OCTOBER 7–10, 2027 • THE INAUGURAL RETREAT
Midnight in New Orleans
A luxury literary escape inspired by one of America's most storied cities.
Saturday, October 9, 2027 | 7:00–9:00 p.m.
An Evening Among Bottles and Books
Step beyond the ordinary for an intimate candlelit gathering in one of New Orleans' most enchanting hidden spaces.
Created exclusively for our retreat guests, the evening will include a thoughtfully curated dinner, dessert, and a signature cocktail or alcohol-free selection inspired by the atmosphere of the evening.
Surrounded by candlelight, antique bottles, old-world curiosities, and the unmistakable charm of the French Quarter, we'll gather for an evening of conversation, storytelling, exceptional cuisine, and a shared celebration of the stories that bring us together.
Included with retreat registration:
RETREAT OVERVIEW
Four unforgettable days
Step into a city where every street, courtyard, and bookstore tells a story of its own.
For four unforgettable days, you'll experience New Orleans through carefully curated literary experiences, remarkable bookstores, exceptional dining, and beautiful boutique accommodations.
Along the way, you'll share meaningful conversations with fellow readers, discover hidden corners of the city, and create memories that linger long after you return home
Every detail has been thoughtfully curated so you can simply arrive immerse yourself and enoy the story. Boutique hotels. Hidden bookstores. Candlelight conversations. Memorable meals. Every moment captures the spirit of New Orleans.
STAY SOMEWHERE EXTRAORDINARY
Our New Orleans Home
Our inaugural retreat will be hosted at a thoughtfully selected historic boutique hotel in or near the French Quarter—where elegant accommodations, intimate gathering spaces, and the unmistakable spirit of New Orleans come together.
Three nights in a historic boutique hotel
Elegant gathering spaces for reading and conversation
Walkable access to the French Quarter
A setting that reflects the character of New Orleans
Our hotel will be announced once finalized. Every property we consider is selected for its history, atmosphere, walkability, and exceptional hospitality.
EXPERIENCE SNAPSHOTS
A glimpse of the retreat.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Thursday
- Arrival and hotel check-in
- Time to settle in
- Welcome reception
- Hosted welcome meal and opening gathering
Friday
- Morning coffee and light refreshments
- Literary programming and conversation
- Reading-lounge time
- Independent exploration and an optional evening experience
Saturday
- New Orleans streetcar experience
- Independent bookstore gathering
- Planned literary-guest experience
- Free time to explore and dine independently
- Evening connection or optional local experience
Sunday
- Farewell Brunch
- Hotel checkout
- Departure
Four days of quiet ceremony.
FEATURED AUTHOR
An intimate conversation with a beloved storyteller.
Books bring us together. Each Velvet & Lore retreat welcomes a featured author for intimate discussion, personal readings, and a signed hardcover for every guest — never a formal presentation, always a conversation.
The featured author for Midnight in New Orleans is revealed exclusively to our Founding Readers.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Every reservation includes.
RETREAT INVESTMENT
Choose your accommodation.
'Pricing and reservations coming soon. Join the priority list for first access.'
THE VELVET & LORE COLLECTIONS
Three keepsakes. One journey.
INCLUDED IN EVERY RESERVATION
Midnight collection
Midnight Blue Magnetic Keepsake Box
Midnight Blue Canvas Tote
Signature Candle
Brass Bookmark
Literary Guide
Welcome Letter
Local Artisan Treat
Annual Keepsake
Featured hardcover with author signing during the retreat
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Flexible Payment Plans.
Reserve your place today with a deposit. Convenient monthly payment plans are available. Final payment is due prior to the retreat.
Our goal is to make planning your literary escape as enjoyable and stress-free as the experience itself.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Before you reserve
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Absolutely. Many guests arrive alone and leave with lifelong friendships. Our small-group format is designed to welcome solo travelers.
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Yes. If you'd like a shared accommodation, we thoughtfully match roommates in advance based on a short introduction questionnaire.
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Three nights of accommodations, welcome reception and dinner, farewell brunch, featured author programming, literary discussions, bookstore visits, curated local experiences, ground transportation for scheduled activities, and the Midnight collection.
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Airfare, airport transfers, most lunches, and personal expenses. A full pre-retreat guide is sent upon confirmation.
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Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). It is a short ride from the French Quarter.
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Yes. Reserve your place with a deposit and choose from convenient monthly payment plans. Final payment is due prior to the retreat.
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Full terms are shared at the time of reservation. We strongly recommend travel insurance.
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Yes — we recommend it for every retreat, both for peace of mind and for coverage of unexpected changes.