Reading Retreat · Morocco
The Sheltering Sky
Reading Retreat
Agadir · January 2027 · 7 nights
Escape the winter for a week of sunshine, books and good company beside the Atlantic in Agadir.
A reading retreat in the sun
A week for books, sunshine and good company
If winter is making you long for sunshine, this is a chance to escape somewhere warm without giving up the things you really enjoy on holiday: a good book, relaxed conversation and plenty of time to yourself.
We’ll spend seven nights at the beachfront Iberostar Founty Beach Hotel in Agadir, with time to read by the pool or beach, enjoy the hotel, meet other book lovers and talk about The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles.
There is no pressure to fill every day with sightseeing. This is a reading retreat first and foremost.
The essentials
Your Agadir reading retreat
Seven nights in Agadir
On the Atlantic coast
Beachfront, all-inclusive
Paul Bowles
The book
Read The Sheltering Sky in Morocco
Paul Bowles' classic novel takes us into North Africa, following an American couple travelling through the region as their journey becomes increasingly unsettling.
Published in 1949, The Sheltering Sky explores isolation, cultural encounter, relationships and the uncertainty of travel. Bowles lived in Morocco for much of his life, making the country a particularly evocative setting in which to read his work.
During the retreat we’ll have hosted book discussions around the novel, with plenty of opportunity to share thoughts over meals and drinks.
Our relaxed “A Book I Love” evening gives everyone the chance to talk about a favourite book and discover something new to read.
Where we're staying
Iberostar Founty Beach
A beachfront hotel designed for doing as much or as little as you like.
The Iberostar Founty Beach sits directly beside the long sandy beach in Agadir. There are outdoor pools, a spa with an indoor pool, restaurants and bars, gardens and plenty of space to settle down with a book.
Rooms have a balcony or terrace, while the hotel's all-inclusive set-up means that meals, snacks and drinks are taken care of throughout the week.
Agadir itself is close by if you fancy exploring, but you can easily spend much of the week simply enjoying the hotel, the beach and your book.
See the hotel and full holiday details →
During the retreat
What the week will feel like
There is a gentle rhythm to a Books in Places reading retreat. Some things are planned. Plenty of time is deliberately left free.
Read at your own pace
Find a sunny spot by the pool, settle on the beach or relax on your balcony with your book.
Talk about books
Join relaxed, host-led discussions about The Sheltering Sky and share your thoughts with fellow readers.
Eat and drink together
Enjoy sociable meals and evenings with other guests, including our “A Book I Love” evening.
Enjoy the sunshine
Swap grey winter days for the Atlantic coast, with time for the beach, pools and hotel gardens.
Explore if you want to
Agadir, the souk and local excursions are available if you fancy getting out and about.
Leave plenty of time to relax
This isn't a sightseeing marathon. You can simply slow down, read and enjoy being somewhere warmer.
Coming on your own?
You can come on your own without being on your own
Most Books in Places guests travel alone. That is part of what makes these trips different from a traditional group holiday.
You will have your own room and plenty of time to yourself, but there are also book discussions, shared meals and relaxed evenings where it is easy to get to know people.
If you love books and enjoy meeting other readers, you will already have something important in common with everyone else on the trip.
A relaxed week away with other people who understand why having a good book on holiday matters.
What's included
Everything you need for a relaxed week away
- Seven nights at Iberostar Founty Beach
- All meals and snacks
- Local drinks by the glass
- Books in Places hosted reading programme
- Book club discussions
- “A Book I Love” evening
- Hotel daytime activities and evening entertainment
- Airport transfers
- Friendship Travel host
- ATOL-bonded flights where applicable
January 2027
Escape winter with a book in your hand
Seven nights in Agadir, sunshine on the Atlantic coast and a week surrounded by fellow book lovers.
This trip is organised in conjunction with Friendship Travel, with Books in Places hosting the reading programme.
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