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Why Maison d’Amies Doesn’t Follow a Retreat Formula
I don’t want to take the same vacation every time I travel. And I don’t expect our guests to want that either. That’s why I’ve intentionally chosen not to anchor Maison d’Amies to a single vacation home or a one-size-fits-all retreat model. While repeating the same structure would certainly be easier, it would also mean sameness, and sameness isn’t indulgent.
stephanie557
1 day ago3 min read


From Provence to What’s Next: A Love Letter to 2025 & the Dreams Carrying Us Into 2026
There’s a quiet moment that happens at the end of every year, usually when the inbox slows, the suitcases are unpacked, and the photos finally make it out of my camera roll. It’s the moment when I stop moving long enough to see what actually happened. 2025 was that kind of year. Not flashy. Not rushed. But deeply grounding. This year taught me that growth doesn’t always look like expansion. Sometimes it looks like trust (in my vision and in myself). It looks like taking a min
stephanie557
Dec 31, 20253 min read


Experience the Magic of Champagne: A Retreat for Women
There’s something truly enchanting about rising early among the chalky vineyards. The day feels soft and golden, and all that awaits is curated just for you. A trip to the Champagne region offers this magic, which is precisely why we created our Champagne Edition retreat in collaboration with The Cultured Somm . If you’ve ever pictured yourself sipping bubbly in France, wandering quiet lanes between vines, or dining under the stars with new friends, this is your sign to make
stephanie557
Dec 10, 20253 min read


A Thanksgiving Reflection with Maison d'Amies
Thanksgiving has always been a moment to pause, take a deep breath, and look around at the life I’m building. This year, that reflection feels deeper than ever, because Maison d’Amies (once just a fragile little dream) is now something real, something rooted, something I’m profoundly proud of. When this journey began, it was simple: I wanted to see more of France and share my love for travel, culture, food, and the slower rhythms of life with other women. I imagined intimate
stephanie557
Nov 26, 20253 min read


Normandy Deserves More Than a Drive-By: Why Two Days Will Never Do This Region Justice
There’s something I need to say. Something I’ve been holding in for quite a while, something that makes me want to gently shake the shoulders of all the well-meaning travelers I've planned trips for over the years. Here it is: Normandy is not a two-day destination. It’s not a quick detour. It’s not a box to check as a quick add on to your Paris itinerary. And the truth? It breaks my heart that so many people treat it that way. Every time I meet someone who says, “Oh yeah, I w
stephanie557
Nov 21, 20254 min read


How Solo Female Travelers Can Experience France
Traveling solo in France is one of those experiences that’s equal parts grounding and exhilarating, kinda like taking a deep breath of morning air in the French countryside. I’ve done it myself: wandered cobblestone streets with no plan, eaten way too much cheese, and fallen completely in love with how effortlessly beautiful this country is. If you’re dreaming of a trip that feels independent but still deeply connected, you’re in the right place. I’ll share the real stuff (ti
stephanie557
Nov 10, 20255 min read


Eat Like You Mean It: Savor Avignon, the Ultimate Women’s Culinary Retreat in Provence
If your dream getaway involves flaky croissants, cheese boards that could feed a small army, and wine flowing like it’s part of the landscape… welcome to Savor Avignon . Happening September 2026, this women’s culinary retreat in Provence, France is is for women who are done just dreaming about their best life and are ready to actually live it. This isn’t a polite nibble-and-scroll trip. This is a Provence food retreat where indulgence is mandatory, laughter is guaranteed, and
stephanie557
Nov 9, 20253 min read


Discovering France: Solo Travel for Women
Traveling alone in France is like opening a book filled with charming stories, delicious smells, and unexpected adventures. As someone who has wandered the cobbled streets and sunlit vineyards solo, I can tell you - it’s a journey worth taking. But before you pack your bags and brush up on your bonjour , let me share some insights that will make your trip not just enjoyable but truly unforgettable. Embracing the Spirit of Solo Travel Tips France Solo travel in France is a dan
stephanie557
Nov 5, 20254 min read


Discover Normandy’s Quiet Side: A Retreat for Women Seeking Connection
If you’ve been searching for a women’s retreat in Europe that blends history, culture, and rest, allow me to welcome you to Normandy . This region of northern France is celebrated for its beaches and wartime history. However, I fell in love with Normandy's softer side. A Hidden Gem of Normandy Imagine apple orchards, half-timbered villages, and seaside markets. The warm-hearted French people I met during my travels made my time in Normandy unforgettable. Each moment spent he
stephanie557
Oct 8, 20253 min read


✨ Bespoke Group Retreats in France: Bring Your People, I’ll Do the Rest
Why Group Travel Often Falls Flat When most people think of group travel, they imagine crowded buses, fixed itineraries, and experiences...
stephanie557
Sep 19, 20254 min read


How Retreat Logistics Work with Maison d’Amies: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book
O ne of the most common questions I hear from women who are curious about Maison d’Amies retreats is: “But how does it all actually...
stephanie557
Sep 12, 20254 min read


Why Slowing Down is the Real Luxury in Travel
When you picture luxury travel, what comes to mind? Champagne on ice? Designer luggage? Five-star hotels? The truth is, the greatest...
stephanie557
Sep 8, 20252 min read


How We Curate Experiences in France: Behind the Scenes at Maison d'Amies Retreats
At Maison d’Amies, every retreat is thoughtfully curated, right down to the region, the experiences, and even the recipes you’ll bring home. We’re not about rushing for Instagram photo op, we’re about slow travel, savoring the food, history, and culture that make each corner of France so special. Whether it’s a cooking class in Provence, cider tasting in Normandy, or uncovering hidden gems in Avignon, here’s how we craft unforgettable journeys just for you.
stephanie557
Aug 17, 20254 min read


How We Pick: Inside the Charm of La Maison Pomme
Step inside our trip-planning process with a behind-the-scenes look at how we found La Maison Pomme for our Normandy Beyond the Beaches retreat. Nestled in the heart of one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, this charming apple-hued haven is owned by Nathalie, a passionate local host who makes every guest feel at home. From the storybook streets to the thoughtful touches inside, see how we choose retreat homes that make you fall in love with France.
stephanie557
Aug 15, 20253 min read


Discover the Soul of France: Announcing our 2026 Retreat Season
At Maison d'Amies, we believe that travel is most meaningful when it's rooted in connection, to people, to places, and to ourselves. As...
stephanie557
Aug 5, 20255 min read


What It's like on a Book Lovers Retreat in Provence with Maison d'Amies
Why a Retreat for Book Lovers? There’s something about Provence that slows your heart rate and sparks your imagination. Maybe it’s the...
stephanie557
Aug 1, 20253 min read


Baguettes & Big Feelings, Volume 1: Why I created Maison d'Amies (and what the name really means)
Welcome to the table. This is the first post in our new weekly series, Baguettes & Big Feelings, a little corner of the internet where...
stephanie557
Jun 28, 20253 min read


Luxury Women's Retreat Checklist: Must Haves for an Unforgettable European Escape
Luxury Women's Retreat Packing There's something magical about stepping away from the everyday and immersing yourself in a world curated...
stephanie557
Jun 24, 20252 min read


A Place for Every Woman: Why Inclusivity Matters at Maison d'Amies
When I first dreamed up Maison d'Amies , I envisioned more than just a beautiful retreat in Provence...I imagined a place where every...
stephanie557
Jun 3, 20252 min read


A Love Letter to Our Time Together in Ménerbes
It’s only been a few days since our guests packed their bags, hugged each other goodbye (some with tears in their eyes), and said à...
stephanie557
May 20, 20252 min read
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