Verve got to chat with Cristina Holopainen, General Manager and Resident Yoga Teacher for Maruia River Retreat. As well as two female speakers, Stacey Fraser and Kathlyn Sanga Flores, that will be co-hosting upcoming retreats.
Skin to Soul Rejuvenation Retreat
From September 29 to October 2, 2023, they will be hosting the Skin to Soul Rejuvenation Retreat. Stacey Fraser and Cristina Holopainen will be leading a 4 day and 3 night sensory and immersive learning experience on skincare, beauty, yoga, sleep and rest. This all-women’s retreat offers private forest bathing, facial and spa treatments, guided nature walks and delicious fresh food. You will get the experience of a private luxury villa on a 500-acre native forest land. Packages start at $2250 per person based on twin share.
Personal Restoration Retreats
Held every weekend from November 1 to November 20, 2023. With choices of 3- or 4-night packages their all-inclusive wellness experience includes daily skincare treatments from Kathlyn Sanga Flores and yoga taught by Lasse and Cristina Holopainen. Daily activities including mediation, guided nature walks, impeccable meals, and so much more. Packages start at $2750 per person for 3 nights.
For more details and package inclusions visit maruia.co.nz/personal-restoration-retreats
Cristina Holopainen
Maruia River Retreat
What is Maruia River Retreat’s mission?
Our mission is to heal with nature. We are very much committed to pioneering regenerative travel as our small offering to the world in need of healing. Over the last four years, we were very focused on establishing Maruia River Retreat as a place of wellness and healing. Intrinsic to this vision was the communion with nature that our modern lives have stripped us of. Guests at the retreat have come to appreciate the primal power of our private forest estate and the purity of our waters, and most leave understanding that much like us, nature needs protection and healing.
What led to your passion for teaching well-being classes?
The passion for teaching is always alight in me as it has been a way to keep me in check (mind, body and inspiration) and because it brings me so much joy to see others benefit from the classes and their time with us.
How has practicing and teaching yoga impacted you?
From witnessing how the yoga practice changed my husband’s life by relieving his chronic pain, rehabilitating his body and mind to its undiscovered potential and for the benefits it has given me in living a balanced and joyful life. Something this helpful and powerful must be shared and which is why we continue to study, teach and deepen our practice of yoga with thoughtful care, intention and skill.
What is your go-to self-care activity?
A simple skin care, drinking lots of Maruia spring water, regular dedicated yoga practice and good deep sleep.
Stacey Fraser
Stacey Fraser.Co | Cosmetological Artistry
When Consulting clients what is your overall goal?
If it’s to create a new product or bring to life a dream that a client has then the overall goal is to guide and support them through the journey. If it is to provide advice and guidance on skincare/cosmetic products then it is to provide transparent and authentic recommendations based solely on my own experience and knowledge.
How as the cosmetic and beauty industry impacted you?
I have grown a “little weary” of what I see and what is marketed to us. As a “wise age” women and having a 15yr old daughter, I see too extremes and I think it can be such a pressure to be or look a certain way. It truly is a privilege to be any age, that not all get to experience.
In what ways do you believe skincare and beauty are connected to mental and physical health?
Absolutely! There is a real symbiotic relationship between our skin health and emotional health: when our skin is healthy, we feel good, and when we feel good, our skin is healthy. This was quite a realization to me last year when I was unwell with COVID.
What is your go to self-care activity?
Sitting in a sunny spot, taking that relaxing bath, or staying in the shower just that little bit longer. Taking the time to be present when I “take the day off” makeup, and then hydrate my skin and layer on the most divine aromatic facial balm. Fostering Kittens!
Kathlyn Sanga Flores
The Skincare Geek
How did you decide to pursue a career in being an aesthetician?
My decision to pursue a career as an aesthetician was driven by my genuine passion for promoting self-care, helping others feel confident and beautiful, and being a part of a transformative journey in people’s lives. When I knew what an aesthetician was, I thought it was a perfect combination of healing through science, creativity, and a deep understanding of the human body and emotion. It is a calling that allows me to blend artistry, science, and human connection in a way that brings beauty and joy and satisfaction to both myself and those I have the privilege to serve.
Why do you choose to take a holistic approach to your practice?
Studying the skin goes way beyond quick fixes. Treating any skin condition, like any other disease, requires patience and a holistic approach, and this is what I enjoy most about my profession – I get to guide people in their skincare routines through a holistic approach and help them rediscover the value of self-care.
What is your goal for your clients’ mental and physical health at the end of their sessions?
I describe how I practice in three words: HOLISTIC, MINIMALISTIC & EMPATHETIC. I do not only help my clients improve the appearance of their skin, I also help them discover their best selves by helping them take care of themselves beyond merely applying skincare products. I strive to give them the necessary tools for success and a space where they can receive and just BE. Every session I provide is a therapeutic journey back to themselves.
What is your go to self-care activity?
Yoga, meditation and walks by the beach or lakes. I love being close to a body of water as much as possible – it recharges my soul.
