New for 2027 - Agadir, Morocco, The Sheltering Sky Reading Retreat
January 2027 for 7 nights

Escape the winter and enjoy a relaxed reading retreat in sunny Agadir, Morocco, inspired by The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles (you might remember the film). This week is designed for book lovers who want blue skies, sandy beaches and calm conversation in good company.

Overview

Agadir is known for its long sandy beaches, warm Atlantic breezes and gentle year-round climate, making it a perfect winter escape. At the Iberostar Founty Beach Hotel in Agadir we will combine relaxed reading sessions, social dinners and plenty of time to unwind together.

Our Book Club meetings during the week will focus on The Sheltering Sky, a powerful novel by Paul Bowles about an American couple travelling through North Africa whose journey becomes one of psychological discovery and existential reflection.

About the book

The Sheltering Sky was published in 1949 and brought Paul Bowles widespread acclaim. The novel explores themes of isolation, cultural encounter and inner transformation against the stark landscapes of North Africa. Living for over fifty years in Morocco, Bowles drew deep creative inspiration from the region, and Agadir’s skies and sea breeze offer a fitting setting to engage with his work.

During the retreat

• Host-led book club discussions centred on The Sheltering Sky and related readings.
• Time to enjoy the hotel’s spa, indoor pool and beachside setting.
• Social evenings including the “A Book I Love” event where guests share favourite titles.
• Optional seaside walks, beach-side reading time and informal gatherings.

What’s included

• Seven nights’ accommodation at Iberostar Founty Beach Hotel, Agadir.
• All meals and snacks with local and international buffet options.
• Drinks by the glass including wine, spirits and soft drinks.
• Hosted reading programme and social evenings.
• Daytime activity programme and evening entertainment.
• Airport transfers and Books in Places host throughout.
• ATOL-bonded flights where applicable.

Where we’re staying

The Iberostar Founty Beach Hotel is a spacious, all-inclusive resort on Agadir’s beachfront, with multiple pools, a spa and easy access to the golden Atlantic sands. Comfortable rooms and a relaxed atmosphere make it an excellent base for a week of reading and rejuvenation.

Why Agadir?

For many, Morocco is not just a travel destination but a landscape of cultural depth and vibrant life. Agadir’s seaside setting provides gentle warmth and scenery for relaxed days, reading, strolling the beach and sharing conversation. Paired with Bowles’s novel and his long creative life in Morocco, this setting deepens the retreat experience in a thoughtful and immersive way.