This weekend, I leave on The Retreat, a trip I’ve been drooling over for weeks. When you check out the website, you’ll see exactly why.
Led by acclaimed interior designer Grania Murray, whose clients include Pierce Brosnan, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, this is a total luxury trip to Ireland. Seriously, I’ll give you another minute to check out the website.
See what I mean?
We’ll be staying at the Powerscourt and the Marker, which are both five-star hotels. We’ll be meeting personally with artisans and designers, who will take us into their studios and give us a firsthand look at their work. We’ll be eating at some of the finest restaurants, getting access to exclusive venues, indulging in spa treatments and shopping. Plus, we’ll each have a consultation with Grania about our own projects (hello, room that may be finally become my office!).
How amazing does this sound?!
Grania is going to be hosting another Retreat in November and I have the feeling you’ll want to join her.
So I’m going to blog about our daily experiences and share photos and special moments on Twitter and Instagram to whet your appetite. I hope you’ll follow along, leave comments and ask questions.
For those of you on the West Coast like me, you’ll be happy to know that I’m testing out Ethiopian Airlines’ new direct flight from Los Angeles to Dublin. I’ve heard great things about it and will give you a firsthand account. The big test will be whether I’ll be able to sleep on this overnight flight. Fingers crossed.
Ireland is one of my favorite places, so I’m super excited about visiting again. The idea that I get to experience all of what Grania appropriately calls “marvels” in one of the most beautiful countries in the world with the friendliest people makes me convinced that I have been blessed with, well, the luck of the Irish.
Cathy Sikorski says
This sounds amazing. Can’t wait to follow your trip. My daughter lives in Dublin, so this is a real possibility for me!! Looking forward to your posts!
CAROL CASSARA says
I love Dublin so much! I will be following your adventure avidly, for sure. I kind of wanted to go live there.
Cathy Chester says
What an incredible opportunity for you, Lois. Enjoy, be mindful and I look forward to hearing all about your trip!
Debbie Champagne says
OMG….that looks amazing! Oh I would love to go somewhere like that. I need some R&R. Will be checking it out more.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Sounds like a great trip. Hope you have lots of fun.
The GypsyNesters says
This sounds amazing Lois! A retreat indeed. I’m also really excited to hear about Ethiopian Airlines – haven’t flown them yet, so share lots! Have a blast in Ireland – we were just there last month and we fell in love. Blow a kiss to Dublin for us! -Veronica
Catherine S says
This sounds like it is going to be a great trip. I would love to make a trip to Dublin.
Ruth Curran says
Oh so timely as we are planning a trip to Ireland for next year and I am dying to learn about the nonstop to Dublin!
I will be following along! So much fun to have you as our tour guide!
Suzanne Fluhr says
I look forward to following along. Safe travels.
Mykidsguide says
I am sure this is going to be an exciting trip for you. Have fun!
Lisa at GrandmasBriefs says
I can’t wait to join you! Virtually, of course. What a fun trip. Enjoy!
Seattle Travel Blogger says
Hope you have fun in Dublin! It sounds to me like you have a very healthy approach about life – I really like the way you see mid-life as a time for new beginnings and opportunities to continue to grow!
Rebecca Bryant says
Wow how exciting. I’d say I’m jealous but I’m to dang excited for you. So can’t wait to see all the yummy stuff you tweet out.
aimee fauci says
Have fun! We have family friends in Ireland and I hope to go one day. It is beautiful.
Sarah Bailey says
Oh yes please – I would adore to go to Dublin one day I have to say. x
Katherine G says
Wow! This sounds so exciting. I can’t wait to read all about your trip.
Liz Mays says
It will be great to hear more about this trip! It will be interesting to hear about the direct flight!
Toughcookiemommy says
This is going to be such an amazing experience for you. I look forward to virtually attending through your posts.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
I would love to visit Dublin or anywhere in Ireland. I have read so much and viewed a gazillion pictures and everywhere is beautiful. I’ll be waiting for your next post and I know you’ll have a great time.
Estelle Sobel Erasmus says
Lois, I just love following you on your sojourns around the world. I love Ireland — you will have such an amazing time, I just know it! Can’t wait to see and read more about your trip.
Jeanine says
Wow this sounds amazing. I look forward to seeing more. What an amazing experience.
Theresa says
It is a dream of mine to get to Ireland some day. I am sure this retreat is going to be an amazing one for you!
Helene Cohen Bludman says
How exciting! This will be a memorable trip, no doubt about that. Have a fantastic time! xo
Paula Schuck says
This is going to be an amazing retreat. I would love to go on one and recharge. It is important to take care of ourselves sometimes.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I would love to go on a retreat like this. I look forward to reading all about it.
Janell @ Saving You Dinero says
What an incredible experience. This sounds like an amazing place.
mburbage says
Take me with you! Ha, wow that looks like it’s going to be truly amazing! I can’t wait to read about it and see pics!
tess says
I would so love to go there. It looks truy amazing place.
Carolann says
wow and wow! I can’t wait to hear about your trip and see all of the wonderful pics! I would love to go there one day. Since I’m half Irish it would be very meaningful. We still have some relatives there I’ve never met. Have a wonderful time!
Haralee says
Can’t wait to read more. Sounds fantastic. i am still talking about your river cruise posts!
Annie M says
One of my best friends live in Dublin, I can’t wait to see it. So pretty there!
Doreen McGettigan says
Travel safely! Ireland is so beautiful and yes the people are so friendly. I am looking forward to following along on your adventure it sounds so dreamy!
Suzanne Stavert says
Yes please! Looks like my kind of place!