Oct 22th-26th, 2027 | Starting at €5000
The Muse’s Crossing- Samhain Nocturne
A special edition Halloween retreat with Lillian Liu, Nona Limmen, and Queen Astraea in Spain
What to Expect
Muse, noun, /myuz/: a person or spirit that gives an artist ideas and the desire to create things
As autumn settles over the village of Sant Mori, nights lengthen and the old world draws close. Come wander where queens once sought refuge, where wartime decisions were made, and where old walls that have witnessed both hope and sorrow still linger.
Step into a transformative journey with photographer Lillian Liu and special guest photographer Nona Limmen, where you cross into heroes and villains of old through the camera on historical grounds.
Myth and imagination intertwine as you embody timeless stories, captured in images that feel like a waking dream…or nightmare.
This is not Chapter Three of our journey, but a special one-off event. We welcome you to a special Halloween iteration of The Muse’s Crossing- Samhain Nocturne. Bigger, bolder, and with a twist.
As our waitlist for Chapter One and Two was over 900 people, please be sure to book early!
2 fantasy photoshoots + content creation are included in the retreat, with an option to add more + extra perks.
We blend full guidance in shooting if requested, so there is no modeling experience necessary for your sessions.
❋ Photoshoots
Connection is an integral part of the retreat. You’ll meet like-minded individuals and work together to create art and memories in an intimate setting.
❋ Collaborative Energy
Included in the retreat is a stay in our castle. Experience two private chefs, with daily meals catered to your dietary needs, and one final elegant and grand Halloween party.
❋ Room and Board
Our events prioritize safety and respect with a zero tolerance policy, so you can show up as you are and become fully engaged. We welcome ages 18+ to participate in this female/femmes-only retreat.
❋ A Supportive Space
Arma Medusa, Nuit Clothing Atelier, Monschik, Adobe Express, Dainy Mello, Church of Sanctus
and many more TBA
Sponsors/Partners
Fantasy is not costume, but initiation.
Guests don’t leave reality, they navigate through it changed.
Meet Your Hosts
Lillian Liu Photography
I’m a creative photographer who feels happiest when making mythic stories come to life! Trained in art history with a Masters in classical music, I love making timeless keepsake visual pieces that emanate sensitivity. My features and clients include: Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Adobe, Vogue, Marie Claire, and many more.
When not shooting, I am very much a goblin collecting trinkets, and also adore a good fleece blanket and hardcover book!
Instagram: @lilianliuphotography
I’m a makeup and hair artist who loves the journey of making you unlock new parts of yourself! I also run Morrow Muse, a boutique creative concept agency.
My features and experience include: Vogue, Estee Lauder, Red Candle Games, MAC cosmetics, and more, and I am equipped to work on clients and styles of all backgrounds and ages.
I love whimsy, princess-y rococo vibes, and spoiling my cat with sashimi!
Wendychu, Makeup Artist, Boutique Team of Morrow Muse
Instagram: @hiwendychu
I’m a content creator born and raised in New York City, with a niche that focuses on the fantastical and historical! With over 2.5 million followers collectively on my social platforms, connecting with people around the world in person and online is truly my passion.
I’m here to show that you can be empowered with both a sword and a ball gown!
Special Guest: Queen Astraea
Tiktok: @queen_astraea
Through my art, I love to explore themes of mythology, empowerment, and the dark feminine. There is so much power in creating art that encourages raw self-expression, allowing you to (re)connect with your true and magical self. The more unhinged, the better! Nothing is too weird or bizarre in my book.
My work has been published in magazines and art books, and I’ve exhibited globally. Features include Chelsea Wolfe, Phoebe Bridgers, and various metal and dungeon synth artists. Let’s create some magic together!
Special Guest Photographer: Nona Limmen
Instagram: @nonalimmen
I’m Coco! I’m a hairstylist with 18 years of experience. I’ve trained with Tony&Guy and Blanche MacDonald, and I love working with different hair types, textures, lengths, and aesthetics. My experience includes precision cuts and styling, to weddings, fashion, and creative projects. For me, hair is more than just an accessory. It can create movement, shape a silhouette, and set a mood. I’m excited to explore dark romance, dramatic textures, sleek silhouettes, undone looks, sculptural shapes, and editorial styling! Let’s make art!
Special Guest Hairstylist: Coco Manzano
Instagram: coco at @creative_collective_salon_
Live your inner fable
The Art of Lillian Liu- portfolio sample
The Art of Nona Limmen- portfolio sample
What’s Included
Fine Art Portraits
2 guided photoshoot sessions and content creation over the span of the retreat, with the option to add on more
3 final digital image edits from each shoot
Option to purchase more images from each set
Hair and Makeup available
Weather-flexible indoor options also available with digital background and high-end set stylist
Accommodation
Step back in time! The medieval castle includes a stay of 4 nights, and has modernized amenities for your comfort.
A range of cozy period character rooms available, from private to ensuite, with cozy common areas.
The grounds are yours to explore and make content in both pre and post scheduled shooting
Private Chef
Two Fairmont and Marriott Bonvoy luxury hotel portfolio private chefs
Daily self-serve continental breakfast buffet, light lunches, snacks, and sit-down dinners in the banquet hall. Tea/coffee/snacks daily. Two grand dinners included with set design, the final one being an elegant and elevated Halloween party.
Wine/spirits or non-alcoholic options with meals and for aperitif time.
Dietary restrictions are catered to with individual meals
Day Trip or Free Day
Free time included to unwind or to explore the surrounding areas!
Group transportation for organized group excursion
Daily evenings are free for group games, activities, and personal unwinding
Located between Figueras and Girona, in the same area where the Dalí House Museum is and the beaches of the Costa Brava.
Transportation
Shuttle/chauffeurs available for group outing day, and also for travel from major local hub to the castle.
Cab-friendly location, and on-location driver available for shoots
Extras
Luxe welcome goodie bag upon arrival! Think prestige beauty brand makeup, Korean skincare, on-theme swag, daily essentials, and more…
High tier patrons have the opportunity to design their own couture gown to keep
Refer-a-friend discount and payment plans available
PR closet available- see following sections for more details.
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The Muse’s Crossing retreat is both a self-styled experience (where you step into a character of your own creation through designs you bring),and with PR wardrobe available. This includes fantasy accessories/designer headpieces/sponsored garments/wigs in the communal PR wardrobe. These items are subject to availability to accentuate your looks, should you wish to use them, and will be revealed prior to the retreat as an online inventory, and will be of the caliber as featured in Lillian Liu’s work.
You will then be able to select what pieces you’d like to use for your transformation after registration.Please note that while we will do our best to accommodate a wide range of sizes, providing your measurements in advance gives us the best chance of ensuring a proper fit. Accurate measurements allow us to plan PR wardrobe styling more effectively.
Lillian and Nona will also guide you through a personalized styling journey for each of your three looks, helping to develop your characters. Moodboards for looks and makeup, and determining the overall ambience is essential co-creation and a part of the transformative experience.
At the retreat, assistance will also be provided if necessary for dressing and getting ready, at the client’s discretion. -
Yes! We welcome individuals of all shapes and sizes to this event, and will accommodate inclusive sizing in our closet as well.
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Please pack 2-3 different looks for your individual photoshoots depending on your package, unless you plan to use a sponsored garment(s) for a specific look. We also encourage you to dress up for your two grand dinners- one on our welcome night, and the other for our Halloween party!
You are encouraged to bring personal wigs, jewelry, and more as well- but most importantly, your enthusiasm!
Otherwise, for inside the castle: loungewear, toiletries, comfy shoes, and whatever else suits your fancy for a cozy castle escape! Layers are encouraged for cooler evenings.
For the outdoors: outdoor-ready shoes, jacket. -
Lillian Liu and Nona Limmen’s editing style is painterly and will require editing time, especially for a group setting. Timelines will be arranged as schedules are released. Priority will be given to higher ticket tier patrons for completion.
You have an option to select your final images from a gallery across all photoshoots if you wish, or allow your photographers to make your selects for you.
Additional images are available for purchase as an add-on. -
Your host Wendy will be available to book as a makeup and hair artist, and Coco will also be available for hair only, should you wish to be pampered for all of your looks! Depending on your package (see further section for more details), all guests will receive their magical hair and makeup transformation at least once during this retreat, although you may opt in for more.
Rates for extra looks not packaged are:
Hair only: 200 euros per look
Makeup only: 200 euros per look
Makeup and hair: 350 euros per look -
Please be sure to cover the following:
Your travel to and from your home to the castle, including airfare, train, or car rental. We can however, cover transportation from our designated meeting point in Barcelona to the castle, should you wish to use our shuttle service.
Extra costumes and accessories (with the exception of what is available to borrow from the PR closet)
Baggage, accident, cancellation, or travel insurance
Extra personal expenses, such as passports, store purchases, phone calls
Extra meals and beverages not served on grounds
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The castle is partially mobility-friendly, but comes with significant limitations typical of historic medieval properties. Retrofitted modern features coexist with centuries-old structural constraints.
Therefore, common areas are manageable (especially with the elevator), but bathrooms and narrow transitions may prove difficult or ill-suited for those who will require a wheelchair.
We reserve the right to decline your booking if we cannot guarantee your comfort or safety, thank you for your understanding! -
To keep events accessible, payment plans are available either in 2, 3, or 4 parts for those who might find it their preferred way of payment.
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From December onwards, we will schedule 2 group calls to get acquainted with one another, and to answer all of your questions. Lillian will also be in contact with you through the group Discord to get a feel of planning your vision as you make moodboards, design your wardrobe pairings, and offer makeup and hair inspiration.
Our Location
The Castle of Sant Mori
Our castle has been declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest.
In the quiet landscape of the Empordà, stands a castle whose story reaches back into the Middle Ages. Sant Mori itself appears in written records as early as 1066, while the castle is documented by 1149, when the medieval fortress was already watching over the settlement below. This sleepy village, just twenty minutes from Figueres, was also the home of world-renowned Spanish artist, Salvador Dalí.
By the 13th century, Sant Mori was connected with the County of Empúries and was held by the powerful Creixell family. In time, through marriage and inheritance, the estate passed into the hands of the Rocabertí family, one of the great noble houses of medieval Catalonia. It was during the troubled 15th century that Sant Mori stepped onto a much larger stage.
The nobleman Pere de Rocabertí, born around 1415, became Baron of Sant Mori and a prominent supporter of King Joan II of Aragon during the Catalan Civil War. The conflict brought warfare and uncertainty to the region, and Sant Mori itself was caught in the struggle.
Then came a queen, a woman surrounded by death and political enemies, who refused to disappear.
In 1466, Joana Enríquez, Queen of Aragon and mother of the future Ferdinand the Catholic (who funded Christopher Columbus and his journey to the Americas), stayed at Sant Mori with the young prince. While he slept, she negotiated the fate of kingdoms. Within these walls, amid a realm divided by war, the queen summoned the Catalan Parliament on 15 October 1466. This rural castle subsequently became a place of royal refuge and political consequence. A sharply intelligent woman surrounded by swirling dark rumours, she served as governor and lieutenant general and defended Girona during the war.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, the castle was extensively rebuilt, rising from its earlier foundations as a noble Gothic-Renaissance palace. The austere strength of the medieval fortress gradually gave way to the more elegant residence of an aristocratic household.
In 1503, the marriage of Caterina de Rocabertí to Jaume de Cardona created the Cardona-Rocabertí lineage, continuing the castle's connection with Catalan nobility.
The modern restoration of the palace preserved its historic character, and Sant Mori remains recognized as a Cultural Asset of National Interest. Perhaps that is the particular enchantment of Sant Mori: it was a castle where real stories unfolded.
Modern amenities include: laundry facilities, hair dryers, towels and linens, private pool, gardens, climate control, elevator, wifi, modern bathrooms, and more.
FAQ
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This retreat is for those who feel a call toward creativity and the process of creation. You’ll be welcomed into a community of creatives and thoughtful souls who value connection and shared experience.
We ask that participants come open-hearted, ready to participate, and to move with emotional awareness within a group setting.
This is not a party culture-centered escape. Instead, it is an invitation to connect and to make beauty together as a collective.Please note that this retreat is for female participants only who are 18 years of age or older. We are also gender inclusive with non-binary or trans women. However, we will mention that although the retreat is female exclusive for attendees, some staff on grounds may be male depending on their availability (ie groundskeeper, chef, drivers, designers, etc). We appreciate your understanding as we keep this transparent.
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After receiving the exact address of the castle after registration, you will be given more details about the easiest travel routes to reach the building. Alternatively, we also offer transfer service at a designated time from Barcelona to Sant Mori (already included in your package), should you wish to utilize our service.
The location is local taxi friendly as well, and a shuttle/driver will be provided from grounds to the city center/airport on departure day, should there be enough demand for the service.
Travel hubs include:-Nearest train stations: Sant Miquel de Fluvià Station, Girona Train Station, Camallera Station
-Nearest high speed rail station: Figueres-Vilafant High-Speed Station
-Nearest airport: Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO), Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) -
In your registration form, there will be an option to name what your allergies or restriction are.
However, if you live with serious environmental allergies (such as dust, insects, etc), please make this known in advance to your hosts prior to arrival.
For your wellbeing and safety, we reserve the authority to decline your booking request if we determine that we cannot safely meet your health needs. -
To ensure a focused and cohesive experience for all participants, we kindly ask that attendance be limited to registered retreat guests only, and that no plus-ones attend.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, and we’re excited to make this a meaningful and productive retreat for everyone.
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To keep our retreats accessible, we do offer payment plans in 2, 3, or 4 payments. More details can be found in the pricing section of the site below.
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If you are a designer who would like to offer designs for the retreat in exchange for content, please write us at the retreat using the contact form at the bottom of the page.
Previous sponsors have included: Armstreet, Epic Armoury, Arthammer, Adobe, Cerave, Fauwn Fantasy Couture, The Knight’s Vault, Till Blush of Night, Reverie Fantasy Clothing, Witcheshurt, Dainy Mello, Memento Mori Designs, Dress Art Mystery, Period Corsets, Harriet’s Corsets, L’Atelier Ika, and many more. -
The Muse’s Crossing is the host of two other retreats:
Chapter One- Scotland, November 2026 (sold out)
Chapter 2- France, March 2027 (sold out)
We encourage you to check out content from these previous retreats!
Accomodation
The retreat offers space for 17 guests. It will also have 13 bathrooms.
There are two accommodation options designed to suit different preferences and budgets:
-Regular, which will be a shared room with one other roommate, in separate twin beds
(Guests are welcome to refer a friend to stay together in the same room for a further discount of 200 euros off of both individual tickets. Please refer to the payment section of the site for more details)
and
-Premium, which offers a private room for single occupancy (only 3 available)
To help everyone feel comfortable before arrival, we will host Discord or Zoom meetups ahead of the retreat, so guests have the chance to connect before traveling.
Booking and Pricing
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Our pricing reflects the location, care, creativity, and resources that go into crafting an immersive experience. Each package includes curated activities and food, styled settings, on-site coordination, shipping of PR items, and exclusive access to the retreat environment. Full pricing details are as follows, with optional payment plans available to support flexibility while securing your place.
Discounts:
If you refer a friend and come together, both of you will also get an additional €200 off your ticket price. You will also both receive an upgraded goodie bag free of charge!
Shared rooms are always discounted
Ticket prices are as follows:
The Muse Experience: €5200/per person
Includes:
-Four nights at Sant Mori Castle
-Shared castle accommodation with one other roommate, in your own private twin bed.
-Barcelona to Sant Mori transportation/transfer included at a designated time for arrival
-One professional hair and makeup transformation included.
-One exclusive editorial session with Guest photographer Nona Limmen
-One exclusive editorial session with Host photographer Lillian Liu
-6 edited images total (with more available by request)
-Wardrobe/PR closet access
-Custom editorial sets, props, and floral styling
-Behind the scenes content creation
-Halloween/grand Gothic dinner and castle party experience
-Styling and creative direction
-Goodie Bag
-Fairmont and Marriott Bonvoy luxury hotel portfolio private chefs, for daily meals
-Outing dayBring a Friend: €5000/per person
Guests booking together will each receive 200 euros off and share their room together. Both parties will receive the same complete retreat experience and deliverables.The Private Muse Experience: €9500/per person (only 3 spaces available!),
Includes:
Everything above in the 5200 euro experience, plus:
-Private castle room, single occupancy
-One day early arrival day
-Custom couture Muse’s Crossing made-to-measure fantasy dress, yours to co-design and keep, by Dainy Mello. Created exclusively for this event, we use your personal measurements to create your dream custom dress to wear during your shooting experience.
-One additional hair and makeup transformation
-One additional editorial look with Lillian Liu Photography and additional dedicated shooting time
-First priority of images and upgraded goodie bag
-3 more images from your extra shoot to keep, with more to add upon request
-Outing day
If you have any questions, we are more than happy to answer your emails or even arrange a video call.
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We are excited to welcome you!
To secure your place at the Muse’s Crossing retreat, a deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking. This deposit is non-refundable, and your booking will be considered committed and confirmed. The only circumstance in which a full deposit refund will be provided is if the event is cancelled by the organizers due to insufficient enrollment.
Refunds for all following instalments are available up until a firm deadline of February 15th 2027, in which they will no longer be issued. An exception to this rule is if there is insufficient enrolment for the retreat to proceed, that all participants will receive a full refund of all instalments.
Payment plans are available if noted at registration- see points below for more information on flexible payment options.
We appreciate your understanding and commitment as we thoughtfully prepare this experience!
Payments are acceptable via bank transfer, Paypal, or Wise. -
For guests who prefer additional flexibility, payment plans are available. These plans allow the retreat investment to be divided into scheduled installments, with all payments completed by the final payment deadline of two months prior to the retreat.
Instalments can be divided into 2-4 payments depending on your individual needs. -
All payments apart from your deposit are fully refundable up until February 15th as a firm deadline, in which we will no longer be able to accommodate a refund.
Due to the nature of the experience (photoshoots, room and board, planning, materials), all payments are considered final once made after the refund deadline. This includes payment plan instalments made after February 15th. We thank you for understanding!Minimum Group Size: This retreat requires a certain number of enrollment. Only if we must cancel due to insufficient registration will you receive a 100% refund (including your deposit) within 30 days after retreat cancellation. This is the only circumstance under which refunds are offered after the deadline.
We understand that life can be unpredictable, and while we truly wish we could accommodate every situation, any exceptions are at the sole discretion of the organizers and cannot be guaranteed due to the nature of the retreat.
Itinerary
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For upgraded ticket guests only, arrive a day early (October 21st) and settle in anytime from noon onward. Once you’ve made yourself at home, step straight into your first magical shoot transformation. Then, retreat, dine, and rest at your leisure as we prepare for the grand arrival and main festivities the following day.
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Welcome to The Muse’s Crossing!
Your adventures begins as you cross over onto grounds anytime after check in as dependent on your travel schedule after 2 pm.
Settle into your room, meet other fellow guests, and be greeted by your hosts, where you can then tour and explore the castle grounds, and sort out looks for the next day’s shooting.
That evening, the group gathers for a Welcome Mixer & Welcome Dinner in the banquet hall. We encourage you to wear something on theme for the first night, as the dinner is your first opportunity for themed content creation (including group content!). Afterwards, historical games will follow. Quiet hours will be enforced by 11 pm, to be mindful of guests who may be tired from their travels. -
Our first shoot day is designed to be streamlined and creatively inspiring. Guests can expect thoughtful direction, the joy of getting ready in a creative bubble, and plenty of space to work at a comfortable but organized pace. Your hosts will be available to help you with anything: corset tying, pinning, posing, and everything in-between.
Whether you’re actively participating during your slot, or simply enjoying the atmosphere in-between sessions, the day will feel collaborative, playful, and rooted in the magic of the retreat.
Your day will include: breakfast buffet, lunch, sit down dinner, scheduled shoots, wind down times in-between, aperitif time, and individual or group activities after shoots are concluded. -
One full day of the retreat is intentionally left open for either rest or adventure! Guests are encouraged to join the outing group day trip, or to privately explore the surrounding area and enjoy local sights…or simply slow down and recharge after a day of shooting.
Whether you choose sightseeing or quiet reflection, this free day offers space to experience the destination at your own pace and to savour the magic beyond the retreat schedule.
For guests choosing not to join the group outing- meals will be provided back at the castle. -
The final full day brings together our last round of shooting and a celebratory close before departure the next morning. Expect a full schedule with creative moments and plenty of time to connect and enjoy the atmosphere together!
The final schedule for Day 4 will be announced closer to the retreat, as we continue refining shoot plans to create the best possible experience. Breakfast, lunch, and aperitif time will be offered.
We will conclude the retreat with a lush farewell dinner and drinks in the banquet hall, prepared by our private chef, followed by celebratory revelry for our final evening together in a grand Halloween party.Please keep in mind that while we cannot control the weather in case of extreme cases, we will always have a thoughtful Plan B to ensure our special guests are well taken care of.
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Our final day is a slow and thoughtful close to the retreat as guests check out after breakfast and begin their journeys home. This morning is intentionally unstructured, offering time for goodbyes. We part with cherished memories, and the magic of the retreat carried forward!
Join the adventure
Questions?