Blog Posts  K

Zac Maras is an Abita Springs-based artist best known for his vibrant and colorful mural works. Zac’s work largely focuses on animals found around Louisiana. Favorites include blue herons, egrets, spoonbills, gators, frogs, and crawfish. Zac has painted many murals that can be found all throughout the city. He is not afraid to bring our big ideas to life and his art style elevates any space he paints. Scroll below to see how the amazing works he's done in our houses and beyond!

Outdoor space of The Herald Introducing CastleDay: Where Private Villas Meet Unforgettable Gatherings There's a certain magic that happens when you bring people together in the right space. Not in a hotel ballroom with thin walls and neighboring guests. Not in a vacation rental that feels like someone else's home. But in a place designed from the ground up for your group, your celebration, your moment. That's the vision behind CastleDay. A New Kind of Retreat in New Orleans We created CastleDay because we saw a gap in how people gather for the moments that matter most. Weddings. Milestone birthdays. Family reunions. Corporate retreats. These occasions deserve more than compromise—they deserve privacy, space, and the kind of setting that turns a gathering into a memory. Our three contemporary private villas— The Herald , The Cocodrie , and The Florentine —are located in New Orleans, a city that already knows how to celebrate. But unlike traditional venues or vacation rentals, each CastleDay property offers something rare: an entire villa exclusively for your group, with no shared spaces, no neighboring guests, and no interruptions. More Than Accommodation. A True Private Retreat. What makes CastleDay different? It starts with privacy. When you book one of our villas, it's entirely yours. Every bedroom. Every gathering space. The pool. The grounds. Everything. Our villas sleep large groups comfortably—20+ guests in spaces designed to feel both luxurious and livable. Everyone gets room to breathe, while thoughtfully designed common areas draw the group together when it matters. Our villas feature: Spacious, modern design that balances elegance with comfort Multiple gathering areas both indoors and out Chef-ready kitchens for those who want to cook (or hire a private chef) Resort-style amenities including pools and outdoor entertainment spaces Thoughtful details that make hosting effortless Perfect For Every Kind of Gathering We've welcomed wedding parties who want everyone under one roof the night before the big day. Corporate teams looking for an inspiring off-site location. Extended families celebrating milestone birthdays. Friend groups marking special occasions or simply wanting a memorable vacation together. The beauty of a private villa retreat is flexibility. Want to have a chef prepare dinner while your group mingles by the pool? Done. Need space for a small ceremony or corporate presentation? You have it. Prefer to keep things casual with a long weekend of catching up? The space adapts to you. New Orleans. Elevated. Location matters, and New Orleans brings its own energy to any gathering. Our properties give you a private sanctuary while keeping you connected to one of America's most vibrant cities. Explore the neighborhoods, experience the food scene, soak in the culture—then retreat to your own private villa where the celebration continues on your terms. Your Gathering, Your Way At CastleDay, we believe the best gatherings happen when people can truly be present with each other. No checking out by 11 AM. No worrying about noise complaints. No navigating hotel lobbies in formal wear. Just your people, your celebration, and a beautiful space designed to make it all effortless. Whether you're planning a wedding celebration, organizing a corporate retreat, or gathering the people who matter most, we'd love to help you create something extraordinary. Ready to explore our villas? Visit castledayretreats.com to discover The Herald, The Cocodrie, and The Florentine, and find the perfect setting for your next gathering.

New Orleans is a city built for celebration—and when it comes to unforgettable bachelorette weekends, the setting matters as much as the itinerary. At Marais, we offer more than just a place to sleep. We provide immersive, locally rooted spaces where your group can connect, relax, and revel in the spirit of the Crescent City. Whether you’re planning a long weekend with your closest friends or an extended escape for a larger crew, here’s why Marais is the best place to host your bachelorette party in New Orleans. Curated for Connection: Homes That Feel Like Art Installations Every Marais property is a living gallery. Instead of cookie-cutter decor or generic furnishings, our homes feature art and design sourced directly from New Orleans creatives. Local artwork in every room: From hand-painted murals and mixed-media installations to custom lighting and furniture by local makers, your space will be layered with visual storytelling. Each piece was chosen not only to beautify the space, but to honor the culture and character of this city. Instagram-worthy vignettes: Our interiors are designed with both aesthetic and atmosphere in mind—ideal for capturing group photos, getting-ready moments, or just enjoying the view with a glass of bubbles. No two homes are alike: Whether you book a modern Bywater compound or a timeless Creole townhouse, the textures, tones, and ambiance of your space will reflect the unique history and soul of its neighborhood. Lush Outdoor Living, Designed for Celebration New Orleans’ climate invites you outside nearly year-round—and our homes make the most of it. Private courtyards, heated pools and spas, and tropical gardens give your group room to breathe, toast, and unwind between outings. Almost all of our homes include outdoor dining setups and heated pools, offering the perfect backdrop for sunset hangs or post-party chill time. With ample seating and ambient lighting, these spaces feel like your own private oasis in the city—intimate, beautiful, and perfect for celebrating milestones. Spacious Group Stays That Don’t Feel Like Group Stays We know bachelorette parties come in all sizes and styles. That’s why our properties are flexible by design: Sleep up to 30 guests comfortably in thoughtfully configured bedrooms and communal areas. Enjoy full kitchens, large dining tables, and open-plan living rooms ideal for hosting game nights, brunches, or pre-dinner drinks. Want separate spaces for different parts of the group? Ask us about adjacent homes or multi-unit options that offer privacy and togetherness. Planning Tips for Your Marais Bachelorette Weekend Book early, especially for spring and fall dates (festival season!). Explore our recommendations page for hidden gems, dining guides, and experiences tailored to your crew. Ready to Pop the Bubbly? Your bachelorette party deserves more than a basic Airbnb. It deserves a setting as inspired, joyful, and unique as the people you’re celebrating with. Explore our full collection of homes at staymarais.com and let the good times roll—with style, soul, and a whole lot of love from New Orleans.

With crawfish season around the corner, here are a few tips for hosting an authentic crawfish boil at one of our homes and a list of great crawfish boil companies.

Hosting a hibachi meal at one of our properties is a lot of fun. Here's some information on how to do it!

Explore the Whitney Plantation, a historical plantation turned museum, to learn about the lives of enslaved people in Louisiana. The Whitney Plantation includes original slave cabins, the Field of Angels memorial, and a museum with artifacts and personal stories. Guided tours offer clear insights into the realities of slavery.

Chris Owens is a master carpenter based out of New Orleans. Chris brings furniture dreams to life and has truly elevated Marais spaces with his penchant for high quality wood builds.

Float down the Bogue Chitto River for a relaxing and fun-filled tubing experience. The scenic river winds through Bogue Chitto State Park, offering a peaceful escape surrounded by nature. A tubing trip on the Bogue Chitto River provides a leisurely and enjoyable way to cool off and appreciate the natural beauty of the North Shore.

Bayou Boogaloo is a festival like no other with a good fraction of attendee's actually seeing the whole event on the water! Here's why staying with us will make this Bayou Festival even better for the whole family!