The Best Destinations for a Reading Retreat (Around the World)

If you’ve ever tried to read a book on vacation and somehow ended up not reading it, you’re not alone. Between packed itineraries, early wake-up calls, and the pressure to “make the most of it,” reading tends to fall to the bottom of the list. Which is exactly why Reading Retreats exist in the first place.

So what actually makes a destination good for a reading retreat? It’s not just about being pretty. It’s about pace, atmosphere, and how easy it is to settle in, slow down, and actually open your book.

Here are some of the best destinations for a reading retreat around the world, based on one simple question: would you actually read here?

🌊 Santorini, Greece

Let’s start strong.

Santorini is one of those places that feels almost too beautiful to be real. Whitewashed buildings, blue domes, and sunsets that make everyone stop what they’re doing.

But here’s the thing. Once you’re away from the cruise crowds and settled into a quiet villa, it becomes the perfect place to slow down.

Mornings with coffee and a book on the terrace. Afternoons wandering through small villages. Evenings with wine and conversations that somehow turn into book recommendations.

Yes, you’ll take photos. But you’ll also actually read.

🌴 Tamarindo, Costa Rica

If your ideal reading setup includes a beach chair, ocean breeze, and the occasional monkey sighting, Costa Rica might be your place.

Tamarindo strikes a rare balance. It’s lively enough that you won’t get bored, but relaxed enough that no one is rushing you to do anything.

You can spend the morning reading by the pool, go ziplining, or hike to a waterfall in the afternoon, and be back in time for dinner and another chapter.

It’s the kind of place where doing nothing somehow feels like doing a lot.

🏝️ Maldives (Yes, On a Boat)

If this one feels a little extra...that's because it is.

A reading retreat in the Maldives means living on a boat, waking up to open water, and deciding whether your next activity is reading on deck or swimming in the ocean.

There are no crowds. No packed schedules. No “we should probably go see that thing.”

Just endless blue, slow days, and the kind of quiet that makes you forget what day it is.

Also, if you’ve ever wanted to say, “I finished three books while sailing through the Maldives,” this is your moment.

🍂 Bar Harbor, Maine

For the fall lovers.

Bar Harbor in autumn is crisp air, changing leaves, and cozy everything. It’s the kind of place that practically begs you to bring a sweater and a stack of books.

You’ll have access to Acadia National Park, charming coastal views, and the kind of small-town energy that makes you want to linger.

🏔️ Jackson Hole, Wyoming

For the mountain girls (and the ones who wish they were).

Jackson Hole is all wide open spaces, fresh air, and some stunning freaking scenery. It’s a completely different vibe from beach destinations, but just as good for slowing down. Mornings with coffee and a book overlooking the Tetons, afternoons spent exploring the national parks or spotting wildlife, and evenings around a fire that feel quiet in the best way.

Also, if you’ve ever wanted to read a book with a mountain view that looks like a desktop screensaver, this is your chance.

🌿 The Cotswolds, England

If your reading taste leans more toward cozy, this is your place. Picture this. A countryside manor, rolling hills, nearby villages, and bookstores that feel like they haven’t changed in decades (other than the newest titles, of course!)

The pace here is slow in the best way. You’re not rushing anywhere. You’re wandering, browsing, reading, and maybe stopping for a pub lunch.

It’s giving main character energy. But the quiet kind.

🏖️ Aruba

Aruba is for the people who want guaranteed sunshine and zero stress about the weather.

It’s easy. It’s warm. It’s reliable. And sometimes that’s exactly what you need. You can read by the beach, float in the water, or take a break to explore the island. But there’s no pressure to do anything beyond enjoying where you are.

Also, if your current life feels chaotic, Aruba is the opposite of that.

So… What Actually Makes a Good Reading Retreat Destination?

It comes down to a few things:

• A slower pace

• Comfortable, beautiful spaces to relax

• Optional activities to really take in your destination

• A setting that makes you want to put your phone down

And most importantly, a place where you don’t feel like you’re missing out by sitting still.

Want to See Where We’re Going Next?

If you’re currently thinking, “okay, wait… this sounds like a dream come true,” same.

We’re always adding new destinations and retreats throughout the year. You can explore our full list here:

👉 View All Upcoming Reading Retreat Destinations

(And yes, we highly recommend bookmarking this page. For research purposes, obviously.)

At the end of the day, the best reading retreat destination is the one where you finally get to finish that book you’ve been carrying around for months.

Or start a new one. Or read three at once. No judgment here.