Escape Stay

  • Spend a night or more at Manawa Retreat, your serene base in the heart of Whitecliffs. If you're seeking adrenaline-filled adventure or peaceful nature escapes, the surrounding area offers something for everyone:

    • Mt Hutt & Local Ski Fields: Just a short drive away, enjoy some of the best slopes in the country for skiing and snowboarding.

    • Scenic Hikes: Wander the Rakaia Gorge Walkway, explore alpine tracks near Porters Pass, or opt for a gentler stroll through the native bush at Whitecliffs Domain.

    • Golfing: Practise your swing on our private chip and putt 6-hole country course, or head to the nearby Hororata Golf Club for a full round.

    • Water Adventures: Try kayaking on the Rakaia River or experience the thrill of jet boating in Selwyn.

    After days spent in the fresh mountain air, unwind in the sauna, soak in the hot spa, or float in the heated pool. With nourishing meals provided daily, breakfast, takeaway lunch, and dinner, it’s the perfect winter escape blending adventure and relaxation.

  • $349 couple or $296.65 single per night.

Spring into New Life with monthly Yoga + Sauna Series

  • Starting Monday 1st September, and continuing on the first Monday of each month throughout Spring, this gentle and grounding yoga class invites our local community to come together, slow down, and move with intention.

    If you're a seasoned yogi or just beginning your practice, these sessions offer a welcoming space to stretch, breathe, and reset, perfect for embracing the new beginnings and vitality that Spring brings.

    Each gathering includes:
    • 1 hour of gentle, grounding yoga – suitable for all levels
    • 1 hour of sauna and herbal tea – relax, restore, and connect

    When: First Monday of the month (1 Sept, 6 Oct, 3 Nov)
    Time: 9:30am to 11:30am
    Where: Manawa Retreat, 193 Whitecliffs Road
    Cost: $117 for 3 sessions – early bird $105 (limited spots)

    Expect mindful movement, restorative sauna time, and a calming start to your day, all set in the peaceful surrounds of Manawa. Spaces are very limited, bookings essential.

  • Early bird $105 then $117 for 3 sessions.

Our Retreats

Wellness Retreats are focused on holistic health, combining yoga, meditation, nutrition, movement, sauna, hot tub, cold plunge and mindfulness sessions for all levels. Set in our breathtaking landscape, this retreat offers a peaceful environment for personal growth, stress reduction and mental clarity.

Activities Include:

  • Nutritional guidance and workshops

  • Yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices

  • Sauna, heated pool, cold plunge and hot tub

Imagine starting your day with yoga as sunlight filters through the trees, enjoying a rejuvenating sauna session after a winter hike, or soaking in our heated pool under the stars.

Every detail at Manawa Retreat is designed to nurture your well-being.

Testimonials

  • As a shy and introverted person outside of my work life, I have tended to veer from group activities and gatherings. This was my first ever retreat, and I strongly suspect it won't be my last. An incredibly beautiful setting of native trees, with a mixture of English and fruit trees dotted in; a full green landscape! The only sounds were birdsong and the flow of water in the nearby river. Idilic! The facilities are modern, and yet comforting. Plenty of spaces to curl up with a book, or just to listen to the world around you. The meditation and group activities were outside my normal comfort zone, but I was always made comfortable within minutes. The facilitators were always warm, and inviting. I participated in every activity, and have left feeling quite proud of all I achieved. Yoga, plunges, and a sleek sauna! You can really tell the management, especially the CoO, absolutely love their jobs and their passion lies with Manawa Retreat. Fantastic experience.

    SARAH TURBULL

  • I had the absolute pleasure of attending a retreat at Manawa Retreat and I was blown away by the location, the facilities and last but definitely not least the entire team that made the experience so special. The place has such a calm energy about it and I could not imagine a better setting to focus on ones health and wellness and to take ones life to the next level. I'm personally a huge fan of their world class sauna, but the 80 odd acres of stunning nature on their grounds filled with native trees and birdsong are also a real highlight. If you have the opportunity to attend a Manawa Retreat I would suggest not hesitating. Whether you are after a challenge, an opportunity for personal growth or simply a chance to reset and regather yourself Manawa Retreat is a winner.

    BENJAMIN MARCH

  • I have been to many retreats, and this one was special. The land and river were amazing it had so much space to find your own little nook when time allowed. The pool and sauna are top class The facilities are modern and clean. Everything felt so crisp. The food and drinks were on point, and all the little extra trimming were next level. There is so much growth to be had for each individual. There is so much wisdom shared from everyone involved, not just the facilitators If you are looking at levelling up this is the place to be. Highly recommend getting into Manawa Retreat.

    KARL