Bonjour, mes amies!
This one is personal.
Freddie and I have been talking about doing something together for a long time. She's the founder of Maison Carib, and she's spent years doing work I deeply admire: building travel experiences in Martinique that actually serve the island, that puts money in local hands, tells untold stories, and refuses to treat a place as a backdrop. When we finally stopped saying we should and started saying let's, this retreat was what came out of it.
Seven women. One house on the ocean. A week in Martinique with someone who actually lives it.
Freddie isn't a tour guide. She's a local, a curator, a connector and she's going to show us the island the way she knows it. The fish shack that doesn't have a sign. The market stall run by the same family for forty years. The beach that isn't on anyone's list. This isn't a highlights reel of Martinique. It's the real thing.
It's also our first retreat outside of mainland France, but Martinique is deeply, proudly French-speaking, and that felt important to us. This isn't a departure from what Maison d'Amies is. It's an extension of it: the same commitment to slowness, to intention, to choosing the local chef over the obvious option, to leaving a place better than you found it.
We're not passing through. We're showing up.
xo,
Stephanie + Freddie
Where we'll lay our heads
Chateau de la Bourlie
Trip Details
There's a rhythm to Martinique that gets into you quickly. Mornings start with strong coffee and the kind of fruit that only tastes right when it came from somewhere close. The ocean is right there (you can hear it before you see it) and the air is warm in a way that makes you slow down without even trying. Somewhere nearby, Freddie already knows exactly where we're going.
A note on our journalist guest: This retreat will be joined by a writer from [Publication Name], who will be covering the experience for an upcoming feature. She'll be living the week exactly as everyone else does — same house, same table, same everything. We're sharing this upfront because you deserve to know, and honestly, because we think it's pretty cool. If you're camera-shy or prefer to keep your travel life private, just let us know and we'll make sure you're comfortable.
Trip at a Glance
Food, drink & Island Flavors
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A deep dive into Martinique's cacao, rhum, and Creole food traditions
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Cooking class with a local chef
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x lunches and x dinners included
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Daily Breakfast
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Private Chef on Property
Exploration & Hidden Gems
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Day trips to the island's waterfalls, beaches, and lesser-known corners
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Roundtrip group transfer from Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (Fort-de-France)
Pace
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Moderate, some light hiking, a few longer days out by car, and plenty of time to simply be still
How we'll spend our days
Sample Itinerary
This itinerary is a lovingly crafted preview of what your week could look like. While small shifts may happen as we fine-tune timing, weather, and opportunities, consider this your delicious sneak peek at the adventure ahead.
Day 3
Scent, Stone, & Sweet Tradition
Set out for a full day of exploration through the hills above the Riviera. We’ll dive into the perfume heritage of Grasse, uncovering the craft and history behind one of France’s most storied industries, before continuing on to Gourdon, where sweeping views and medieval streets invite lingering. Along the way, we’ll explore local history through regional confections, discovering how flavor and tradition are woven into daily life here.
Day 6
The Art of a Perfect
Farewell
We’ll head into the old town of Antibes for a morning spent exploring our inner artist, tracing Picasso’s time here and the creative energy that still lingers in its streets and studios. The day builds toward a final dinner designed to linger, rich in flavor, conversation, and shared memories, so come hungry and ready to savor every moment.
Day 9
Farewell,
For Now
After breakfast, say au revoir to Bordeaux and your new friends, carrying the memories, flavors, and magic of this magical region home with you. Group transfer to the airport included.
Day 1
Arrival & Welcome Dinner
Bienvenue! Arrive at our retreat home in the heart of the Périgord Noir Region, where warm hospitality and scenic views await. After settling into your charming solo room, join us for a welcome dinner featuring local flavors and seasonal ingredients. This first evening is about settling in, meeting your fellow travelers, and soaking in the magic of the region.
Day 4
Unscripted mornings &
Shared Tables
The morning is yours to shape. You might spend it curled up with a book by the pool, or head down to the coast to linger at a beach club, letting the day unfold at your own pace. We’ll regroup in the afternoon at the house for a hands-on cooking class, coming together over shared dishes and conversation before sitting down to enjoy dinner together.
Day 7
Farewell,
For Now
After breakfast, say au revoir to the Dordogne and your new friends, carrying the memories, flavors, and magic of this magical region home with you. Group transfer to the airport included.
Day 2
An afternoon among the vines
Begin the morning at an easy pace, letting the day unfold without urgency. After coffee and a relaxed breakfast, we’ll spend the afternoon exploring the wines of the French Riviera, visiting local producers and tasting bottles shaped by sea air, sun, and stone. It’s a day defined by flavor, conversation, and the simple pleasure of moving slowly through a beautiful place.
Day 5
Three Countries, One Day
We’ll set out early for a full day of exploration with our trusted local guide, heading north along the coast. The day unfolds through the hilltop beauty of Èze, the elegance of Monaco, and across the border into Italy, each stop offering its own rhythm, history, and perspective. Three countries in a single day, experienced thoughtfully and without haste.
Day 8
Farewell,
For Now
After breakfast, say au revoir to the Dordogne and your new friends, carrying the memories, flavors, and magic of this magical region home with you. Group transfer to the airport included.
The Details
Retreat Pricing
$8,200 per person
Solo Sleeper Room with Ensuite Bathroom
Deposit: $2,870 Due at Time of Booking
or
$15,900 per room
*One room, two twins, double the magic.
This exclusive twin-bed room with ensuite bathroom must be booked together, so find a friend and make it yours.
$7,950 per person
Deposit: $1,925 Due at Time of Booking
Payment Method
To reserve your space, we require an initial, non-refundable deposit due at the time of booking.
The remaining balance of the trip will be paid in 2 additional installments.
Booking deadline October 1, 2026
Not Included
Airfare
Travel Insurance (Required)
Some means & optional activities
Your hosts for this adventure
Your guides on this sparkling journey are more than experts, they’re your companions, curators, and co-conspirators in uncovering the magic of the region. From insider knowledge of the region’s legendary houses to a passion for luxury, culture, and connection, they’ll lead you through every tasting, tour, and unforgettable moment with warmth, expertise, and a touch of Maison d’Amies & The Cultured Somm flair.
Meet the women who will make this adventure truly extraordinary.
