Three whimsical reading retreats for your diary

Choose from the windswept Welsh coast, a picturesque Provençal chateau, and a cozy, book-filled Australian retreat...

It’s been a long day—spent fuelled by coffee, going square-eyed in front of my laptop, updating my website, finalising schedules, and fine-tuning copy. A lot of behind-the-scenes work to get everything in order. But I’m so excited to finally share something I’ve been quietly planning for a while: my very own series of reading retreats.

I’ve hunted down the perfect spots where you can kick back, unplug, and read to your heart’s content. The idea is simple, really: a peaceful space to disconnect from the noise of daily life, curl up with a book, and enjoy some much-needed down time, without the constant ping of notifications. There’s nothing I love more than getting lost in a good book against a stunning backdrop, and that passion has inspired these retreats. Think of it as a chance to relax, unwind, and, most importantly, read some seriously good books. I’ll be on hand with plenty of recommendations, and you’ll also receive a literary gift bag filled with stories I’ve handpicked just for you.

Each retreat is all about embracing the joy of reading in seriously boujee surroundings. But it’s not just about the books—it’s the atmosphere, the company, the food, the wine (especially the Provençal rosé), the bliss of not having to wash up all weekend, and the chance to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

These retreats are more than just a break; they’re a chance to find your perfect reading spot—whether that’s beside a roaring fire in a cosy country home, overlooking a windswept Welsh beach, or under the warm Provençal sun.

So, what can you expect from these reading retreats?

Each retreat is crafted around a specific theme—places, people, and stories that have deeply influenced the books I curate and the experiences I want to share. From the windswept shores of Wales to the sun-soaked hills of Provence, every retreat tells its own story—whether it’s maritime adventures, novels where houses take on a life of their own, or tales of intrigue set in France.

If you’re down for a windswept Welsh escape, I’m teaming up with the doyenne of retreats,

Tanya Lynch

for a coastal-inspired getaway overlooking a stunning stretch of the Welsh coast. Imagine yourself nestled in a rugged retreat, surrounded by the raw beauty of the Welsh waters. We’ll dive into books shaped by the sea—stories filled with mystery, history, and a touch of swashbuckling intrigue. There’s something truly magical about reading by a roaring fire while the waves crash outside, and Wales provides the perfect backdrop for that experience. Oh and did I mention that there’s also an excellent pub nearby? More details here.

For those who prefer a wintery escape, a country retreat in Australia might be more your cup of tea. Set in the charming town of Daylesford, nestled in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range in Victoria, this one is all about the slow pace of life. It’s a chance to disconnect, unwind, and embrace the beauty of the Australian winter. Here, we’ll cozy up by roaring fires with a reading list centered on houses as central characters—places that shape the stories and the lives within them, steeped in mystery, secrets, and layers of deceit. More details here.

And then there’s Provence. Honestly, is there anything more romantic than a stunning château in southern France, bathed in the warm autumn glow? (Add a handsome man with a French accent, and it sounds just about perfect to me.) This reading retreat will whisk you away to a French-inspired world of elegance, charm, and timeless beauty. In October, we’ll gather at a beautiful château and lose ourselves in books set in France—stories that capture the magic, mystery, and unmistakable allure of the country. Picture yourself reading on a sun-drenched terrace, a glass of rosé in hand, as the scent of lavender drifts through the air—it’s the stuff of literary dreams. More details here.

Want in? Drop me an email at lucy@thelitedit.com to secure your spot!