Reading Retreat in Portugal
Imagine a peaceful escape to the beautiful Casa Rosa Hotel in Olhão, Portugal, where book lovers gather for a relaxing Reading Retreat. The days are filled with quiet moments spent immersed in your favourite novels, surrounded by fellow literary enthusiasts who share the same passion for books. The stunning setting encourages you to close yourself off from the world and simply enjoy reading.
This reading retreat is based in a renovated 19th-century building on a tree-lined avenue in the old town. Low-key bars, restaurants and ice-cream parlours are virtually on the doorstep and within 10 minutes walk are the waterfront promenade, the market (designed by Gustav Eiffel) and the ferries which run to the beautiful islands just offshore. Casa Rosa is a boutique retreat where you can slow right down to the Portuguese pace: tanning on the roof terrace before strolling out to a café for coffee with your book or spending the day on one of the islands’ superb beaches.
In the evenings, we will come together over dinner to discuss books and socialise. We will have a Book Club meeting for the Irish modern classic, "Small Things Like These" by Claire Keegan, and on another evening, we will discuss "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens. As well as the Book Club themed meals, we will also have an evening of "A book I love", where everyone can share a favourite book with the group, sparking lively conversations and sharing unique perspectives.
The rest of the time is yours to enjoy — explore the serene surroundings, have meaningful discussions with others, or curl up in a cosy corner, by the pool or on the beach with your next great read. Casa Rosa offers the perfect blend of tranquillity and companionship, making it an ideal destination for book lovers seeking relaxation and inspiration.
Books in Places creates exceptional trips and reading retreats for book lovers, providing a chance to connect with fellow readers and travellers who share your passions. Most attendees are solo travellers, and solo occupancy is the standard. However, twin rooms are available for those who prefer to share the experience with someone else.
Dates
13th March - 18th March 2026
5 nights at the wonderful Casa Rosa Hotel in the southernmost point of Portugal
Accommodation
All 10 rooms are of a slightly different size and are simple but stylish, with retro 1960’s colour schemes and cool tones. Each is furnished with a comfortable king-sized bed, bedside tables, chair and desk/dressing table, hair dryer plus a walk-in shower (pool/beach towels provided). Air-con is included. Some rooms have a town view; others look on to the roof terrace or courtyard.
Prices are based on standard ground floor room (rooms 3 and 5), upgrades are available to a ground floor executive room at £15 extra per night, ground floor standard room with shared terrace at extra £15 per night, 1st floor standard rooms at £20 extra per night and deluxe suite at £25 extra per night.
What's included
- Return flights from UK
- Double or twin room for sole use
- Buffet breakfast every morning
- 2 lunches
- 3 dinners with 1/2 bottle of wine per person
- Book club discussions
- Bed sheets and towels change mid-week
- 5 nights of reading and relaxation bliss
For this trip, I've partnered with Friendship Travel, a trusted travel specialist with over 20 years of experience in crafting exceptional holidays for solo travelers. With their ATOL protection, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from booking through a well-established company. Friendship Travel will handle all the details, from booking your flights from various UK airports to arranging your travel plans if you're based overseas.
To book this trip, you just need to go to the Friendship Travel site and complete their book form