There’s something magical about stealing away for a quick couples’ trip—especially when you’re a busy mom of two. My husband and I recently escaped to New Orleans for a whirlwind weekend of incredible food, luxurious accommodations, and cultural experiences that reminded me why adults-only getaways are essential for marriage maintenance. Here’s how we maximized every moment of our luxury weekend in New Orleans.
Day 1: Arrival & First Taste of the Big Easy
Every minute counts when you’re a mom escaping for a rare weekend without kids. My husband (always the planner) perfectly timed our arrival so we could drop our bags with the hotel and head straight to Jewel of the South for a late brunch.
Related: Best Restaurants in New Orleans: Where This Repeat Visitor Actually Eats
When those first bites touched my lips, I knew we were in for a spectacular weekend. As a pescatarian, I was delighted by their seafood offerings, while my meat-eating husband (no pork for him) found plenty to satisfy his palate. The cocktails? Absolutely next-level—exactly what we needed to transition into vacation mode.
After brunch, we officially checked into the Four Seasons New Orleans. I’ve stayed at my fair share of luxury hotels, but there’s something about the Four Seasons brand that consistently delivers that perfect balance of sophistication and comfort.
We allowed ourselves a quick power nap (parent privilege!) before freshening up for our night out. The rain shower and plush robes made it tempting to stay in, but New Orleans was calling.
We had reservations for dinner at Dakar NOLA, a West African-influenced spot that had been on my must-try list for months. Chef Serigne Mbaye’s Senegalese tasting menu was a beautiful journey through familiar and new flavors.
The highlight of our evening was attending PJ Morton’s Black Friday concert at the Orpheum Theater. As a Black millennial couple, experiencing this Grammy-winning artist in his hometown was electric—a perfect reminder of New Orleans’ incomparable musical heritage.
We finished our night with a casual drive down Canal Street, absorbing the city’s energy before retreating to our hotel. The first day alone justified the entire trip.
Day 2: Culture, Cuisine, and Crossing State Lines
No visit to New Orleans is complete without a proper jazz brunch, and Commander’s Palace is the gold standard. The 25-cent martinis might seem like a tourist trap elsewhere, but here they’re a delightful tradition that pairs perfectly with their legendary turtle soup and bread pudding soufflé.
With full bellies and slightly buzzing heads, we walked off brunch with a visit to the Audubon Aquarium. One luxury of traveling without our daughters? Setting our own pace. We lingered at exhibits that fascinated us, reading every informational placard without little voices begging to move on to the next colorful fish.
After freshening up at the hotel (and a wardrobe change into something more evening-appropriate), we headed to Morrow’s Steak for dinner—another highlight of our luxury weekend in New Orleans. The contemporary space with its Instagram-worthy neon signs matched the food’s modern take on classic New Orleans flavors.
Then came our most adventurous decision—driving over an hour to Biloxi, Mississippi, to see Ledisi perform at the Beau Rivage. Was it worth crossing state lines during a short NOLA trip? Absolutely. Seeing this powerhouse vocalist against the backdrop of the Gulf Coast was unforgettable. Just don’t ask my husband his opinion.
We couldn’t resist stopping at the famous Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone when we returned to New Orleans. Of course, I, got their signature Vieux Carré cocktail. Sipping perfectly crafted drinks with live entertainment feels quintessentially New Orleans.
Not ready for the night to end, we concluded with nightcaps at our hotel’s Chandelier Bar, where the bartenders craft some of the city’s most innovative cocktails.
Day 3: Final Indulgences Before Departure
Knowing our flight wasn’t until late afternoon, we maximized our final hours starting with breakfast at Compère Lapin, chef Nina Compton’s Caribbean-meets-Creole restaurant. As a fellow Black woman in the culinary world, I’ve long admired Compton’s innovative approach.
Possibly the most indulgent part of our trip was scheduling pre-flight massages. There’s something about returning home with loosened shoulders and relaxed minds that makes re-entry to parenting slightly gentler.
Before heading to the airport, we made a quick detour to the French Quarter for souvenirs—spices from local markets and pralines that our daughters would insist we share immediately upon arrival home.
How to Plan Your Own Luxury Weekend in New Orleans: Our Success Formula
Splurge Strategically for a Romantic Getaway Without Kids
While this was definitely a luxury weekend in New Orleans (my husband loves to spoil me when we get rare time alone), we focused our spending on experiences that made our romantic getaway without kids truly special:
- Accommodations: The Four Seasons might seem extravagant, but its central location saved us time and transportation costs—crucial when every moment of your luxury weekend counts.
- Dining: We prioritized restaurants that offered unique experiences we couldn’t get elsewhere, essential for making your New Orleans couples’ escape memorable.
- Entertainment: Choosing concerts by artists we truly love made every dollar of our luxury weekend worthwhile and created those intimate moments that define a perfect romantic getaway without kids.
Pack With Purpose
For a luxury weekend in New Orleans, I’m firmly in the carry-on-only camp. My strategy for the perfect romantic getaway without kids:
Model outfits before packing and check them against the weather forecast
- Pack dual-purpose shoes (my trusty designer sneakers worked for daytime exploring and casual evenings)
- One statement handbag that works with every outfit
- Minimal makeup kit with multitasking products
This approach meant I only needed my backpack and carry-on—no checked bags to slow down your luxury weekend momentum.
- Balance Your Itinerary
- New Orleans offers endless temptations, but the key to a satisfying luxury weekend is balancing:
- Cultural experiences (music, art, history)
- Culinary adventures (both traditional and innovative)
- Pure relaxation (spa treatments, cocktail sipping)
- Strategic downtime (those hotel power naps are non-negotiable on a romantic getaway without kids!)
The Takeaway
What I love most about these adults-only escapes is how they remind me that I’m not just a mom—I’m still that adventurous woman who loves luxury experiences, cultural immersion, and quality time with my husband. Our luxury weekend in New Orleans provided the perfect backdrop for reconnecting with these parts of myself.
If you’re another busy mom looking to plan your own romantic getaway without kids, remember: even 48 hours can be transformative with the right planning. New Orleans offers a perfect combination of sophistication and soul that counts every moment of your luxury weekend.
Related: A Luxury Couples Getaway at Four Seasons New Orleans
Have you visited New Orleans recently? What were your must-visit spots? Share in the comments below!