8 Mahjong Retreats Worth the Trip in 2026 & 2027
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: Facebook / Montage Palmetto Bluff
Have you gotten swept up in the mahjong craze? This centuries-old game is having a major moment, thanks to its 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 the mahjong retreats to have on your radar!
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: January 12 & 13, 2027; February 19 & 20, 2027; March 4 & 5, 2027; April 9 & 10, 2027
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’s perfectly suited to the game’s vibrant, playful aesthetic. This coming year, Mahjong Collective hosts multiple tournaments for intermediate and advanced players. Each one is led by Mahjong Collective founder Lynn Cooper, and all game supplies are provided.
The tournament weekend costs $495 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: January 24-26, 2027
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 skills and 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: November 8-12, 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 leads a three-day camp at the picturesque Tides Inn, dedicated to teaching both beginners and those looking to refine and sharpen their play. There are nine hours of instruction over the course of the camp, and people rave about Dana’s hilarious and informative style.
The camp fee is $450 in addition to your room rate, and includes classes, a welcome reception, a group-themed dinner, and three days of play.
Tile Travelers Mahjong Retreats | 4 Retreats, 4 Locations!
Where + When: Cruise from Miami, FL, December 7-14, 2026; La Mariposa in San Antonio, TX, February 19-21, 2027; Serenity in Franklin, TN, April 4-6, 2027; Casa Monica Resort & Spa, St. Augustine, FL, May 23-25, 2027
More Info: tiletravelersmahjongretreats.com
Sisters Carole Tufeld and Patty Dickman combined their shared passions for mahjong and travel to form the Tile Travelers Mahjong Retreats. These weekend events cover all the essentials, from the hotel stay to meals and gameplay. They intentionally pick beautiful hotels in fun cities to give 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, raises funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Rates range depending on room occupancy and location.
MYM X Montage Palmetto Bluff Mahjong Retreat
When: TBD
More Info: markyourmahjong.com
There are few places more picturesque to settle in for a weekend of mahjong than the Carolina Lowcountry. Mark Your Mahjong, which began when founder Ashley Spence developed a darling line of markers, hosts retreats at Montage Palmetto Bluff. While 2027 dates haven’t been announced yet, you can get on the list to be among the first to hear when registration opens.
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.
