The Rise of Reading Retreats: A New Wellness Trend for Book Lovers
In an era where digital distractions dominate our daily lives, a new wellness travel trend has emerged that combines the simple pleasure of reading with the luxury of a getaway. Reading retreats—vacations dedicated to uninterrupted reading time in beautiful settings—have surged in popularity, especially among women between 30 and 50 years old. These retreats offer more than just time to tackle neglected reading lists; they provide a rare opportunity for self-care, connection with like-minded individuals, and a complete digital detox in picturesque locations. For many participants, particularly women juggling careers, households, and motherhood, these retreats represent something increasingly precious: uninterrupted time for themselves without the weight of responsibilities or the guilt that often accompanies taking personal time.
Emma Donaldson, founder of Boutique Book Breaks in the UK, created her business after identifying a gap in the market for weekend getaways where guests could “simply read, without any household chores.” She discovered that successful reading retreats balance solitary reading time with communal activities. “You want to make sure people have time and space to read, but also the opportunity to come together over food and drink to chat about what they are reading and enjoying,” she explains. This format creates magical moments of connection when readers share recommendations and insights with genuine enthusiasm. While wellness retreats have long been established in the travel industry, reading retreats offer a distinct appeal: participants can enjoy books at their own pace, in their own way, without judgment or pressure. The trend has spread globally, with Donaldson attributing its popularity to millennials rediscovering reading as a form of escapism and connection.
The appeal of reading retreats extends beyond simply checking books off a bucket list. They serve as sanctuaries for self-care by providing what Donaldson describes as “forced time to slow down and spend time on ourselves.” This aspect particularly resonates with women in their 30s and 40s, who often prioritize others’ needs before their own. “The common factor is women who are looking to carve out a bit of time for themselves and their mental health, to enjoy a hobby, guilt-free and be around others who are equally excited about good stories,” notes Donaldson. These retreats create a rare space where participants can fully immerse themselves in reading without interruptions or responsibilities—a luxury that many find increasingly difficult to access in their daily lives. The combination of dedicated reading time, beautiful surroundings, and connection with fellow book lovers creates a deeply restorative experience that goes far beyond ordinary vacations.
Megan Christopher, the 34-year-old founder of Ladies Who Lit, an online book club and retreat business aimed at women, highlights another crucial appeal of these getaways. “I think as modern women, it can be hard to line up friends to go on holiday with due to overcommitments or life priorities,” she explains. “Additionally, I think women revel in the opportunity to not make any decisions and just have it all done for them. It’s not often as a woman you get that opportunity.” Being in a beautiful setting without worrying about meal planning or domestic responsibilities offers a genuine chance to relax completely. Christopher has observed how the retreat environment often brings out different sides of her guests. During a discussion of “Everything’s Fine” by Cecilia Rabess at a retreat in France, she witnessed participants engage in lively, respectful debates about race and politics. “It was wonderful to see everyone so engaged and passionate, and the women taking part in the discussion being so respectful and fostering a judgment-free space,” she recalls.
The unique atmosphere of reading retreats fosters a special kind of connection among participants. Guinevere de la Mare, co-founder of the Silent Book Club (which features a dedicated hour-long silent group reading session each day), notes that while her retreats are open to everyone, so far only women have participated. She attributes this to “a unique level of openness that women bring to a group with the psychological safety that comes from stepping outside of the patriarchy.” Beyond reading, these retreats incorporate authentic experiences tied to their locations. De la Mare describes how her groups have soaked in volcanic hot springs in Costa Rica, ridden horseback to swim under waterfalls, participated in lei-making workshops in Hawaii, and taken sunset cocktail cruises on vintage yachts. These activities complement the reading experience, creating a well-rounded retreat that combines literary engagement with cultural immersion and natural beauty.
Looking ahead, reading retreat organizers are planning exciting new destinations for book lovers. Boutique Book Breaks will host a spring retreat at Burley Manor in England’s New Forest, featuring a private reading lounge, vast deer park, and an elegant orangery for dinners. The weekend will include author interviews, bibliotherapist sessions, and creative activities like book bedazzling. Meanwhile, Ladies Who Lit is planning a summer retreat in Seville, where participants can read poolside under olive trees, as well as a sailing adventure around Greek islands that will allow readers to enjoy books under the shade of sails or on secluded beaches. These upcoming retreats highlight how the reading retreat concept continues to evolve, offering increasingly diverse and appealing options for those seeking the perfect combination of literature, relaxation, and connection. As digital overwhelm continues to characterize modern life, these havens for readers represent a meaningful counterbalance—spaces where the simple pleasure of losing oneself in a book becomes the ultimate luxury experience.
