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!

I feel like going on this trip made me rethink the way I’ve traveled my ENTIRE LIFE. Stephanie showed me the beauty and value in slowing down while you’re traveling to actually savor and enjoy the place you’re at. I think this actually helps you get a better feel for the place, connect to it, and create lasting memories vs just seeing all the highlights as fast as you can to squeeze them all in. As a busy professional I felt this was hugely important as well in me truly feeling refreshed at the end of my travels instead of feeling exhausted. Also if you want to travel but don’t have people to go with - life is short - take the trip. You won’t regret it. Stephanie does an amazing job facilitating everyone getting comfortable and getting to know each other and I truly came away from the trip with friends for life. I cannot recommend Maison Dames Retreats / Stephanie’s trips enough. She is meticulous, thoughtful, and truly curates a trip that allows you a worry free experience of a lifetime. Bonus you get spoiled with a private chef and treated like a queen!

This trip was beyond all expectations. It had been a minute since I had the opportunity to travel abroad, and I found myself feeling a bit anxious. I shouldn’t have worried! Stephanie’s blog posts on everything from what to pack/how to pack, what to wear, and cool travel tips (like did you know you can order currency to be delivered to your door?) took all of the anxiety out of travel prep. Once we arrived our group bonded immediately! By the end of the first night I think anyone who didn’t know would have thought we were lifelong friends. The relationships built with a group of women coming from all over the US from varying walks of life and stages of life will no doubt continue for years. The itinerary was perfect. Carefully curated to include amazing gastronomy and cultural experiences, we had the opportunity to leisurely explore the quaint villages of the Luberon region of France while also having plenty if time to rest and recharge. Stephanie works with the best partners to ensure our lodging was impeccable, our meals delectable, and our excursions memorable. I came home feeling rejuvenated and just so so lucky that I had the opportunity to experience this retreat!