Beautiful remote locations are being reimagined by millennial tastemakers as hotels that function as artist residencies, creative hubs and luxury escapes all in one.
I’ve been looking for more of these and they’re finally springing up. I would absolutely pay for a list of them because I’ve been trying to curate one myself! Sedona’s Enchantment Resort is a great one for this and I ended up curating my own itinerary for this for my birthday in Joshua Tree last year.
Springing for an expensive vacation where I just lay out by their pool feels kinda like not a lot for my money anymore. I think everyone is expecting more curation heavy lighting on the host’s part.
This is great, this sort of place is so appealing (and i would pay for a list of them).
I’m really interested in how hotels differentiate (perhaps because it feels like there is still a lot of white space there). You might get a kick out of this, which I wrote trying to get a handle on the value prop of hotels across prices in new york
recently heard it said that the point of money is to acquire taste & status. cultural capital legitimizes financial capital i.e. to complement wealth’s hard power with sophistication’s soft power (via sean monahan).
retreats like this are a way for those without massive financial resources to achieve the same ends (cultural capital).
methink this trend will only pick up greater steam as sabbaticals become commonplace (a result of AI).
I love Sean Monahan, agree as these are still nascent they feel like a way to access that cultural capital without needing generational wealth & interesting point about sabbaticals becoming more common - I'll keep an eye on that!
This is such a great point. I’ve both attended and hosted these retreats, and here’s why I think we’ll continue to see more: our time is constantly assaulted with productivity hacks and bummer news alerts. To escape from these things on vacation is one thing, but to actively choose to spend your time on something indulgent and creative is another! It’s almost a form of resistance.
And please post the list! Always happy to pay for resources like that.
Great read! I'd definitely attend one this year if given the chance. Probably just a matter of time before brands catch on and start their own, not reserving it for only influencers, employees, and the like. Especially with consumers growing craving for tangible experiences
Loved this! Been eyeing Casa Lawa for a while now, just waiting on my company to hand over that mythical one-month sabbatical so I can finally make it happen lol. Another favorite is Thread Caravan! They host craft-focused retreats (think weaving, ceramics, natural dyes) in collaboration with local artisans around the world. Very much manifesting one of their retreats for my next getaway!
There’s an interesting rise in hobbies shaping identities. As we seek to connect outside our jobs and spend more time connecting over crafting, creating, and learning together.
Absolutely loved this read — and so inspired by these residencies! I’m hosting a women’s retreat this summer on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard and the response has very much affirmed that creative retreats are on the rise and highly desirable, especially for those searching for community and connection
I'm just nervous as SO many are coming up that I feel like priortise instagrammable moments (ironic bc my job is to do exactly that!), rather than connection// there's so so many these days! Feels exhausting trying to sift through them all and separate the hype from the substance
I’ve been looking for more of these and they’re finally springing up. I would absolutely pay for a list of them because I’ve been trying to curate one myself! Sedona’s Enchantment Resort is a great one for this and I ended up curating my own itinerary for this for my birthday in Joshua Tree last year.
Springing for an expensive vacation where I just lay out by their pool feels kinda like not a lot for my money anymore. I think everyone is expecting more curation heavy lighting on the host’s part.
Ooh yes Enchantment Resort is on my radar!
This is great, this sort of place is so appealing (and i would pay for a list of them).
I’m really interested in how hotels differentiate (perhaps because it feels like there is still a lot of white space there). You might get a kick out of this, which I wrote trying to get a handle on the value prop of hotels across prices in new york
https://residualthoughts.substack.com/p/what-are-fancy-hotels-selling?r=9c2r
Oh thanks for sharing! There is a low bar in NYC for creating truly unique, personal hotel experiences, The Hotel Chelsea does such a good job though
I need to go! It was under construction for a long time and I still haven’t been in
100% charge for it and 100% POST IT behind a paywall I want to travel like my girllllll
this is spot on.
recently heard it said that the point of money is to acquire taste & status. cultural capital legitimizes financial capital i.e. to complement wealth’s hard power with sophistication’s soft power (via sean monahan).
retreats like this are a way for those without massive financial resources to achieve the same ends (cultural capital).
methink this trend will only pick up greater steam as sabbaticals become commonplace (a result of AI).
Thanks for the kind words!
I love Sean Monahan, agree as these are still nascent they feel like a way to access that cultural capital without needing generational wealth & interesting point about sabbaticals becoming more common - I'll keep an eye on that!
This! Throw in a hike and you have a perfect retreat
This is such a great point. I’ve both attended and hosted these retreats, and here’s why I think we’ll continue to see more: our time is constantly assaulted with productivity hacks and bummer news alerts. To escape from these things on vacation is one thing, but to actively choose to spend your time on something indulgent and creative is another! It’s almost a form of resistance.
And please post the list! Always happy to pay for resources like that.
Hotel list!!!
https://www.thewagonbox.com/ — Lodge, restaurant, and highly curated events for ambitious traditionalists
Oh amazing thanks for sharing, will add it to the list!
Thank you! I've been to 3 events there, changed my life.
Great read! I'd definitely attend one this year if given the chance. Probably just a matter of time before brands catch on and start their own, not reserving it for only influencers, employees, and the like. Especially with consumers growing craving for tangible experiences
Love this! Would love to go to one
Loved this! Been eyeing Casa Lawa for a while now, just waiting on my company to hand over that mythical one-month sabbatical so I can finally make it happen lol. Another favorite is Thread Caravan! They host craft-focused retreats (think weaving, ceramics, natural dyes) in collaboration with local artisans around the world. Very much manifesting one of their retreats for my next getaway!
I love this. It's a great read. We’ve set up a retreat for brand builders, similar but different. What do you think? https://retreatandriseup.com
There’s an interesting rise in hobbies shaping identities. As we seek to connect outside our jobs and spend more time connecting over crafting, creating, and learning together.
Wonderful post! I’m itching to go.
Absolutely loved this read — and so inspired by these residencies! I’m hosting a women’s retreat this summer on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard and the response has very much affirmed that creative retreats are on the rise and highly desirable, especially for those searching for community and connection
I'm just nervous as SO many are coming up that I feel like priortise instagrammable moments (ironic bc my job is to do exactly that!), rather than connection// there's so so many these days! Feels exhausting trying to sift through them all and separate the hype from the substance