As a mom of two daughters (13 and 5) who keep us on our toes, finding time for romance often falls to the bottom of my priority list. Between work deadlines, school drop-offs, and the daily juggle of modern parenthood, my husband and I desperately needed to reconnect. Enter my husband David, master of surprise getaways (or so he likes to think), who planned the perfect post-Thanksgiving escape to one of our favorite cities: New Orleans. His planning made our luxury couples getaway in New Orleans the perfect two-day escape.
Why This NYC Mom Needed a Luxury Couples Getaway in New Orleans
Work, being parents, and life in general meant we had very little alone time together. While my 13-year-old is pretty self-sufficient, my 5-year-old is another story entirely. She’s convinced I belong exclusively to her, constantly picking fights with her big sister and demanding my attention every waking moment. By the end of Thanksgiving weekend, I desperately needed adult time, rest, and the chance to enjoy a meal without cutting someone else’s food or mediating sister squabbles. David’s surprise getaway promised exactly that—uninterrupted conversations, luxurious sleep, and the freedom to just be us again.
New Orleans has always held a special place in our hearts. The vibrant culinary scene alone (it is ALWAYS about the food for us) makes it worth the trip, but this adults’ playground offered us exactly what we needed: excellent music from Louisiana natives like PJ Morton and Ledisi, unforgettable fine dining experiences, and, most importantly, quality time with each other.
The Ultimate Boutique Experience: Four Seasons New Orleans
Why We Chose This Luxury Haven
Let’s be honest—I’m a hotel snob. After years of traveling for both work and pleasure, I’ve developed a discerning eye for luxury accommodations. David knows this, so he selected the Four Seasons New Orleans for our romantic escape.
As we pulled up to the elegant entrance, I couldn’t help but think, “I deserve this.” After breastfeeding our girls for three years each, working nonstop, and constantly putting everyone else’s needs before my own, this luxury escape felt not just indulgent, but necessary.
As Black women, we often carry multiple responsibilities and rarely prioritize our own experiences. This weekend was about changing that narrative for myself, with my husband’s help.
First Impressions That Made This NYC Girl Swoon
The moment we stepped into the lobby, I was in awe. The opulent chandelier suspended over the bar cast a warm glow throughout the space. At the same time, the staff welcomed us with that signature Southern hospitality that always makes this NYC girl with Southern roots feel instantly at home.
The hotel’s location proved perfect—it is within walking distance to the aquarium (which we experienced without the constant “hurry up, let’s go” from our impatient daughters), the mall, and numerous attractions, yet removed enough from the tourist hustle to feel exclusive and serene.
Related: Travel Guide: Five Days in New Orleans – Eat, Play, Sleep, Repeat
Suite Dreams: Room 905 That Rivals Manhattan’s Finest
Our executive one-bedroom suite took luxury to new heights. The thoughtful layout provided greater privacy by separating the living space from our corner-view bedroom. Even the walk-in closet featured a floor-to-ceiling window that framed the cityscape like a living painting.
The oversized marble bathroom became my personal sanctuary, complete with:
- Double vanity sinks (marital harmony preserved!)
- A spacious shower with perfect water pressure
- A free-standing oval tub that begged for a long soak
- Deluxe L’Occitane Eco Refill toiletries that made me consider “accidentally” packing them
While our bathroom at home barely fits the both of us, this spa-like oasis reminded me why luxury hotel experiences remain worth every penny for busy parents.
The Turndown Service That Deserves Its Own Paragraph
After indulging in cocktails and live music each night, we returned to find our suite transformed. Lights dimmed to the perfect ambiance, sheets turned down invitingly, room temperature adjusted to the ideal sleeping condition, and water ready at our bedside. This attention to detail elevated our two-night stay into something truly restorative. The Four Seasons staff understood that parents on a rare escape need these thoughtful touches perhaps more than any other travelers.
Culinary Adventures: Where This Food-Obsessed Couple Dined
Jewel of the South: First Stop for Sophisticated Palates
Fresh off the plane, we headed straight to Jewel of the South for a lunch that set the tone for our gastronomic weekend. We indulged in:
- Kaluga caviar with potato scallops (a puffed pastry creation I’m determined to recreate at home)
- White anchovy with green olives and shishito peppers
- Kohlrabi with whipped tofu and hazelnut
Their craft cocktail menu impressed even my mixology-enthusiast husband. While he adventurously tried the Pouvez-Vous Poulet (duck and chicken fat-washed rums that he admitted he wouldn’t order again), I savored the Crimson Minx—a tequila-mezcal concoction with cranberry and rhubarb liqueur that balanced bold and bright notes perfectly.
Dakar NOLA: Black Excellence in Culinary Form
The highlight of our culinary journey came at Dakar NOLA, where Chef Serigne’s tasting menu transported us through Senegalese flavors with New Orleans influence. At just 30 years old, he’s not only the youngest 2024 James Beard Award winner for Best New Restaurant but also a fellow Virgo (born September 4th, just like my nieces and one day after my dad).
The evening began with mint tea reminiscent of Moroccan traditions and boiled peanuts that David immediately surrendered to me—a small victory I savored with each bite. From his innovative take on gumbo to perfectly executed jollof rice, every course told a story of cultural heritage and culinary mastery. As Black travelers who appreciate experiencing Black excellence worldwide, this meal held special significance.
Morrow’s and Compère Lapin: Completing Our Culinary Tour
No luxury New Orleans experience feels complete without sampling the city’s range of elevated cuisine. At Black-owned Morrow’s, we started with their New Orleans Seafood Gumbo before David opted for surf and turf while I indulged in creamy pasta with Sun Butter Shrimp, paired perfectly with an Old Fashioned.
Just minutes from our hotel, Nina Compton’s Compère Lapin offered a Caribbean-influenced brunch before our departure. My requisite shrimp and grits test (I order this dish everywhere we travel) passed with flying colors—the coconut grits and sauce creole creating a harmony of flavors I’m still dreaming about weeks later.
Beyond Dining: Romantic Experiences That Rekindled Our Connection
Live Music: The Soundtrack to Our Luxury Couples Getaway
After an unforgettable dinner at Dakar NOLA, we witnessed PJ Morton’s Black Friday show at the Orpheum. The Grammy-winning keyboardist for Maroon 5 delivered a performance that had the packed house on their feet. The shared experience of live music—something we rarely get to enjoy together with young children at home—reminded us of our pre-parenting days when concerts formed the cornerstone of our relationship.
Our luxury couples getaway in New Orleans didn’t keep us in Louisiana. We even drove to Biloxi, Mississippi, to see Ledisi perform at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, though David still complains that the drive lasted longer than her set. Was it worth it? Absolutely.
The Luxury of Unscheduled Time
Perhaps the most decadent part of our luxury couples getaway in New Orleans wasn’t found in the five-star amenities or Michelin-worthy meals, but in the simple luxury of unstructured time. Walking hand-in-hand through the French Quarter without adjusting our pace for little legs. Returning to the Carousel Bar in Hotel Monteleone for my favorite cocktail—the classic Vieux Carré that I fell in love with during our previous trips—without checking our watches for bedtime routines. Even sleeping in past 7 AM felt revolutionary.
As with all our getaways, massages were non-negotiable on our itinerary. Before heading to the airport, we enjoyed a couples massage at a spa near Compère Lapin—the perfect punctuation mark to a weekend dedicated to reconnection and rejuvenation. These spa moments are sacred to us; they’re not just indulgences but essential reset buttons for our busy lives.
Why New Orleans Remains Our Favorite Romantic Escape
New Orleans offers that rare combination of excitement and relaxation that busy parents crave. The walkable neighborhoods mean you can explore without complicated logistics. The culinary scene satisfies even the most demanding foodies. The music scene provides entertainment that feeds the soul. And the blend of cultures creates an atmosphere where romance naturally flourishes.
This trip reminded us that maintaining our relationship makes us better parents. By taking this time for ourselves, we returned home more patient, more present, and more appreciative of both our family life and each other.
David has already booked our return for next Thanksgiving weekend—though we’re still debating whether it will be another adults-only escape or an opportunity to introduce our daughters to the magic of this beloved city. Either way, PJ Morton’s Black Friday show is non-negotiable on our itinerary.
Have you discovered the perfect couples’ escape in New Orleans? Or are you a fellow parent desperately in need of a luxury getaway? Share your favorite experiences in the comments—I’m always collecting recommendations for our next adventure!
