What to pack for a Reading Retreat (that no one tells you)

In theory, packing for a Reading Retreat is easy. A book, a swimsuit, a couple of outfits, done. In practice, there’s a whole second layer of things you don’t realise you need until you’re already there, barefoot in a beautiful villa, book open, thinking why did no one warn me about this part?

So this is that warning. Not the polished checklist — the honest, girl-to-girl version.

Books (Yes, Plural)

There is always a Book of the Retreat, and yes, you should bring it. But no one ever only reads one book. You’ll want options. A comfort read for slow mornings, something easy for poolside lounging, maybe a wildcard you start at midnight after wine and a very good conversation. You don’t need to finish them all, the luxury is being able to choose what you’re in the mood for.

Reading Comfort Is Non-Negotiable

Reading for hours sounds dreamy because it is — as long as you’re comfortable. If you use reading glasses sometimes, bring them. Lip balm is essential because sun and pages do something evil to your lips. A light scarf will become your emotional support item: shade, warmth, blanket, pillow, outfit upgrade. These tiny comforts are the difference between “this is nice” and “I could happily live like this.”

Clothes You Can Actually Read In

This is not the trip for stiff fabrics or outfits that require constant adjusting. You’ll take photos, yes, but you’ll spend most of your time sitting, lounging, stretching out, and curling up with a book. Think loose dresses, linen trousers, oversized shirts, something cosy for evenings — even in warm places, villas get chilly. If it doesn’t support full-body relaxation, it doesn’t come.

A Little Reading Ritual Kit

This is the bit people never think about — and then immediately love. Bringing small, familiar comforts makes the whole retreat feel grounding rather than just “away.” Your favourite tea bags or coffee sachets, a notebook or journal, a pen you actually enjoy writing with, tabs or highlighters if you annotate, headphones for quiet moments. Tiny things, big nervous-system benefits.

A Hat You’ll Actually Wear

Sun, shade, long reading sessions, slow lunches outside — a hat becomes surprisingly essential on a Reading Retreat. Bring one you genuinely like wearing, not one you’ll abandon after five minutes. It’ll save your face, your eyes, and your concentration, and it quietly pulls every relaxed outfit together.

One Thing That Makes You Feel Like You

Pack at least one thing that makes you feel quietly confident. Not for Instagram, not for anyone else — for you. Maybe it’s a dress you love how you feel in, jewellery you always travel with, or a scent you associate with slowing down. Reading Retreats have a habit of helping women reconnect with themselves. Bring something that meets you there.

The Practical Bits You’ll Be Glad You Packed

This is the boring but important section. Sunscreen you’ll actually reapply. A refillable water bottle. A plug adaptor. A portable charger. Any medication or supplements you take regularly. Plasters — because barefoot villa living is magical right up until it isn’t. These are the things you don’t want to be hunting for once you’ve arrived.

Sorting Your Data Before You Go (Our Holafly Tip)

We encourage slowing down at Ladies Who Lit retreats, but let’s be real — you’ll want maps, WhatsApp, uploading photos, messaging home, and the occasional “wait, I need to Google this.” That’s why we recommend Holafly eSIMs.

With Holafly, there’s no swapping physical SIM cards, no hunting for airport WiFi, and no faffing once you land. You can set it up before you leave and arrive connected, calm, and ready to settle in. LWL readers can also get a discount with code LADIESWHOLIT — just purchase here and you’re sorted.

Leave Space in Your Case

This one matters. You might buy books. You might swap books. You’ll likely receive goodies. You may fall in love with something local you absolutely did not plan for. Packing with space — physically and mentally — is part of the experience.

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A Reading Retreat isn’t about packing perfectly. It’s about packing in a way that lets you arrive softer, calmer, and ready to actually enjoy the quiet. And if you forget something? There will always be another woman nearby saying, “I’ve got one you can borrow.” And honestly, that’s kind of the point.