Reading retreats around the world for a digital detox

Literature lovers: when was the last time you allowed yourself to become so absorbed in a book that you forgot about everything else? 

When life and work take over, it’s too often our hobbies that fall by the wayside. That’s where reading retreats come in. At these idyllic locations, it’s not only acceptable but encouraged to take a digital detox from your phone and spend your days with your head stuck in a book. Sightseeing and socialising can wait. Get your reading list ready and choose your bookworms’ getaway from among our recommended picks. 

Where to join a curated reading retreat 

Book Lovers’ Binge Reading Retreat 

Côtes de Gascogne, France

Read, rest, repeat. That’s the agenda at Esprit Meraki, a charming French farmhouse in the sun-kissed wine region of Côtes de Gascogne. Its owner is Dr Margaretha Montagu, a staunch believer in the right to read in peace – preferably in a comfy armchair or under a shady tree. Her five-day reading retreats , beginning every third Saturday of the month from March to November, come with a guarantee of uninterrupted serenity. And for a Christmas that brings everything on your wish list, you can also join her special Yuletide reading retreat from 26-30 December.  

North Winds Reads retreats 

Ontario, Canada

Canadian company North Winds Reads was founded by three book-loving friends with a simple mission: to create more spaces and experiences dedicated to reading. Ideal for incorporating into a longer trip, their all-inclusive weekend retreats are held at intervals throughout the year in thoughtfully selected locations around Ontario. The brand's most recent retreat  was a cosy, autumnal affair in a historic mansion in the village of Merrickville, just north of Toronto. Itineraries allow ample time for solo reading, before guests are invited to join enlightening group discussions over wine and nibbles. 

Indian Summer House readers’ and writers’ retreats

Kerala, India 

Beauty and seclusion abound at this sumptuous villa, tucked within verdant grounds near the Muvattupuzha River in Kerala, India’s southwestern coastal state. Perfect for escaping to with a book at any time, Indian Summer House plays host to a twice-yearly readers’ retreat, as well as a writers' retreat for those who dream of not only reading a bestseller, but authoring one. In between attending workshops led by an experienced creative writing tutor, you can enjoy bespoke meals, treatments at the on-site Ayurveda spa and conversations with your attentive hosts, Don and Mini. 

Boutique Book Breaks 

South England, UK

Trace the footsteps of Austen and Shakespeare with Boutique Book Breaks . Each getaway is held in a different literary-inspired location in England, from an estate in Stratford-upon-Avon to a poet’s country home in Newbury. During these all-inclusive weekends, guests can join book swaps, attend author talks, and take part in gentle enrichment activities like guided walks and Pilates. Of course, as brand founder Emma Donaldson reassures guests, it’s perfectly acceptable to do nothing but stretch out on the lawn or recline by the pool with a book in hand.

If you want to plan your own reading retreat 

Hakone Honbako 

Kanagawa, Japan

Books are at the heart of this boutique hotel in Hakone , a small town west of Tokyo that boasts tranquil onsen and romantic views of Mount Fuji. Inside the property – a stylish blend of minimalism and mid-century modern design – a large, open-plan library houses 12,000 books in a mix of languages. The guest rooms also feature bookshelves lined with volumes handpicked from the main collection. Whether you choose to devour these titles or bring your own, you’ll find the relaxed pace and respect for solitude here makes it easy to read guilt-free.

Gladstone’s Library 

Hawarden, Wales

This grand heritage building is a lasting monument to literature, dreamed up by 19th-century English statesman and avid book collector William Gladstone. The UK’s only residential library , it features 26 guest rooms, all of which come with access to the property’s glorious reading rooms. Rub shoulders with scholars and clerics as you peruse the shelves, which contain some 150,000 printed works. There’s also a cosy lounge to curl up in and picturesque gardens to wander. Beyond the property, the rolling Welsh countryside ensures nothing gets between you and your reading time.  

The Study at Yale 

Connecticut, USA

The academia vibes continue at The Study , an elegant boutique hotel with a prestigious address. Peer out the window and you’ll see the neat lawns and storied buildings of Yale University – you can almost smell the leather and parchment. The hotel is an extension of campus life; its Living Room serves both as a cosy reading space and a venue for book signings and podcast recordings, while the Gallery exhibits artworks by students. Then there’s the manicured greenery, historical charm and small-city friendliness of New Haven, all just a stroll away.  

Tai Urban Resort

Kaohsiung, Taiwan, China

Ideal for a quick getaway from Hong Kong when the urge for quiet contemplation strikes, this luxury hotel  was designed with reading in mind. In fact, it features a walkway connecting the property directly to Kaohsiung’s stunning public library. From the hotel entrance, a book-lined lobby leads to a stylish book shop and trendy coffee bar, all decorated in warm tones and earthy materials to create a sense of harmony. Just five minutes away, the library spans seven storeys dedicated to books in multiple languages, crowned by a top-floor viewing deck with panoramic views of the city.