Curious about literary retreats? Discover what happens at these bookish escapes and explore the best ones around the world.
Move over fancy resort holidays, there’s a new style of getaway capturing people’s attention: reading retreats. These unique escapes are part of the growing trend of literary tourism, where the written word takes center stage, and distractions are left behind. They’re experiences for book lovers to gather, exchange ideas, discuss their favorite titles, and get a taste of literary travel.
From exotic female-only sessions in France to spooky reading breaks on Cape Cod, we’re taking a look at some of the best reading retreats around the world.
What Can Guests Expect at a Reading Retreat?
Every trip has a purpose, whether you’re heading away to hike or for some chill time by the beach. And a reading retreat is no different!
The idea is pretty simple: bring people together somewhere with minimal distractions and let them get lost in a good book. No two retreats look quite the same, but there are a few things you’re guaranteed. These include book discussions, relaxed meals with other readers, and long stretches of uninterrupted time to just read.
Most last several days and follow a loose itinerary, while some go a step further with a theme, like Book a Break’s haunted-themed breaks. Readaways are very much social experiences, so you’ll be surrounded by fellow literary enthusiasts, though you can still curl up on your own whenever you feel like it.
The World’s Best Reading Retreats
The Next Chapter Club (France, Spain, UAE)
The Next Chapter Club brings together small groups of women looking to take a break from everyday life, slow down, and turn some pages. It’s not just about the books, either; they weave in other activities like yoga and sound healing throughout the trip. But if that’s not your thing, you’re always welcome to sit them out and finish another chapter instead.
Every package comes with healthy meals prepared throughout the day, and you’ll likely leave with a few new friends too. So far, some of their most memorable trips have taken place in Marbella and France’s Loire Valley.
Ladies Who Lit (Various – Italy, Spain, France, Greece, UK)
Known as the ‘book club that takes you places,’ Ladies Who Lit builds its retreats around the idea of female-focused trips, but with a real emphasis on setting.
One might be a journaling retreat in Cornwall, the next a stay in the Peak District. Their itineraries tend to fill up with dinner parties, film nights, book talks, and evening chats by the fire.
Book Huddle Reading Retreats (Canada and USA)
Book Huddle Retreats started when a woman named Lauren posted her plans to launch a weekend book club on TikTok. She had no idea how far the idea would go. Before long, it had grown into a company running literary escapes for introverted readers who wanted to meet new people and geek out about books together.
All of Book Huddles ‘ trips follow the same simple structure: pick a book, read it before you arrive, then talk about it once you’re there. Their next getaways are to Ontario and New Mexico, and they stick to a firm rule of choosing destinations within two hours of an airport, making them accessible to everyone.
Page Break Reading Retreat (Catskills, New York, USA)
Page Break Reading Retreats has quietly become one of the names to know in literary tourism. Based in New York, they keep things simple, capping each trip at 15 people, and regularly drop new dates via social media and their newsletter.
A featured book serves as the foundation for every retreat, usually a contemporary literary fiction title, paired with its own theme. Their Voyagers trip, for instance, mixes camping and canoeing in with the reading.
Read Rest Retreat (England)
Got a UK trip on your literary travel bucket list this summer? Read Rest Retreat is worth a look. Their women-only holidays head to charming corners of rural England, where you’ll be staying in country houses with cozy fireplaces made for snuggling up with novels.
Meals are prepared by expert chefs, and every guest receives a goodie bag upon arrival, with a book to set the mood. The real highlight, though, is the author lunch or dinner included with each trip. Who will be your featured guest?
Book[ed] Society (USA)
Book [ed] Society takes a different approach to reading retreats entirely. Rather than assigning a book, they build their retreats around the genres people already love. Mysteries, crime, even one for movie buffs. Name the interest, and there’s probably a trip for it.
There’s no strict itinerary when you choose Book [ed] Society, and that’s the whole point. You don’t have to worry about set reading times or scheduled talks; just read whenever you want.
Forest & Fawn (USA)
Forest & Fawn caters to women and non-binary readers with a soft spot for fandom and fantasy, running regular trips across the US. A handful of titles get announced with each retreat date, ready to be discussed in some of the most stunning locations, from Joshua Tree to Vermont.
They choose insanely nice accommodations too, so you’ll be able to slip away for some peaceful downtime when your social battery runs low.
The Literary Edit Reading Retreats (UK & Europe)
The Literary Edit runs some spectacular retreats across the UK and Europe, from Hay Festival visits and country house stays to bookshop visits and conversations with authors.
Their Provence trips take things a bit more slowly, with plenty of time set aside to put pen to paper in serene surroundings. All their retreats come with a reading list tailored to the location too, so you get a real understanding of the place you’re visiting.
NorthWind Reads (Ontario, Canada)
Canada-based bookworms, this one’s for you. NorthWind Reads runs week-long readaways across Ontario packed with recommended reads, lively roundtables, and plenty of time to bond with fellow bibliophiles once the covers close for the day. Only 11 spots are up for grabs on their next trip, though, so you’ll want to move fast.
Book a Break (New England, USA)
If you’re after a retreat with a bit of buzz behind it, Book a Break is the one for you. Expect writer talks, hands-on workshops, and long stretches of chill reading time in postcard-worthy spots like Vermont and Nantucket. Their next outing is a haunted-themed escape to Cape Cod, where tales of mystery take the lead.
Reading Retreats Australia
Not one for a strict reading list? Reading Retreats Australia keeps things easy. Bring your own books or browse their second-hand stash at one of their locations down under, such as Canberra or the breathtaking Blue Mountains.
Attendees pay an all-inclusive one-time fee, and that covers food, accommodation, and complete access to their library.
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Adam Ryan
Adam is a distinguished content writer, bookworm, and full-time adventurer with a constant craving for coffee. When he's not working, he loves exploring remote corners of the world, immersing himself in different cultures, and writing about his experiences.
