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New Orleans as the playground
for your Inner Child
Welcome to Nola
New Orleans, affectionately nicknamed "NOLA" (short for New Orleans, Louisiana), is a gateway to the unseen—a place where history dances with magic.
NolAlchemy is more than just a retreat; it’s an experience designed to reconnect you to your essence, unlock your hidden potential, and reactivate the alchemy of your Inner Child.
For 8 days, right in the heart of Mardi Gras, you’ll explore, feel, and transform.
Get ready to leave with so much more than just a memory:
A version of yourself that dares to dream bigger, vibrate higher, and manifest with intention.
This multidimensional experience is designed to guide you to
Reconnect with your truest essence, the essence of your Inner Child—that space within you that dreams without limits and creates without fear.
The city itself will be your mirror, with its exuberance, rhythm, and stories of resilience.
Dive into your inner journey, supported by the magical energy of NOLA, where every street, every melody, and the rhythms of Mardi Gras celebrations embody the permission to express yourself fully and without restraint.
Create a new foundation in your life by exploring what limits you to unleash what empowers you.
Through my carefully curated experiences, you will engage in transformative rituals, moments of pure joy, and guided introspective practices to activate your creative power.
February 26 to March 5, 2025
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An Initiatory Experience of 7 Nights and 8 Days
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In the heart of the mystical city of New Orleans, Louisiana
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An immersion into the magic of MARDI GRAS, one of the most renowned carnivals in the world
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A warm and welcoming home, a sanctuary to prepare, recharge, and elevate yourself
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A curated selection of transformative experiences and encounters, designed with deep harmony and sincere reverence for the vibrant energies of the city and its communities
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A KREWE: your circle of spiritual travelers, carefully chosen. Each member is present through perfect synchronicity, creating a unique alchemy to support and amplify your transformation
A dedicated curation to rewrite history and weave new bridges between our cultures
Through this first experience, NolAlchemy is committed to transforming the legacy of the transatlantic trade into a powerful act of reconnection and healing.
Today, Afro-descendants and their allies consciously travel to the United States to meet, collaborate, and co-create with local and African American communities in New Orleans.
Tomorrow, NolAlchemy will forge a new path: a journey from New Orleans to the African continent, challenging the fate of the "Point of No Return" and restoring a virtuous flow between our lands and spirits.
Together, we celebrate our shared roots, honor our collective histories, and build a future where unity, creativity, and healing transmute the wounds of the past.
The Key Highlights of the Program
During Mardi Gras, having a plan is a great idea...
but embracing the magic of the unexpected is just as essential.
is even better
From 6:00 PM
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Transfer from Louis Armstrong International Airport
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Welcome cocktail to mark the beginning of this magical adventure
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"Family Style" dinner prepared by a local chef, highlighting the unique flavors of New Orleans
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Free evening to explore at your own pace or simply relax and soak in the city's energy
Morning
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Morning rituals: movement, breathwork, journaling, and setting intentions
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Brunch-style breakfast at home in a cozy and rejuvenating atmosphere
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Opening circle: a sacred moment to anchor the intentions of this initiatory journey and deeply connect with our Inner Children in a space of sharing and kindness
Afternoon
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Immersive guided tour of the French Quarter with a local guide, diving into the African, Indigenous, French, and Spanish influences that shape the unique soul of New Orleans
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Lunch and free time, a chance to wander, explore at your own pace, or simply relax
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Krewe of Muses Parade, an explosion of creativity, music, and joy amid the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras
Evening
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Free evening to immerse yourself in the city’s intoxicating vibes, with no set plans—just adventure and the surprises of the moment
Morning
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Breakfast at Home: A gentle moment to start the day with serenity.
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Guided Breathwork Session led by local facilitators to release tension, awaken vital energy, and deepen self-connection.
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Po’ Boy Style Lunch: Savor this classic New Orleans culinary delight.
Afternoon
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Transfer to Whitney Plantation: A poignant guided tour, structured as a memorial, offering a deeply human perspective on the history of enslaved Africans.
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Free time at home for integration and rejuvenation.
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Dinner at a local restaurant: Enjoy one of the many culinary facets that make New Orleans so unique.
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Free evening: Let yourself be carried away by the city’s vibrant energy, with no fixed itinerary, and discover what the night has in store.
Morning
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Morning Rituals: Movement, Breathing, Journaling, Intentions
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Homemade breakfast : A peaceful moment to nourish you and prepare you for a creative day
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Bulle créa: Connect with your Inner Child and let your imagination run wild to design, create and finalize your unique Mardi Gras costume.
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Lunch Delivery Enjoy a meal carefully prepared by a local business, supporting the talents and flavors of New Orleans.
Afternoon
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Krewe of Endymion Parade: Founded in 1967, this krewe is known for its grandiose floats and vibrant energy, providing one of the most anticipated Mardi Gras spectacles
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Free evening & dinner : Let yourself be carried away by the vibrant energy of the city, without a pre-established itinerary, and discover what the night has in store.
Morning
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Morning Rituals: Start your day with an energizing combination of movement, breathing, journaling, and intention setting to ground your energy.
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Brunch at a surprise #BlackOwned restaurant : Savor authentic cuisine rich in history, a true immersion in the flavors of New Orleans.
Afternoon
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Frenchmen Street Stroll: Let yourself be carried away by the vibrations of the jazz bars, explore the art galleries and immerse yourself in the musical soul of the city.
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Krewe of Bacchus Parade: Established in 1968, this krewe celebrates abundance and extravagance with spectacular floats and famous kings, embodying the festive spirit of Mardi Gras.
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Free evening: An invitation to let yourself be guided by the vibrant energy of the city and discover where the night will take you.
Matin
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Morning rituals & slow mornings, the final stretch of the marathon—let’s regain our strength.
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Breakfast at the house in a cozy and rejuvenating atmosphere.
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Rest: It’s time to take a well-deserved break!
Afternoon
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Zulu Fest: An Afro-Creole celebration rich in music, dance, and gastronomy, where the King and Queen Zulu majestically parade on the eve of Mardi Gras.
Evening
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Free Evening: Let yourself be carried away by the city's intoxicating energy, with no set itinerary, to embrace adventure and welcome the surprises the night has in store for you.
5 a.m.!
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Skull and Bones Parade: Inspired by Afro-Caribbean traditions and secret societies, this parade honors ancestors and the culture of the "morning call," where members dressed as skeletons would announce mortality at dawn. A powerful reminder of New Orleans' African and Vodou roots.
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Black Indians Parade: This parade traces its origins to a historic alliance between runaway African slaves and the Native American tribes who sheltered and protected them. It bursts forth in a riot of colors and rhythms. With no fixed schedule, their appearances remain delightfully unpredictable.
8 a.m.!
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Krewe of ZULU Parade: An iconic Mardi Gras tradition celebrating Afro-Creole heritage with colorful floats, vibrant costumes, and the majestic appearance of King Zulu.
Morning/Afternoon
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Quick breakfast at the house + getting ready for...
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A costumed celebration, joining the lively streets of New Orleans to experience the excitement and magic of Mardi Gras! 🎭✨
Late Afternoon + Evening
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Return to the house + comfort food
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Free evening, but you’ll probably end up sleeping! 💤
Morning
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Homemade breakfast : A peaceful moment to nourish you and prepare you for a creative day
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Leaving home
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Meal & Closing Circle outdoors
The End
Welcome to your Krewe's home!
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A spacious home, carefully chosen for its authentic New Orleans charm—a true sanctuary for your Krewe. This space becomes our sacred haven:
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To rest and recharge after the excitement of the parades.
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To prepare and support each other before every adventure, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
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To share nourishing and healthy meals, essential for keeping up with the Mardi Gras marathon.
The house welcomes you with its original fireplaces, restored hardwood floors, pocket doors, and high ceilings, bathed in natural light thanks to its large windows. With 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, it offers comfort and space for every Krewe member to feel at home.
A true refuge, blending historic elegance and warmth, to experience the Mardi Gras marathon in the best possible way.
The 2 Shared Bedrooms
Each bedroom is equipped with a comfortable mattress, extra pillows, and a cozy duvet to ensure a restful night’s sleep.
Choose the room that resonates most with your Inner Child's energy to make the most of your experience.
About the food
In New Orleans, food is sacred. It’s a true cultural expression, a unique blend of African, Creole, French, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. Each dish tells a story, and every flavor reveals a heritage.
During NolAlchemy, we will explore this culinary richness through:
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Experiences with a local chefs, who will introduce us to authentic flavors and recipes inspired by the city’s culture.
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Meals carefully prepared or selected from iconic restaurants, chosen for their quality and respect for local traditions.
Most of our breakfasts will be enjoyed at home, featuring fresh, nourishing ingredients to fill our bodies and minds with vital energy. These balanced meals will complement the delightful gastronomic indulgences we’re sure to experience throughout the journey. It’s a way to savor the magic of the city while taking care of ourselves.
Every detail will be thoughtfully organized to accommodate individual dietary needs (allergies, restrictions, religious practices, etc.). A questionnaire will be sent before the retreat to ensure we cater to your preferences and make every meal a moment of joy and well-being.
During free time, everyone will have the chance to embark on their own culinary adventures throughout the city, exploring local flavors at their own pace and creating unique experiences.
Valérie
Inner Child Alchemist
and founder of the brand and
podcast Vibe with Your Inner Child
My name is Valérie, and New Orleans is a city that deeply resonates with my soul and my Inner Child.
Twelve years ago, during my university exchange at Tulane, I fell in love with this unique place. The following year, I returned for Halloween, irresistibly drawn to its magical energy. After a brief pause in 2020, I reconnected with this enchanting land. NolAlchemy will mark my fifth Mardi Gras, and with each visit, this city transforms me a little more.
For me, New Orleans is more than just a destination. It’s a place where my creativity soars, where beauty is celebrated in every moment, but also where you dance with your shadows. Here, the energy of chaos becomes a catalyst for transformation: the wild rhythms, the sleepless nights, and the unexpected surprises force you to let go and rediscover yourself. It’s the place where I allow myself to be everything at once—radiant, imperfect, alive.
And this is exactly the experience I want to share with you. I want you to feel the magic that nourishes the soul, inspires your Inner Child, and frees your creativity so you can reconnect with your true self. Because you deserve this alchemy, this one-of-a-kind adventure that blends your essence with the spirit of New Orleans.
Join me for an initiatory journey where magic, beauty, and authenticity await. Together, we will celebrate life in all its glory, in a city full of paradoxes, through the transformative power of NolAlchemy.
Feel the Vibe of Mardi Gras 2023
In episode 61 of my podcast On Est Ensemble, I share in English the magical experience I had during Mardi Gras 2023, along with some testimonials from my Krewe.
L'équipe
Ceci est votre section Équipe. Présentez brièvement l'équipe, puis ajoutez sa biographie ci-dessous. Cliquez pour me modifier.
From February 26 to March 5, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Who is the retreat for?
NolAlchemy is open to anyone over the age of 21, ready to embrace an immersive and transformative experience. Whether you're seeking introspection, celebration, or a reconnection with yourself, this experience is designed for you.
This adventure is especially for those who:
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Have a taste for intensity: New Orleans, especially during Mardi Gras, is an explosion of energy, noise, crowds, and celebration. If you enjoy adventure and vibrancy, this experience is for you.
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Appreciate moments of rest: While the program is intense, dedicated moments for rest and recentring are included to help you recharge and fully integrate the experience.
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Have an open mind and heart: The magic of NolAlchemy lies in the unpredictable and the unexpected. Being ready to welcome the adventure with curiosity and authenticity is essential.
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Desire transformation: If you feel the need to transmute certain blockages, overcome fears, and fully embody the person you aspire to be, this retreat is an invitation to take that leap.
02
Where does the retreat take place? How can you get there?
The NolAlchemy retreat takes place in New Orleans, at the heart of one of the most vibrant and mystical cities in the United States. You will stay in a spacious, typical New Orleans-style home located in a central neighborhood, providing easy access to explore the city and join the Mardi Gras festivities.
By Air: New Orleans is served by Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY). A shuttle, included in the retreat package, will pick you up upon arrival and take you directly to the house.
Local Transport: Once there, your 7-day Jazzy Pass will allow you to easily travel on streetcars, buses, and ferries to explore the city.
A few weeks before the trip, you will receive a practical guide with all the necessary information to help you organize your journey with ease.
03
Dois-je parler français pour participer à la retraite ?
Not necessarily! The guided activities and group moments will mostly be in French and english. However, since New Orleans is an English-speaking city, a basic knowledge of English might be helpful for your interactions during free time. If needed, we’ll be there to support you with some interactions!
04
Qu'est ce que comprends le tarif ?
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Accommodation for 7 nights.
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All breakfasts and some meals. Food will be available at the house, with access to the kitchen so you can prepare your own meals if desired. We can also go grocery shopping if needed, ensuring you have everything you need.
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Guided activities (tours, workshops, ceremonies).
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Transfers to and from the airport, as well as to certain activities.
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Your 7-day Jazzy Pass, valid for unlimited rides on RTA buses, streetcars, and ferries. Non-transferable, it activates on first use and expires 7 days later.
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A surprise welcome kit.
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Curation and guidance to support you at every step of the journey.
05
What is not included?
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Your flight ticket to New Orleans.
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Meals* during free time:
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Dinner on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday evenings.
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Lunch on Monday and Tuesday.
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*The meals mentioned are not included in the trip price, but a curated selection of restaurants tailored to your tastes will be provided to help you enjoy the local flavors. Additionally, the house kitchen will be available if you prefer to cook your own meals.
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Personal expenses (souvenirs, extras).
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ESTA visa fees.if applicable
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Activities and transportation not included in the program.
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Free evenings and drinks.
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Transportation costs for returning after nighttime outings.
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Mandatory personal insurance (travel, health, cancellation, etc.).
06
What are the payment options?
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Early KREWE Rate
€1999 until December 21 → Payment in full or in 4 interest-free installments via PayPal (subject to eligibility), with 4 payments of €499.75 each.
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Standard KREWE Rate
€2499 starting December 21 → Payment in full or in 4 interest-free installments via bank transfer only, with 4 payments of €624.75 each.
07
What if my plans change?
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More than 60 days before the start of the experience: A refund of 50% of the amount paid will be issued.
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Less than 60 days before the start of the experience: No refund will be provided.
08
If I have more questions...
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Feel free to email me at valerie@vibeavectonenfantinterieur.world, and I will respond as quickly as possible.
09
What are the terms and conditions of sale?
By confirming your spot for this experience, you agree to the terms and conditions of sale available here.