About Us

Welcome to our ‘award winning’ eco getaway property, we are so happy to share our little piece of paradise with you!

 
 
 

🌿 Welcome to Maria’s Sanctuary Retreat! 🌸

I’m Maria Hopkins, your host at this peaceful haven. I created our retreat as a place to unwind, reconnect with nature, and rejuvenate—whether for a short getaway or a longer stay.

Wellness & Relaxation: Enjoy our twin outdoor mineralized baths and optional healing services for a truly restorative experience.

Meet Arran – Nature Ambassador: My son Arran helps care for our land, harvest Dorrigo Bush Pepper, Organic land practices and care for our animals, all part of our not-for-profit mission to restore the land and support organic farming.

Explore Nature: Wander 120 acres of lush forest, listen to frogs, spot wildlife, and soak in the tranquility of our sanctuary.

Local Flavours: Savor our Bush Pepper and farm-fresh eggs-a taste of the love and care behind our retreat.

Plan Your Stay: Join us at Maria’s Sanctuary Retreat, where wellness meets wilderness. Book now and immerse yourself in nature’s embrace.

A white outdoor hot tub filled with bubbles, surrounded by lit candles, with two glasses of red wine on a tray, set in a natural, wooded environment during sunset.
A cheese and charcuterie board with grapes, nuts, and sliced meats, two glasses of red wine, all on a wooden table in front of a cozy stone fireplace.
Nighttime outdoor scene with a bathtub filled with bubbles, lit by candles, set at the foot of the forrest with trees and ferns under a starry sky.
Sunshine shining through trees in a forest with lush green foliage and a grassy path.
Close-up of a vibrant orange and yellow flower with pink accents and white stamens, against a blurred green background.
An outdoor dining table set for a meal with plates, wine glasses filled with red wine, and a bottle of organic shiraz wine, against a background of trees and sunlight.
Wooden sign with the words "Bush Pepper Retreat" and a star, mounted on metal stakes among greenery.

What People Are Saying

 

“Maria is lovely and so accommodating…her massages are out of this world!”

~ KLP

“Spotlessly clean and fully equipped, every detail catered to ~ such a lovely warm and friendly welcome by Maria.”

~ Telissa Smith

“Maria and her quality retreat deserve a top level rating. The property and amenities were exactly as described - beautifully designed, presented and located. The aspect captures the surrounding wilderness and natural sunlight with ample covered and other outdoor areas to enjoy. The interior layout, furnishings and landscaping are superb. The retreat is spotless and well equipped with ample guidance provided via small printed signs to maximise the experience and to maintain sustainable living practices. The location provides the option to ‘retreat’ and/or venture out into the immediate wilderness or to the Dorrigo area. We did some prior planning of a basic menu with supplies which gave us the option to relax and dine at the retreat. The patio BBQ and fully equipped kitchen made meal preparation a breeze. We enjoyed early morning walks along the neighbourhood road and cross country daytime walks down to the creek. Soaking in the outdoor bath tubs on dusk was a fabulous wind-down looking up at the tree lined evening sky and listening to a chorus of bush sounds as the day came to an end.”

~ Rosemary