April in Paris! Creative Retreat April 12-17, 2024

Anybody want to go on a creative women's retreat where you hang out with a bunch of creatives even if you aren’t a creative?  See what all of us weirdos are up to!?  And the process in our brains in which we have zero control over when we are creating? One thought could be in our head and one second goes by and we are thinking about the other amazing idea we had.  And we can’t remember what the hell we had just thought up that was going to be transcendental.

Good Lord, we are always interesting and generally super fun. Filled with so much knowledge about things you never even knew existed (and probably never need to know but great for dinner conversation).  While filled with anxiety and self doubt we somehow always manage to pop right back up and out and provide hours of entertainment (with pleasure)!!!!!

We love to meet you.  We love to share with you.  We love that you love us.  We love you too.  

Join me, Ashley Woodson Bailey, Meredith Mason and Alexandra Weinress in Paris, France April 12-17, 2024 for an unforgettable creative retreat that celebrates your inner artist while indulging in the art, the food, the fashion, and all of the other reasons why we love the City of Light!

You don’t need to speak French. You don’t even have to like croissants. But you should be ready for an unforgettable experience that is designed to inspire you and fuel your creative energy.  

We are still finalising the details, but each day will be thoughtfully curated with activities, art, free time to explore the city, cuisine, and of course, flowers.

RETREAT ITINERARY 

(most likely will change several times before we get there but know I plan to entertain you all to the best of my ability for our time together.  I have been researching all the best spots, finding all of the interesting things that aren't on your average Paris trip and promise to fill your hearts and minds with so much beauty and goodness!)

Day 1 (April 12)
Participants arrive in Paris

• Check into your charming home away from home, Le Grand Mazarin, situated in the heart of the famed and fashionable Le Marais district (recommended hotel and location of workshop on Day 4)
• Welcome celebration aboard a private boat tour on the Seine River (round-trip private ground transportation included)
• Dinner at a hidden spot

Day 2 (April 13)

• We will start the day off with breakfast at Le Grand Mazarin then head out for a morning full of vintage shopping led by Alexandra.
  
• We will enjoy an authentic French lunch then learn all about French wine tasting.
• Evening is free

Day 3 (April 14)

• We will start our day with breakfast at Le Grand Mazarin
• Morning treasure hunting at the famous Paris Flea Market led by Alexandra.
• Alexandra will then take us to lunch at a charming spot in Montmartre (where she lives) and give us a tour of all the hidden gems of Montmartre.
• Evening is free.

Day 4 (April 15)

• We will start our day with breakfast at Le Grand Mazarin.
• We will spend the day amongst the beautiful flowers in Le Grand Mazarin's cabaret supplied by a special Parisian florist, processing, arranging an incredible centrepiece, smelling the flowers and laughing, talking, inspiring each other.
• I will share my secrets on how to capture the beautiful flowers with your smart phone. 
• In the afternoon Mere will teach us how to personalise an article of clothing (think chic cashmere sweater or cool denim jacket) by felting eyes, flowers, shapes, The Eiffel Tower....whatever you would like!
• Workshop lunch, champagne, coffee, and Parisian treats
• Evening is free

Day 5 (April 16)

• Guided tour of some of the best galleries in Le Marais led by Alexandra.
• A casual lunch with baguettes, cheese and wine in a nearby park.
• Alexandra will take us to meet some of the best artists in Paris for a private studio tour.
• Farewell dinner at Grey (opening 2024 and is “the most talked about new restaurant in Paris”)

The above itinerary is subject to change based on availability, weather conditions, and any other circumstance. 

The retreat will be held April 12-17, 2024 and is limited to ten (10) participants to ensure that each person has a rich, personalized, and immersive experience.

This is a unique opportunity to discover some of the treasures of Paris while also getting hands-on experience in floral arrangements and floral photography, as well as taking home a personalised piece of clothing by Mere to commemorate the trip.

The price of the retreat, not including accommodations, is $5,800 per person.

We will also prepare a list of recommendations to help you discover Paris including bars/restaurants, sightseeing, shopping, and more.

Please note that a professional photographer will be hired to take photographs over the course of the retreat and Ashley Woodson Bailey retains the right to use these for marketing and promotional purposes including on websites, social media, emails, and all other channels. If you would prefer not to be included in any photographs, you are required to notify Ashley at ash@ashleywoodsonbailey.com before the start of the retreat on April 12, 2024.

The price for the retreat includes:

• Meals based on the itinerary above
• Ground transportation based on the itinerary above
• Tickets/admission/entrance fees based on the itinerary above
• All supplies needed for flower workshop and felting (aside from your article of clothing)

The price does not include:

• Accommodations in Paris–a block of rooms has been held at Le Grand Mazarin as the recommended hotel, but participants are not required to book this hotel (see below for pricing)
• Round-trip airfare (or any other means of transportation) to/from Paris, France
• Travel Insurance (mandatory)
• Ground transportation outside of the itinerary above
• Any additional drinks or food
• Any personal purchases
• Incidental expenses at the hotel (food & beverage, room service, phone, entertainment, gym/spa, etc.)
• Gratuities, tips, taxes on personal purchases, etc.

Le Grand Mazarin has been thoughtfully selected for many reasons but primarily for the design and decor, as well as the wonderful location in Le Marais. The hotel is part of the Maisons Pariente collection and the location provides a luxurious and serene escape in the heart of Paris.

“Everything is in place to make Le Grand Mazarin the destination for a unique Parisian experience, at  any time of day: a delightful restaurant, a surprising bar where each evening is a new experience, an extraordinary swimming pool and excellent service. In this grand hotel, the Maisons Pariente spirit is embodied in the form of Parisian luxury.”

We currently have a block of rooms on hold until December 1, 2023 that guarantee a special rate. Bookings after this date can not be guaranteed for availability or price.

Please reach out to Ashley at ash@ashleywoodsonbailey.com for booking details.

Single Occupancy Room:
The price for 5-night accommodations (double bed) is $3,300* per person and includes: 

• Daily breakfast
• Access to swimming pool, jacuzzi, hammam, and fitness facility
• Valet and butler service
• In-room coffee and tea
• High speed Wi-Fi
• Water upon arrival
  
  

Double Occupancy Room:
The price for 5-night accommodations (two twin beds) is $1,750* per person and includes: 

• Daily breakfast
• Access to swimming pool, jacuzzi, hammam, and fitness facility
• Valet and butler service
• In-room coffee and tea
• High speed Wi-Fi
• Water upon arrival

If you are interested in being matched with a roommate for a double occupancy room, please contact Ashley.

*Prices above include VAT and daily breakfast, but do not include the city tax of 3,75€ per person per day.

Paris, France will be experiencing a high level of tourism activity in April 2024 due to a number of special events such as Art Paris 2024 and the final preparations for the Olympics 2024. It is strongly recommended to book your hotel room and flights in a timely manner to ensure availability. 

Terms and Conditions:

All activities based on the itinerary will be in English. Should you require a translator from your native language to English, one can be arranged for an additional fee. Please reach out to Ashley at ash@ashleywoodsonbailey.com to discuss your needs.

All drinks, meals, tips, personal purchases, transportation, flights, and any other expenses not defined are the sole responsibility of each participant. 

1) Cancellations, Refunds & Transfers
We have a strict no-refund policy and this includes cancellations due to illness, personal, or professional reasons. It is mandatory that you take out insurance against loss in the event of your being unable to attend the retreat due to unforeseen circumstances.

Please note that we have a minimum number of participants required in order to run our retreats, and if the minimum is not met we may be required to cancel or rearrange retreat dates. We reserve the right to amend or cancel retreats and will endeavor to provide participants with as much notice as possible should this occur. We are not liable for any losses (including, but not limited to, travel and accommodation arrangements) that could arise as a result of a retreat being canceled.

2) Force Majeure
We are not responsible for any failure or delay in the performance, in whole or part, by reason of cause beyond our control including but not limited to Acts of God, terrorism, COVID, accident, war, riot, lockout, strike, flood, fire, power or water failure, breakdown of plant or machinery, delay in transit, obstruction of access, postal delay, or any other unexpected or exceptional cause or circumstance.

3) Photography
Participants are welcome to take photographs throughout the course of the retreat and of their own work during the workshop. Please ask permission before taking images of other participants’ work, other participants, or facilitators. Please credit the #awbinparis if using images online.

I will be updating this itinerary in the coming weeks, so please check back in soon!

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me ash@ashleywoodsonbailey.com.