and we had a wonderful time. Every detail here with the food, staff, service, smiles down to the decor is just beautiful. The sauna infusion is defo worth a shot and for anyone brave enough to take a dip in the cold plunge… I had made an error with my booking and the man at check out helped hugely which I appreciate. Thank you for a peaceful escape at Maruia Hot Springs.

Maruia is certainly unique! It is a picturesque location, away from the hub bub of life. The amenities are good, the rooms spacious, the pools fantastic and the guest lounge a cozy haven on a winters day. However, to enjoy Maruia you must lower your expectations of four star service. An error in booking meant our organiser failed to book enough rooms for our group. The reception staff informed us they were fully booked and seemed to think the matter resolved - despite us travelling more than 4 hours and a plane ride before that to reach the location. We said a member of our party was happy to sleep on the floor if a mattress could be provided - we were happy to pay a fee, of course. It took three requests by three separate members of our group til they ultimately said "it's not possible" with zero empathy or alternative solutions offered. Finally we approached a fourth staff member - Joe - who had some empathy - and he arranged for a mattress in one of the rooms. The next morning, a room had become available, but they did not mention it to us and when I enquired at reception - to the same ambivalent, slow, rude and unhelpful person as the day prior- was told I was lucky "as they'd listed the room online and no one had taken it". We had asked them the night prior to let us know if a room became available and they assured us they would. For $357 a night, I'd expect better and more accommodating service than this. It's almost comical how disorganised staff are, and how disinterested some of them are in helping you. We arrived for a dinner reservation two minutes early and were told "you're too early, we can't serve you" and they sent us away. The manner is brusque, apathetic and poor. Joe was wonderful and allayed some of the issues, but service was wildly inconsistent. It's a beautiful spot and I would hate to see the consistent poor reviews regarding customer service here derail a once flourishing hospitality venture. Without Joe's efforts, I wouldn't have been able to recommended this place to friends.

My wife selected this place. Great choice. The food was a fine dining experience considering the remote location. Nearby trails to walk. We stayed in a pod. Cozy. The bed was heavenly. Walking distance to the potty. The spa was very relaxing with the various pools. There is a cold plunge pool. We both had booked a message. Mine was great. I had some spots well worked on my left calf and back. The red Beech forest is beautiful.