Bestie, has that reading retreat idea actually ever left the group chat? The one that’s filled with screenshots of cozy cabins and an endless list of books you’re all dying to read. This season, it’s time to make that fantasy a reality. Hosting your own retreat with your reader BFFs means two to three days of cozy reads, great snacks, and unforgettable memories you’ll be talking about for years. All you need is a date, a location, and a little planning. So let’s build your dream itinerary and get ready to invite the crew.

Your Bookish Itinerary

The main activity is reading, which is a given. But having an itinerary with various things to do helps your retreat come alive. Your retreat shouldn’t feel rigid either; consider building in time that allows people to join activities or chill solo whenever they want. When you do start your itinerary, begin with building a list of activities from morning walks to clear your head, time for breakfast together, a book swap or book elephant game for surprises, lunch, book journaling/note taking, and a book-themed puzzle during the day.

While planning time for quiet reading, pair those with different environments like reading at the beach or a picnic in the park. At night, you can include events like a nacho bar, sip-and-paint, or watching a movie based on one of your favorite novels. Be sure to end your last night with a special dinner to wrap things up perfectly. It could even be themed where you each come as your favorite character!

Finding the Perfect Setting

The first move to make in order to turn your retreat a reality is booking the perfect spot. Book the Airbnb first, then tell your friends it’s officially happening and the countdown is on. Pick somewhere within a three-hour drive so travel doesn’t eat into your precious reading time.

Go for a cozy cabin, beach house, or a lakeside spot with at least two bedrooms and a full kitchen. Being near a grocery store is a major plus for stocking up on all the essentials. Bonus points if the view makes you want to curl up with a blanket and never leave.

Packing Your Retreat Needs

Packing for your retreat is all about comfort. Bring cozy reading clothes, a good book reading light, and all the chargers you’ll need.

As the host, you can prepare goodie bags for your besties. Include face masks, lip gloss, keychains, sunscreen, bookmarks, and a new book everyone can read together. Don’t forget to bring your favorite drinks and snacks and a cozy blanket from home.

Book Recommendations

What’s the perfect reading retreat without great book picks?

For a suspenseful page-turner, grab The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden. If your besties are in the mood for romance, you can’t go wrong with Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez. For an emotional and beautifully written story, pack Seven Days In June by Tia Williams.

You can also go all in on reading delightfully bookish books like Beach Read by Emily Henry, Thank You For Listening by Julia Whelan or The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.

It’s up to the group if this is going to be more book club-ish where you all read the same book or if it’s going to be every reader for themselves.

You could even plan a trip around a book you are anxiously awaiting. Is the final book in a series releasing soon? Has an author you love finally published something after years of waiting for their next masterpiece? Make an event out of a big release. You can even throw in some live social media posting of you each reacting to big moments in the book.

Bookish Activities

A perfect book retreat can be about reading and reading only, no judgement here. But if you’re looking to get a little more activity in while still keeping it magnificently bookish, here are few add-ons to consider:

  • Check out local book stores. Why bring a book you have when you can buy new ones?
  • Attend an author event. Check the local bookstores and libraries for author signings you could attend together.
  • Reach out to an author for a book club meeting. This is pro-level book retreat, but you could host or Zoom a local author for a chat about their work! (Some skilled advanced planning may be required, so put your most type-A friend on the task).
  • Plan around a book festival. There are some truly incredible book events that take place throughout the year (Tucson Festival of Books, Bay Area Book Festival, Brooklyn Book Festival and so, so, so many more conventions and events.)
  • Play bookish games. Whether you find a bookish board game to buy or make one up, you can showcase your reader skills with a little competition.

There is nothing wrong with a trip where you just lounge, snack and read. That sounds like a dream. But if you’re looking for a little more socializing, these are great ways to stay in reading mode while taking a page break.

Bestie Bonus Tip

If you want to make the experience even better for your reading retreat, schedule at least one unplugged period where everyone can ditch their phones. Use that time to read, chat, and just be present with your friends.

As the host, create a cozy book playlist to set the mood, and you can even surprise your besties with a little something special, like themed cocktails or custom bookmarks. Finally, create a shared document or spreadsheet for your group to keep planning simple. That way, you can track costs and coordinate who is bringing what, so you can focus on the fun and not the logistics.