I’ve been struggling to think of how to describe my experience on this trip and then I heard someone say something that hit exactly right. “I found love in a group of strangers”. What I had been expecting was stunning scenery, amazing food, curated experiences, great wine… and that all definitely came true. But what really caught me by surprise was the people and how we left feeling like old friends. I don’t think it was a just coincidence that we all got along. Stephanie is a host who is incredibly intentional to know each person that’s part of the experience. From guests to vendors, her genuine and authentic interactions made this trip so much more than sightseeing and good food. We talked, we laughed, we cried a little bit too. It was a great vacation, but more than that, my week with Maison d’Amies was a magical and beautiful slice of life that I’ll never forget. I found love in a group of strangers.

I am a few days removed from my Avignon trip with Maison d'Amies and I am struggling to put into words how wonderful my trip was. First, the accommodations were amazing. Centrally located inside the historical walls of Avignon, I was able to walk everywhere without having to think about Ubers or any logistics of travel. In addition to the location, the space was amazing. You would think that with the location, we had to compromise on space or comfort, but no - it was lovely. My room was super comfy, and the common areas were lovely. Enough space for me to be by myself when I wanted, but super comfortable shared spaces when we wanted to be together. Who is we? A great group of women with whom I hope I will be forever linked. Starting with Stephanie, our hostess. She made sure that all our needs were met. A casual offer to carry bags up the stairs when I arrived was well-met. It had been a long day of travel, and she was ready for it. While I was warmly greeted, it was also perfectly acceptable to disappear and have my own space for a bit. That's the magic - a group trip that gave me space to just be me. Stephanie made it so easy to have my own trip within what she had laid out for us. Stephanie went above and beyond, curating unforgettable moments with genuine local experts. She arranged everything seamlessly: fresh morning croissants from our thoughtful B&B host, custom menus from an attentive private chef, and an intimate out-of-town excursion hosted by our food tour guide. Stephanie was engaging, involved, and made sure we experienced the area through the eyes of locals who truly know their stuff. I truly believe that part of the magic of the trip rested in the surprise moment, so I apologize for being vague, but I don't want to ruin it for you. Trust me when I say that I would love to schedule another trip with Maison d'Amies immediately if my schedule allowed. I can't wait to see their next itinerary and hope I can secure a spot.

It was perfection and relaxing fun luxury throughout. Stephanie thought of every detail from the food to outings and even the right amount of downtime. This trip was more than a visit to France. It was an immersion into France without the anxiety of navigating everything alone or struggling with a translation app. Our group was fantastic. I had been a bit nervous about being thrust into close quarters and spending a week with a group of strangers, but this group of women was beyond amazing. Kind, funny, caring, accomplished - I felt lucky to count myself among this group! We didn't want for conversation or laughs, but we also had plenty of quiet time and ability to find spaces to curl up quietly with a book or private spaces to get some solitude when needed. It really was just the perfect blend. I really don't think I've ever had a vacation where I did so much over the course of a week and yet felt truly restored by the end.

I would give this trip infinite stars if I could. This trip completely changed the way I viewed travel and vacation. As a young professional, I was looking for an experience where I could turn my mind off - away from the hustle mindset and the feeling of always needing to be "on". Stephanie really took all the pressure off, planning every day in a way that allowed me to experience authentic French culture, feel completely pampered, and meet other incredible women. In the past, I'm the planner in my group and have planned as many activities as I could fit in each day - often coming home from vacation more exhausted than when I left. This trip showed me that it's possible to explore a new country while also being present, soaking up the moments as they come, and allow time for rest and reflection AND I still saw a ton of the area thanks to Stephanie's knowledge and well curated itinerary. I was nervous because I did not know any French and I'm an introvert (and didn't know anyone else attending the trip), but from the very moment I arrived at the villa, I really did feel welcomed with warm smiles, a glass of rose, and a beautiful space to call "home" for the week. Everyone who took care of us at the house spoke great English and let me practice some French phrases with them, so I felt more comfortable when we went into towns. Pro tip: Make sure you learn how to ask, "Can I pet your dog?" in French. My favorite moments of the trip were built around connection - whether it be the late-night talks with the women at the villa or getting to know some of the artists around town. I also really loved trying a bunch of new food - chef Jonathon made the most incredible dinners for us at home (I'm still dreaming about the Lavendar honey cake from the first night). It felt like the quality of fine dining with the comfort of being relaxed at home. I somehow never felt rushed or bored, experiencing an atmosphere of rest and adventure that felt frozen in time compared to "normal" life. This was my first time traveling without planning myself, and it made me want to travel this way every time. I would absolutely attend this experience again and recommend it to any woman who wants to explore and recharge. I know the memories made will last a lifetime, and I am so happy that Stephanie can create this experience for women for a long time to come. I wish every woman could experience the connection, care, and luxury that I experienced on this trip.

Stephanie has created an experience with Maison D'Amies that has elevated my expectation for all retreats I may go on in the future. I'll describe the week as "casual luxury" since it truly felt like a 5 star experience without any stuffiness. Everything between the breakfast buffet with dedicated barista to a four course dinner each night from a private chef was planned to the exact detail to allow the guests to sit back and enjoy the moment. I work a demanding corporate job, so the opportunity to unplug and truly relax was exactly what I needed. I really enjoyed that the retreat focused on a specific area of France, and learning about the culture from locals felt truly authentic. Stephanie even helped with navigating airport and transfer arrival options so I didn't have to plan a thing. I wholeheartedly recommend one of Stephanie's retreats to all my female friends and I can't wait until I join her on another one!