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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


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


✨ 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


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


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


This Isn't a Wellness Retreat (And that's the point.)
We're for women who'd rather raise a glass than hold a plank or chant in a yurt. When people hear the word "retreat," they often think of...
stephanie557
Apr 21, 20252 min read


Is Now the Right Time to Travel: Easing Your Travel Fears & Embracing Adventure
Uncover why today's moment is ideal for intentional, small-group women's retreats in Europe: stress free, safe, seamless. If you’ve been...
stephanie557
Mar 27, 20253 min read


The Joys of Slow Travel in France
“Slow travel is being in a place long enough to experience it without having a strict itinerary. It isn’t about seeing everything but...
stephanie557
Feb 14, 20253 min read
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