Aro Ha: 5- and 7-Day Wellness Retreat in New Zealand's Southern Alps

Aro Ha was launched in 2014 and is purpose built for what it does. The buildings use Passivhaus techniques and permaculture principles, and the property has won awards for its architecture as well as its wellness programme. It is 45 minutes from Queenstown, in the Southern Alps.

The programme is called Revive & Thrive. It runs in two formats: a 7-day Signature retreat and a 5-day Essential retreat. Retreats run Sunday to Friday. Each day builds on the one before, and the schedule mixes yoga, breathwork, Pilates, hiking, contrast hydrotherapy, spa treatments and massage, insight and meditation sessions, and teaching on sleep hygiene and nutrition.

Movement is a core part of the week. The team describes it as functional movement at the right frequency and intensity, and the aim is to stimulate adaptation. Guests report better rest and clearer thinking. The retreat also leans on contrast hydrotherapy — hot and cold — as a regular part of the day.

The food is plant based, with an emphasis on local, organic and seasonal produce. The retreat describes the menu as cleansing, and guests eat three meals a day from the kitchen. The property grows some of its own food under a plant-to-plate approach.

The team is led by Damian Chaparro and includes guides, therapists, specialists and educators with more than 30,000 hours of specialised training between them. Guests can book one-on-one sessions with therapists during their stay.

Aro Ha also runs specialty retreats with visiting educators, private group retreats and corporate retreats. If plans change, dates can be moved without a fee. The retreat operates year round thanks to the local weather.

What's included

- 5 or 7 nights on-site accommodation - Plant-based cleansing menu (breakfast, lunch and dinner) - Daily yoga and breathwork - Daily Pilates and functional movement sessions - Guided hikes in the Southern Alps - Contrast hydrotherapy (hot and cold) - Daily spa massage and treatments - Insight and meditation sessions - Teaching on nutrition, longevity, movement, mindfulness and sleep hygiene - Access to the retreat's spa and treatment rooms

What's not included

- Travel to and from Queenstown - Airport transfers - Travel insurance - One-on-one therapist sessions (available as an add-on) - Optional wellbeing measurements (HRV, waist-to-height, blood pressure) - Personal expenses