8 Mahjong Retreats Worth the Trip in 2026
What better place to play mahjong than against the backdrop of a beautiful Southern resort? Some of our favorite properties are bringing guests together for weekend retreats full of camaraderie and friendly competition. Image: iStock
Have you gotten swept up in the mahjong craze? This centuries-old game is having a major moment thanks to equal parts camaraderie, competition, and gorgeous collectible sets. Now hotels and resorts have entered the chat, offering mahjong retreats where guests can play and learn the finer points of the game. They’re the perfect excuse for a girls’ getaway, and some of our favorite places are getting in on the fun.
Here are eight mahjong retreats to have on your radar this year!
Editor’s Note: If you’re new to the trend, “mahjong” (the traditional Chinese game) and “mah jongg” (the American version) refer to two different ways of playing. Same roots, different rules.
The Greenbrier Mahjong Tournaments | White Sulphur Springs, WV
When: April 18, 2026
When: May 30, 2026
More Info: greenbrier.com
If you haven’t visited The Greenbrier before, it’s high time you book a stay. Dorothy Draper’s fabulously decorated vision is one of the most iconic resorts in the country, and it is perfectly suited to the game’s vibrant, playful aesthetic. The mahjong tournament weekend includes play led by Lookout Mountain Mahjong. All game supplies are provided.
The tournament weekend costs $350 on top of your room rate, and includes a welcome cocktail reception, tournament play, and swag.
High Hampton Mahjong with Mahjong in the City | Cashiers, NC
When: April 23-27, 2026
More Info: highhampton.com
A weekend in the North Carolina mountains at High Hampton is always a treat. Add in an opportunity to play mahjong with Ashley Sigmon and Leigh Young, co-founders of the Charlotte-based Mahj in the City, and you have the most delightful way to spend a girls’ weekend. Whether you’ve been playing for years or you’re just starting, this weekend will include both beginner and advanced classes so everyone can sharpen their skills.
The fee for the event is $200 plus the meal-inclusive room rate. The event fee includes evening wine receptions and American mahjong classes at all levels.
Mahjong Tournaments at The Greenbrier | White Sulphur Springs, WV
When: April 18, 2026
When: May 30, 2026
More Info: greenbrier.com
If you haven’t visited The Greenbrier before, it’s high time you book a stay. Dorothy Draper’s fabulously decorated vision is one of the most iconic resorts in the country, and it is perfectly suited to the game’s vibrant, playful aesthetic. The mahjong tournament weekend includes play led by Lookout Mountain Mahjong. All game supplies are provided.
The tournament weekend costs $350 on top of your room rate, and includes a welcome cocktail reception, tournament play, and swag.
Lake Austin Spa Resort Spa-hjong Retreat | Austin, TX
When: April 28-May 1, 2026
More Info: lakehousespa.com
It’s the perfect mix of friendly competition and relaxing spa vibes at Lake Austin Spa Resort’s Spa-hjong Retreat. From a meet-and-greet to open play, strategy lessons, and a casual tournament, this event includes time to hone your mahjong skills as well as time to enjoy the spa amenities. It’s led by Candyce Welch, who’s been an arts and crafts instructor at the resort for more than a decade and a mahjong instructor for seven years.
Tides Inn Mah Jongg Camp with Dana Lange | Irvington, VA
When: May 4-7, 2026
More Info: tidesinn.com
Spending time on the water while playing your new obsession? It doesn’t get any better. Durham-based Mah Jongg instructor Dana Lange will lead a three-day camp at the picturesque Tides Inn, dedicated to teaching both beginners and those looking to refine and sharpen their play. There will be nine hours of instruction over the course of the camp, and people rave about Lange’s hilarious and informative style.
The camp fee is $350 in addition to your room rate, and includes classes, a welcome reception, a group-themed dinner, and an extra half-day of supervised play.
Tile Travelers Mahjong Retreats | 3 Retreats, 3 Locations!
Where + When: The Harpeth in Franklin, TN, April 26-28
Where + When: Perry Lane Hotel in Savannah, GA, June 7-9
Where + When: The Tropics Oceania Vista in Miami, FL, December 7-14
More Info: tiletravelersmahjongretreats.com
Two sisters with a love of both mahjong and travel combined their shared passions to form the Tile Travelers Mahjong Retreats. These weekend events cover all the essentials, from the hotel stay to meals to game play. They intentionally pick beautiful hotels in fun cities to give their attendees the most fabulous experience possible.
Each retreat features a “Pink Basket” raffle dedicated to the women’s mother, Roz, who passed away from breast cancer in 2024. Roz taught her two daughters how to play mahjong, and this raffle, with its beautiful basket of tiles, a mat, racks, and a rack bag, is dedicated to raising funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Rates range depending on room occupancy and location.
Need Your Own Travel Tiles?
Want to take your own mahjong show on the road? Mahjong sets are beautiful, and part of the appeal is the tactile feel of the tiles, which make for a gorgeous experience but can quickly weigh down an overnight bag.
Avoid heavy baggage charges by picking up a set from The Mahjong House or Oh My Mahjong. Both of these Texas-based companies offer a line of travel tiles that pack up easily in a to-go pouch and pair perfectly with a travel-size mat.
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Heather Bien
A Virginia native and professional writer of over 10 years, Heather is passionate about home decor, cooking and entertaining, travel, ballet, and coffee. You can find more of Heather's work in Southern Living, Martha Stewart, The Knot, Apartment Therapy, and Virginia Living.