Why Maison d’Amies Doesn’t Follow a Retreat Formula

(And Why That Makes Every Experience Different)

Luxury retreats have become wonderfully popular, and for good reason. Many women are craving ease, beauty, connection, and travel experiences that feel taken care of rather than transactional.

To meet that demand, a familiar model has emerged: a repeatable retreat structure that’s transported from destination to destination. The same rhythm. The same flow. The same experience, just with a different backdrop.

That kind of predictability can be deeply comforting.

But it isn’t how Maison d’Amies was built.

A Different Philosophy of Luxury Travel

At Maison d’Amies, we don’t believe luxury means repeating what worked once and scaling it endlessly. We believe luxury is discernment, it's the ability to choose what best serves this place, this group of women, this moment.

That’s why we don’t use a fixed retreat formula.

Instead, every Maison d’Amies retreat is designed from the ground up. Sometimes that means staying in a stunning private home in Provence, where long dinners and shared kitchens feel natural. Other times, it means choosing a refined hotel in Champagne, where proximity to vineyards and historic cellars shapes the experience. The setting isn’t chosen to fit a template, it’s chosen because it’s right for the journey.

Why We Don’t Repeat the Same Retreat Over and Over

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.

Designing each retreat individually is more complex. It requires deeper research, stronger local relationships, and more creative decision-making. But it also means something rare in the retreat space:

You can return to Maison d’Amies year after year and still be surprised.

What “Non-Formula” Looks Like in Practice

While no two retreats are the same, our philosophy is consistent:

• Small groups, always - intimacy allows for real connection

• Women-only by design - creating ease, safety, and shared understanding

• Curated culinary experiences - private chefs, local markets, and meaningful meals

• Thoughtfully paced days - no rushing, no pressure to perform travel

• Properties chosen for the experience - homes or hotels, selected intentionally

• Space for rest and individuality - togetherness without obligation

This approach allows each retreat to reflect its location authentically, rather than forcing a destination to conform to a predetermined schedule.

The Kind of Guest This Attracts

Maison d’Amies tends to resonate with women who value:

• Depth over checklists

• Presence over productivity

• Elegance over excess

• Experiences that feel personal, not packaged

Many of our guests are solo travelers. Some are newer to international travel. Others are seasoned explorers who no longer want to “do it all.” What they share is a desire to feel cared for and a curiosity that goes beyond the surface.

A Luxury You Can Feel, Not Just See

True luxury isn’t loud. It isn’t rushed. And it isn’t repetitive. It’s waking up in a serene room overlooking the Mediterranean. It’s lingering at the table because the conversation is good. It’s returning home feeling restored rather than exhausted. By refusing to rely on formulas, Maison d’Amies creates space for something richer: experiences that unfold naturally, connections that feel genuine, and journeys that stay with you long after you unpack.

Come Back. Be Surprised.

There are many beautiful retreat companies in the world, and many women find comfort in predictability. At Maison d’Amies, we’ve chosen a different path, one rooted in creativity, intention, and thoughtful evolution.

If you’re someone who wants each trip to feel distinct…If you believe luxury is about how something feels, not how often it’s repeated…If you’d like to return year after year and still discover something new, you’re exactly who Maison d’Amies was created for.

👉 Explore upcoming retreats here: maisondamies.com