'26 NYC Holiday Retreat!

December 8-11, 2026

New York City, NY

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A crisp breeze carries the scent of roasted chestnuts and coffee through the streets of Manhattan. The city hums with energy—leaves swirling down wide avenues, lights flickering on in shop windows as the sun dips behind skyscrapers. You wrap your scarf a little tighter and smile—because you’re not here to check off tourist stops. You’re here to experience New York City through the eyes of someone who loves it deeply.
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This is your invitation to slow down and savor. To wander, wonder, and be wholly present in a city that never stops moving. With us, you’ll discover a different side of NYC—one that’s quietly magical and sparkling with nostalgia in the weeks leading up to Christmas, and pulsing with the creative spirit of a city giving its very best.
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For four days, we’ll trace our favorite paths through this city—meandering from cozy cafés to independent bookstores, from tucked-away parks to iconic avenues. We’ll visit vibrant neighborhoods both gritty and polished, quiet corners that most pass by, and spaces that have inspired artists, writers, and dreamers for generations.
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Each morning begins in a beautiful boutique hotel nestled in NoMad. From there, we set out—not in a rush, but with open eyes and hearts, chasing beauty in all its forms. We’ll share meals that linger and stories that stick. You’ll feel more like a local than a visitor, this is our favorite city in the U.S., and we would love to share it with you.
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This is a deep breath in your year. It’s an experience of connection, creativity, and wonder that will leave you renewed and inspired long after you return home.
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We’d love to save you a seat at our NYC table. Come chase beauty with us in our favorite city in the U.S.

You will be energized and inspired as only you can be in NYC.

** This is a small, boutique retreat with very few spots available!**

Included in the retreat price:

·       4 days and 3 nights in a boutique hotel, Italian Frette robe and towels + Bellino bed linens, luxury toiletries, and floor-to-ceiling city view windows

·       You will meet us on December 8 to be welcomed with special treats at our rooftop Welcome Reception at 9am before we head off for a day of chasing beauty

·       Special welcome gifts

·       Joining the annual Jane Street Christmas Block Party with tree lighting, cider, carols, and locals in the West Village at the most beloved corner tree lot in the city.

·       Taking in some of the best holiday spirit the city offers

·       Reservations for all lunches/brunches and dinners at some of our very favorite spots in the city [you can eat as simply or extravagantly as you wish!] Including the iconic Bryant Park Grill in Bryant Park.

·       Unlimited coffee or tea each morning in the hotel boutique coffee shop, a glass of wine in the evening

·       All tickets/entrance fees where needed

·       A morning in the stunning Morgan Library and Museum, known as a haven of inspiration and research for artists, writers, and scholars for 100 years.

·       Time spent wandering around in NoMad, Greenwich, Gramercy, Chelsea, SoHo, Bowery, and the West Village visiting some of our favorite spots for creative inspiration and beauty -shops, cafes, bakeries, galleries, people, architecture—soaking it all in.

·       Early morning meandering through the NYC Flower Market as flowers of all kinds, holiday greens, branches, plants, trees are unloaded and fill the sidewalks for local designers, artists, florists [and us!] to peruse and pull what inspires them to create beauty for their spaces

·       Private transport anywhere we cannot walk

·       And, a some special surprises!

·       Our private drivers will transfer you back to LaGuardia Airport on December 11 at 1:30pm, or you may want to have free time in the city for the afternoon and take a late flight out on your own [•hint, hint• that’s what we would do!]

NOT INCLUDED IN THE RETREAT FEE: your airline ticket, insurance [medical or travel], meals

We’ve saved a spot at the table for you!

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The NYC Holiday Retreat will be December 8-11, 2026. The cost of the retreat is:

$4795 per person | Single-Private Room

$3895 per person | Double Occupancy-Couple Sharing a Bed

$3895 per person | Double Occupancy- 2 beds

Each person must register separately. You may pay the total all at once, or we have a payment plan; you can let us know which is best for you. Payment must be received in full by September 15, 2026.

Please note: This is a walking intensive retreat, it’s the only way to see and experience the city.

We have a firm cancellation policy, once you are registered the total of all fees are committed and non-refundable. If you find you are unable to attend the retreat, your spot is fully transferrable to someone of the same gender until October 1st, 2026. Once registered you will receive a retreat contract and waiver to sign and return. While not required, we strongly encourage travel cancellation insurance.

The $800 deposit goes toward the cost of the retreat.

What Others Are Saying About Our Retreats:

“There are many beauty chasers in this life, but you are beauty chasers that invite others into the journey of seeing with fresh eyes! Thank you for all the intention that went into this time. Without a doubt, the relationships you have nurtured here along Lake Como had everything to do with the beauty you allowed all of us to be lavished in. Thank you for all the ways you gathered, set a table of invitation before us, and over and over showed Christ to those along Lake Como and all of us. I have been getting messages this morning from some of the other women on the retreat and just reminiscing about how special it was. It was truly hard for each of us not to sign up for the next one and do it all over again. Thank you for such an experience. Jesus was all over your workshop in beauty, love, impacting the community, seeds planted, truly reflecting Christ, the words and prayers you spoke over each of us each day, your heart for everyone, Keith’s tender heart to love and serve, and in so many ways we won’t know this side of heaven.” ~Jeanne Oliver

"First let me just say, I do not have adequate words to describe our trip to Tuscany with The Cottage Table Experience. This was a curated adventure and we experienced things we would never have envisioned and arranged on our own or with any other group. Being with Daune is really like traveling with a local. She has a gift of hospitality that goes above and beyond what you expect. She has cultivated such rich relationships, no matter where we went, we never felt like tourists. Staying at The Borgo was a cultural immersion... the setting, the villa, the food, the gardens, the staff... I could go on and on. There were lovely and thoughtful gifts provided upon arrival and throughout. We saw and did so much and, yet, there were times of rest built in so we never felt like we were being rushed from one event to another. For me, one of the most enjoyable things was meeting locals and getting a taste of what it is like to live, work and play in the Italian countryside. If you are thinking of booking a trip with The Cottage Table Experience, do not hesitate! It will exceed your expectations." ~Beth Smith

“My husband and I have had the absolute joy of traveling with Daune from The Cottage Table Experience—from the magical lights of New York City at Christmastime to the rolling hills of Tuscany, and lavender fields in Provence for unforgettable retreats. And let me tell you: there’s travel, and then there’s a Cottage Table Experience experience. Daune doesn’t just plan trips. She curates meaningful, soul-nourishing adventures that linger long after you’ve returned home. Each detail—every moment—is crafted with great thought, intention, and a generous amount of love. Whether it’s a hidden gem of a restaurant, a surprise creative touch, or a deeply moving gathering, you can feel her heart in every step of the journey. We travel often, but when we want something truly special—something that feels intimate, unique, and unforgettable—The Cottage Table Experience is our first choice. It’s more than a trip. It’s a story you get to live inside. If you’re craving inspiration, connection, and beauty wrapped into a travel experience, you won’t find anyone like Daune.” ~Lynn Hardin

“Thank you for dreaming up this magical adventure for us - it has been such an incredible experience from the moment I stepped into the villa. I’m grateful for you both for all the memories I’ve been able to gather - from the gorgeous welcome dinner, the incredible accommodations, to all the places we went + your gracious generosity. You both have such beautiful + loving hearts - you have truly blessed us all.” ~ Andrea Garvey

“Thank you for executing all of your thought and ideas to create this beautiful Italy experience for us. I could just imagine you thinking and dreaming up all the ways you can show love on people and make us all believe we could do anything and come out the better people for it. Your attention to detail and love for the people is both obvious and contagious. I don’t know if I would have been bold or brave enough to sign up for this trip if it wasn't for you. One, because I’ve seen you inspire myself and others over and over again through the years and have come to trust you and fall in love with you as a mama, friend, and sister in Christ. And, two, you made this trip become a dream that simply could not be passed up! Thank you for inviting us to be a small part of your world. John and I are thrilled to be here! We have made some great new friendships and have shared and listened to the hearts of those in this group. I look forward to what is next with The Cottage Table Experience.” ~ Debra Stensrud

“I will treasure this experience in my heart for eternity. You have expanded my understanding of beauty, peace, and love. Each activity gave me new knowledge and enlightenment. Thank you for the beauty and peace you offered so generously. My heart has enlarged from your ability to bring friendship, fun, spirituality, and love into the most spectacular experience!” ~ Bonnie Purcell

“Life changing - the two words that describe the week I have spent at Lake Como. Thank you for an exquisite experience filled with love, laughter, food, and incredible experiences.” ~ Renee Mueller