Reading Retreats. Are you looking for another reason to travel? It might be as simple as picking up a new book, with the latest wellness retreat craze.
A staple for any journey, has always been a good book. They make the perfect travel companion. So, it’s no surprise that the latest travel trend is reading retreats – dedicated getaways designed for book lovers, and they are gaining popularity worldwide.
Following hot on the heels of the growth of book clubs in every major city in the western world, reading retreats go one step further bringing people together for longer to explore their mutual passion for books.
Imagine escaping to a picturesque countryside, a cozy cabin, or a sun-soaked villa with nothing on your agenda except diving into a great story. These reading retreats provide a unique opportunity to disconnect from daily distractions and fully immerse yourself in literature, often in the company of like-minded readers.
What to Expect at a Reading Retreat
Most reading retreats cater to small groups of around 10-15 people, offering a blend of solitude and social connection. Guests typically stay in shared accommodations for a few nights, with all meals provided, allowing for a truly immersive and stress-free experience. While reading is the main event, many retreats also offer optional social activities, wellness sessions, and even guided sightseeing tours, depending on the location.
Some retreats are themed around a specific book, creating a book club-style atmosphere where participants can engage in lively discussions. In the age of social media, this provides a rare and refreshing chance to connect with fellow readers face-to-face. Other retreats feature an impressive lineup of guest authors who share insights into their writing journeys, making for an inspiring literary experience.
For those who prefer a more independent approach, there are also retreats with no assigned reading lists—just uninterrupted time to devour whatever book is calling to you. Whether it’s fiction, memoir, or poetry, these retreats offer the ultimate mindful escape.
Best Reading Retreats to Book Now
4 Day ‘Reading, Art & Adventure’ Women’s Retreat in Marrakech.
This women-only getaway is designed for those who crave a blend of quiet moments, artistic expression, and thrilling experiences, and find yourself truly awakened in the authentic bliss of Marrakech.
Spend the days lounging with a book, painting under the Moroccan sun, and riding camels and quads through the dunes. Evenings bring starlit dinners, an outdoor girly movie night, and the kind of deep conversations that only happen in dreamy places like this. With a personal chef preparing every meal and a setting straight out of a storybook, this is an invitation to slow down, create, and rediscover.
https://bookretreats.com/r/4-day-reading-art-adventure-womens-retreat-in-marrakesh
7 Day Reading Retreat with Successful Authors in Amorgos, Greece
Escape to the stunning Greek island of Amorgos for a six-night literary retreat filled with books, breathtaking scenery, and exclusive experiences. Featuring guest authors Robyn Harding, Liz Nugent, Jonas Saul, Chris Colmenero, and Rania Stone, this retreat offers intimate author sessions, lively discussions, and thrilling excursions—including snorkeling, a murder mystery event, and exploring the charming village of Chora. Guests can also opt for a pre-retreat adventure in Athens, complete with a guided Acropolis tour and authentic Greek dining. A perfect blend of literary inspiration and island bliss.
https://bookretreats.com/r/7-day-reading-retreat-with-succesful-authors-in-amorgos-greece
Top Reading Retreat Organisations, Operating Year Round
She journey’s Australia – ‘where literature meets adventure’
She Journeys is a female-owned and operated travel company specialising in bespoke literary retreats for women. Designed for those who find inspiration in both books and travel, She Journeys curates unique experiences in enchanting destinations that have inspired great literature. From intimate book club gatherings in nature to writing workshops in picturesque countryside settings, each retreat offers a perfect balance of relaxation, exploration, and literary enrichment. Whether seeking solitude to write or connection with fellow book lovers, She Journeys provides a transformative escape where every journey becomes a story of its own.
https://www.shejourneys.com.au
Ladies who Lit UK, ‘A haven for literary enthusiasts seeking a zero-pressure environment where the joy of reading takes centre stage.’
Ladies Who Lit is a vibrant community that began as a no-pressure book club and has since evolved into a sisterhood of women who connect over literature in breathtaking locations across the UK, Europe, and beyond. Destinations in this year alone include Sicily Italy, Seville Spain, Argeles-sur Mer, France and Cotswolds, england. Guests enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals, unlimited coffee, and the freedom to choose solitude or social connection. Evenings bring shared meals, engaging conversations, and literary-inspired activities, fostering friendships and fresh book recommendations. It’s the perfect escape for book lovers seeking both tranquility and connection.
https://www.ladieswholit.co.uk/reading-retreat
Packing Tips for a Luxury Reading Getaway
Depending on the travel destination and weather season, always opt to pack cozy, essentials like cashmere sweaters, silk loungewear, and plush slippers. Bring a curated selection of hardcover books or an e-reader, paired with a journal and fine pen for reflection. Enhance relaxation with spa-quality skincare, a scented candle, or an aromatherapy diffuser, along with noise-canceling headphones for undisturbed reading. Don’t forget gourmet teas, artisan snacks, and a portable speaker for ambiance. Travel in style with premium luggage and a chic tote for your books, while silk sleep masks ensure a restful sleep after your literary escape.
