About the Retreat
Some games are best played slowly, over good wine, in good company. This January, Zelda Dearest and The Velvet Wind open their doors for the first Mahjong Retreat of its kind — three days given over entirely to the click of tiles, the pour of wine, and the particular pleasure of a weekend with nowhere else to be.
Guests stay in the quiet luxury of Zelda Dearest, and cross Downtown Asheville each day to play in The Velvet Wind. Special guests and group activities woven through the weekend — a retreat built for those who take their leisure, like their game, seriously.
To Sign Up for this Event
Call Zelda Dearest at 828.514.2489
What's Included
For a total of $1,975 guests receive:
- 10 Hours of Mahjong Play at The Velvet Wind
- 3 Nights Stay at Zelda Dearest, Small Luxury Hotels of The World
- 1 Dinner at a Michelin-Recommended Restaurant
- 1 LaZoom Comedy Tour of Asheville
- 3 Breakfasts
- 3 Nights of Parking
- 1 Catered Lunch
- 2 Bubblies
- Tax and Gratuity
Please note that transportation is not included.
SUNDAY
2 PM - 4 PM || Check into Zelda Dearest Hotel
4 PM - 5 PM || Hostess Meet & Greet in Wine & Roses Parlour Bar
MONDAY
7 AM - 8 AM || Breakfast at Zelda Dearest
10 AM - 12 PM || Open Play at The Velvet Wind
12 PM - 2 PM || Lunch, Shopping Downtown Asheville, Free Time
2:30 PM - 5:30 PM || Open Play at The Velvet Wind
6:30 PM - 8 PM || Dinner Reservation at Golden Hour
TUESDAY
7 AM - 8 AM || Breakfast at Zelda Dearest
10 AM - 12 PM || Open Play at The Velvet Wind
12 PM - 1 PM || Catered Lunch at The Velvet Wind
1:30 PM - 3 PM || LaZoom Tour of Asheville
3 PM - 6 PM || Optional Open Play at The Velvet Wind
6 PM - 8 PM || Optional Drinks and Social time at Wine & Roses Parlour Bar
WEDNESDAY
7 AM - 8 AM || Breakfast at Zelda Dearest
11 AM || Check out of Zelda Dearest
Additional Details
Alcohol Purchases
Cocktails, wine, and bubbly are available for purchase at both Zelda Dearest and The Velvet Wind. Retreat inclusions are for registered guests only, and additional drinks are at your own expense. Guests must be 21 or older with a valid government-issued photo ID to be served. Please drink responsibly. Both venues reserve the right to refuse service, and outside alcohol isn't permitted on either property. We encourage you to plan ahead for getting back to your room safely.
Transportation
Your registration includes three nights of complimentary parking at Zelda Dearest. Because alcohol is part of the weekend, we encourage you to leave the car parked and walk, use a rideshare, or take a taxi between venues. Transportation to and from Asheville, including airport transfers, is not included.
Cancellation Policy
Full payment is required to reserve your spot. You may cancel for a full refund up to one month before the Retreat, through December 24, 2026. Cancellations made after December 24, 2026 are not eligible for a refund. To cancel, call Zelda Dearest at 828.514.2489 before the deadline. Refunds are issued to the original form of payment.
Dietary Needs
Please tell us about any allergies or dietary restrictions when you register so we can accommodate you at meals, including the catered lunch on Tuesday, January 26. We'll do our best, but can't guarantee a fully allergen-free environment.
Liability
Guests attend at their own risk. Zelda Dearest and Velvet Wind are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings.
Photography
We may photograph or film the Retreat for promotional use. By attending, you consent to the use of your image. If you'd rather not be photographed, let a staff member know.
Accessibility
Contact us at stay@zeldadearest.com or 828.514.2489 before the Retreat if you need accommodations, and we'll do our best to help.
Questions? Email stay@zeldadearest.com or call 828.514.2489 .