This Year's Trendiest Vacation? A Reading Retreat

Elle

2 days ago

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Philosopher St. Augustine is believed to have said, 'The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.' That was all the way back in the 4th century, before he or anyone could know that today's travelers would be accruing air miles to turn pages in the literal sense, too. Taking notes from the creative ways brands and celebrities alike have tapped into the astronomical rise of reading, luxury hotels are launching literary offerings for book-minded boarders.
Take Teranka, one of the buzziest resorts on Formentera, Ibiza's more laidback sister island, which is known for its breathtaking beaches and bohemian beginnings. This summer, the hotel is hosting a series of literary salons to bring together their most well-read guests. Called Conversations From the Sea Library, the events feature thoughtful discussions with writers and readers, including internationally acclaimed poet David Whyte.
'Placing a library at the center of the hotel was a natural instinct and a way to tell the stories that arose from Formentera,' says Teranka's interior designer Katrina Phillips, who curated the property's robust book collection and programmed Conversations From the Sea Library. 'It's important that a hotel library is more than just decoration or a token gesture, [but] somewhere you'd like to delve in and explore.' Reading doesn't have to be a solitary activity. 'Books and the library at Teranka exist to encourage conversation and a sense of community,' she adds.
Community through reading is also the premise behind Page Break, an organization that hosts New York-based reading retreats in both New York City and upstate boutique hotels, including The Henson and Rhinebrook Estate, which promise to leave guests well-read and well-fed. (The itineraries include book-themed tasting menus prepared by the who's who of the New York City culinary scene.)
What makes Page Break unique is that the group reads the same book in its entirety over the course of the weekend. Most of the reading happens in group sessions where members taking turns reading out loud. 'A magical thing happens when we all actively listen to each other,' says founder Mikey Friedman, who has led 12 retreats so far. 'It really enhances the way you experience a book.' Friedman was inspired by the mental health benefits of reading together that he found in a study conducted by the UK-based non-profit The Reader.
Delia Cai, freelance writer and founder of Deez Links, recently went on a Page Break retreat in upstate New York. 'If I was very new to New York and wanted to meet some like-minded, book-loving people, this would be such an easy way to make friends and have a really lovely weekend,' says Cai of her experience.
And what's great for readers is also great for writers. Page Break chooses to support diverse, queer, and debut authors and invites them to do Q&As. These writers then get the opportunity to connect directly with their audience, which can be an especially powerful boost of confidence for new authors.
In a similar vein, Scribner's Lodge in the Catskills hosted Booked In, a two-night literary retreat last December. Led by photographer and writer Gabriella Valladares, the itinerary featured conversations with authors Georgia Clark and Alexis deBoschnek and bookstagrammers Morgan Pager, Taylor Choi, and Nnenna Odeluga, as well as dedicated reading time. The retreat will run again this November and will be a regular occurrence.
And it's not just a passing trend—well-curated libraries are becoming table stakes for luxury hotels, and properties are investing time and energy into building them. Hotel Lilien, an 18-room boutique hotel located in the Catskills, recently partnered with the Brooklyn independent shop Books Are Magic to curate their literary offering. The Sandbourne Santa Monica hotel has also launched a poolside library in partnership with Zibby's Bookshop, a Los Angeles favorite.
And where there is a great hotel library, book clubs follow close behind. The Il Delfino, a seaside inn in Australia, recently launched its library with handpicked selections by owner Sheree Commerford, who chose works from some of her favorite guests, artists, and literary icons. 'Since starting it, we've noticed that book clubs have taken a real interest in Il Delfino, and we love that,' Commerford says. 'The idea of a group of friends reading, drinking wine, and sharing a great story while here is a dream for us.'
Partnering with hotels is also a way for virtual book clubs to gather in-person. Reese's Book Club just announced a partnership with World of Hyatt and Under Canvas hotels to host a limited series of luxury glamping holidays with beloved authors behind the book club's picks. 'Through our partnership with World of Hyatt, we now can bring our community together IRL, driving meaningful conversation and connection in nature around the stories they love,' says Sarah Harden, CEO of Hello Sunshine, Witherspoon's media company.
But why the new focus on reading-fueled travel? Kriticos Mwansa, founder of The Book Club, has consulted and collaborated with the likes of The Hoxton, Soho House, and Sir Hotels on book club offerings and sees it as a way for hotels to tap into a new audience. 'I think they want to align themselves with people who are into the arts and literature and become a space of culture,' Mwansa says. 'In the low seasons for tourism, hotels need to figure out how to engage the local demographic and the people that live in the cities, while making it still fun for guests.' It's just good business.