Women love to read and they love to travel. So it’s no surprise that reading retreats are becoming popular. Think of these gatherings as a book club meeting in an idyllic location where participants relax with a good book followed by a discussion over drinks and dinner with longtime friends or new acquaintances. We’ve done some research and these are some things to consider when booking a reading retreat.
What are you looking for in this retreat?
Are you seeking a place of solitude and silence where you can lose yourself in books? Or would you enjoy meeting new people and sharing your thoughts with others? Aside from the reading, would you expect there’s the for a massage? A back to nature walk?
Choose the right location and setting.
For your first reading retreat, should you choose one in the U.S., maybe even one a car ride away? Or are you hoping for an international journey to really find a new place to relax and unplug?
Would you prefer to relax on the beach, reading while listening to crashing waves and enjoying the salty air? Or is your idea of a getaway being in a mountain cabin, wrapped in a blanket and sipping hot tea? City retreats work, too. Especially ones set in luxury hotels.
Check the retreat’s reading approach. Guidance or freedom?
If the program is structured, you may be assigned books, daily reading hours, and when discussions will take place.
Flexible programs will allow you to set your own pace, important if you like to digest a chapter before going on to the next.
And, yes, there are silent retreats where you will read and keep your thoughts to yourself.
Solo retreats versus group ones.
Some retreats just provide the environment for you to immerse yourself in a book or books without having to share or interact with others.
Group experiences expect interaction with others and these get-togethers can provoke interesting conversations and even create new friendships. Many who have gone on these trips still keep in touch with people from their groups.
Compare amenities and extras.
Does the retreat provide meals and accommodations or would you need to handle those reservations on your own?
Leaning into the relaxation theme, some of the retreats schedule yoga sessions, spa treatments, and nature walks.
Will you be able to keep your cellphone and computer? Will wifi be available? Judge how cut off from the world you choose to be.
Compare the costs.
With reading retreats becoming more popular, there’s something for every budget. Packages that are all-inclusive are often less difficult to book and easier on the wallet. A la carte packages may give you more flexibility, but, like in a restaurant, those items can quickly add up.
Make sure you check on the cancellation policy. Will your money be refunded, or can you rebook at a later date?
Check online reviews.
Websites for reading retreats are made to look exciting and enticing. But looks can be deceiving. Do your homework and see what past travelers have said about the retreats you are considering. And if you attend one, leave a review for others.
The best reading retreat isn’t just about the place—it’s about the space it creates for you to reconnect with words, stories, and yourself. Whether you’re curled up with a paperback on a sun-dappled terrace or swapping recommendations over wine with new friends, the right retreat will leave you rested, inspired, and ready for the next chapter.
Top photo: Shutterstock
