8th - 12th May 2026
Sold Out

Paxos, Greece

Perched in a wonderfully private position above the sea and the olive groves of Paxos, Villa Persephone offers a truly magical escape.

Indulge in literary bliss at our exclusive reading retreat, where leisure meets literature, and like-minded women come together for a celebration of words.

Join us solo, or better yet, come with your best friend, sister or another incredible woman in your life for a weekend retreat that blends relaxation, literature, and laughter.

Location

Paxos, Greece

Perched high above the olive groves with sweeping views of the Ionian Sea, Villa Persephone is the kind of place that feels like it’s been plucked straight from the pages of a novel. This secluded haven wraps you in tranquillity and understated luxury, with six dreamy bedrooms, sun-drenched terraces, and plenty of space to curl up with your book (or a glass of wine) in peace.

When you do manage to tear yourself away, Paxos is waiting just beyond the villa gates. Think crystal-clear coves, character-filled villages, and long lunches in waterfront tavernas. You might even recognise the island from Maestro, the first Greek Netflix series, which showcased its cinematic beauty.

A Reading Retreat here is all about balance: private serenity, shared connection, and the chance to live inside a story worth remembering.

Itinerary

Beach Afternoon

Dip your toes in the sea and bask in the sun at the beach with your book in hand.

Book Discussion

An evening filled with delicious food whilst we chat about the book of the trip and what we’re currently reading

Goodie Bag

Leave with a brand new tote bag filled with a few goodies inside

Meet & Greet

It all begins with an introduction over cocktails. Meet the other ladies and get ready for a gorgeous few days.

Murder Mystery Dinner Party

Become both detective and dinner guest at our Murder Mystery Dinner Party

Reading Time

Your evenings may be full, but your days are free with time to focus on you (and your TBR pile).

Welcome Dinner

Come together over an incredible meal to chat and take part in our coveted book swap

Boat Trip

Sail across turquoise waters to Antipaxos, where white-sand beaches and crystal-clear coves set the scene for a dreamy day afloat.

Rooms

6 gorgeous rooms, all with ensuite, to enjoy on your own or with one other person. Five of the bedrooms are offered as a two single-bed option. Please note, the double beds cannot be reconfigured.

Solo Occupancy

£2800

Pay in full (and save 5%) or secure your spot with a deposit.

Shared Occupancy

£3600 (£1800pp)

Pay in full (and save 5%) or secure your spot with a deposit.

Pay in full (and save 5%) or secure your spot with a deposit.

Pay in full (and save 5%) or secure your spot with a deposit.

Pay in full (and save 5%) or secure your spot with a deposit.

Pay in full (and save 5%) or secure your spot with a deposit.

Details

What's Included?

Accommodation, food and drink (inc alcohol), airport transfers, full itinerary

Whats Not Included

Flights, travel insurance, food & drink outside of the accommodation

Getting There

There is a complimentary transfer available from Corfu Airport (CFU). This will involve a water taxi to the island of Paxos. Further details will be provided in your trip pack closer to the time. If you need any assistance on travel arrangements please get in touch, we are a licensed travel agent to accommodate all of your needs.

Payment Terms

Secure your spot with a non-refundable deposit, with the remaining balance due 30 days before departure. Prefer to pay in instalments? You can split your payment easily via Klarna.

Location

Villa Persephone. Situated between Loggos and Magazia, Paxos, Greece. Nestled in perfect privacy above the olive groves and the sea, Villa Persephone is a retreat that feels like stepping into your own dream.

Accessibility

Villa Persephone is stunningly secluded and private, perched above olive groves and the sea — but that serenity comes with a few terrain considerations. The paths, terraces, and gardens are beautifully rugged; there are stone walkways, steps and more than one stair to navigate between the different wings of the house and outdoor areas.

Next Steps

Gallery

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FAQ

Start time?

Property-based retreats start at 1pm.Yacht-based retreats begin with welcome drinks near the marina from 1pm, with boarding usually around 3pm.

Hotel-based retreats typically have check-in from 3pm.

While you're welcome to arrive any time after the stated start time, we recommend not arriving too late so you don’t miss the welcome drinks and introductions.

Exact timings may vary depending on the location and property. Guests will be notified closer to their retreat, with confirmed check-in details included in their Welcome Pack.

End time?

Property-based retreats (hotels and villas) usually end at 11am.For our yacht Reading Retreats, guests usually disembark at 10am.

Exact timings may vary depending on the location and property.

Guests will be notified closer to their retreat, with confirmed check-out details included in their Welcome Pack.

What's the itinerary?

Each is location-specific! Itineraries are outlined on the individual Reading Retreat pages. Ladies Who Lit reserves the right to make reasonable changes to the itinerary, activities, or accommodation due to circumstances beyond our control. Guests will be informed of any significant changes as soon as possible.

How are the Reading Retreats structured in terms of free time & activities?

Our Reading Retreats range from relaxing to adventurous. You can find this information on each retreat listing on our website. The itinerary is shared in advance via the WhatsApp group chat, and each day is designed to balance free time with planned activities. Everything on the itinerary is entirely optional, including evening meals, so guests are welcome to spend time on their own if they wish.

Am I responsible for my own flights? If so, when should I book?

The cost of the retreat does not cover flights, so you are responsible for booking your own. We recommend booking your flights as soon as your spot on the Reading Retreat is confirmed, to secure the best options and fares. If you’d like any assistance or support in choosing the best flights, please don’t hesitate to reach out – as licensed travel agents, we’re happy to help.

Are transfers included?

Depending on the Reading Retreat, a complimentary transfer may be offered. Please check the specific retreat listing under “Getting There” for full details.

Can I find out the Book of the Retreat in advance?

Guests are notified of the Book of the Retreat 50 days before departure via the group WhatsApp chat. We always take great care in selecting a title we feel will be exciting and engaging for all guests.

Reading the book is completely optional; however, we do host a book discussion on the final night of the retreat for those who would like to take part.

Who will be on-site?

For our property and yacht Reading Retreats, you’ll be joined by a dedicated host and chef (and a skipper for yachts). For hotel-based Reading Retreats, a host will be on-site throughout, supported by the hotel’s team to ensure a truly memorable experience.

How many guests attend the Reading Retreats?

Group sizes can vary depending on the venue, but we typically welcome 12–16 guests per Reading Retreat, plus our host(s), chef, and a skipper for yacht-based retreats.

Is there an opportunity to meet the fellow guests before the Reading Retreat?

You will be added to a WhatsApp group chat with the other guests 60 days before the retreat begins, giving you the chance to get to know each other beforehand.

What is the age range of guests?

Guest ages generally range from 20s to 60s, but we’ve welcomed people from 18 to 75, so our retreats are truly open to everyone!

Are there any ice breakers?

On the first evening, we host a blind book swap. It’s a fun ice breaker that sparks conversation – and you get a new book! If you’re not comfortable in group discussions, we’ll do everything we can to ensure you feel at ease. You can also share any preferences or notes in advance on your preference sheet.

What do I need to do for the Book Swap?

For the Book Swap, we ask that guests bring a book they’ve loved and think someone else might enjoy too. It doesn’t need to be new – it can be your well-loved copy, whatever works best. We also ask that you gift wrap the book, as it really adds to the fun of the experience.

What is the food like?

The food reflects the local cuisine of the country. We aim to offer a mix of familiar favourites alongside exciting new dishes you may not have tried before.

What is the age range of guests?

Guest ages generally range from 20s to 60s, but we’ve welcomed people from 18 to 75, so our retreats are truly open to everyone!

Are dietary restrictions catered for?

Yes! All dietary restrictions are fully catered for. You’ll receive a preference sheet before your Reading Retreat, allowing you to share any requirements in advance.

Will there be a daily housekeeper making beds?

There isn’t a daily housekeeper to make the beds during the retreat.

Can I bring my dog to a Reading Retreat?

Although we love dogs, our Reading Retreats are for humans only.

What's the difference between solo and shared occupancy? Can I change the occupancy after booking?

A solo occupancy room accommodates one person, while a shared room accommodates two.

If your plans change and you’d like to switch between solo and shared occupancy, that’s no problem – just reach out to us, and the price will be adjusted accordingly.

Do you host private Reading Retreats, such as hen dos or birthdays?

Yes! We host private Reading Retreats for special occasions such as hen dos, birthdays, or other celebrations. Each retreat can be tailored to create a memorable and personalised experience for your group. Email help@ladieswholit.co.uk to find out more.

Is there a waitlist for cancellations?

While we don’t operate a waitlist, the best way to be first in the know is by joining our Book Club. Members receive early access to newly announced Reading Retreats and get first dibs on any spaces that become available.

Can I pay in installments?

As of 2026, we have a new booking system in place. For both solo and shared occupancy, only one deposit is required to secure your room.

In the run-up to your Reading Retreat, you’ll receive a Welcome Pack with a payment link for the remaining balance. Guests have up to 60 days before the retreat starts to pay in full and can choose to settle it all at once or in installments via Klarna. Please note, if the balance is not paid in full at least 60 days in advance, the booking will be forfeited.

Can I pay in my own currency?

As a UK-based business, all of our payments are processed in British Pound Sterling (£). Stripe, our payment provider, will handle the currency conversion for you and you will be responsible for any currency conversion fees.

We've booked shared occupancy, can we split the payment?

With our new booking system, the balance needs to be managed together by the guests. You can choose to pay it in full whenever it’s convenient, or spread the cost over time using Klarna.

I can't make my trip, can I be moved to another Reading Retreat?

Unfortunately, we’re unable to transfer your booking to another Reading Retreat. However, we can provide a refund for your trip, minus the non-refundable deposit, if requested up to 60 days before the retreat starts. If you’d like to join a different retreat, you’re welcome to book through the standard process, which ensures fairness and equal opportunity for all our guests.

Can I send my driving license instead of a passport?

Passports are required as part of our standard policy, as they’re needed for guest registration at our Reading Retreat locations. In some cases, they may also be necessary for local registration or activity sign-ups.

Explore more of our Reading Retreats

4th – 8th November 2026
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A luxury alpine Reading Retreat set in a five-star boutique hotel in the Swiss Alps — designed for slow mornings, restorative spa rituals, glacier hikes, and uninterrupted time to read, reflect, and reconnect.

A slow-sailing loop through the turquoise channels and pine-backed coves of Ibiza’s south-west coast.
7th - 10th June 2026
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Ibiza, Spain

Designed exclusively for Ladies Who Lit, this 4-day sailing experience explores the magic of Ibiza by sea. Expect a blend of reading sessions, swim stops, coastal towns, and relaxation.

A luxury catamaran, anchored in crystal clear blue waters in a cove, Mallorca, Spain.
10th - 13th June 2026
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Mallorca, Spain

Designed exclusively for Ladies Who Lit, this 4-day sailing experience explores the magic of Mallorca by sea. Expect a blend of reading sessions, swim stops, coastal towns, and relaxation.

What our guests are saying about their stay

Pure magic! From the moment we arrived at the most breathtaking villa nestled in the rolling Tuscan hills, Meagan made sure every detail felt like it had been curated straight out of an Italian dream.

Madison Tremblay
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Google

I attended the February Caribbean reading retreat and wish I could rate it higher than 5 stars! This was the best vacation I could have imagined. Not only was the resort amazing, the conversation and the ladies could not have been better.

Lauren Moore
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Google

I had such a lovely time on my retreat to Sicily. Megan is an amazing host who really looked after all of the group and made the trip feel like a fab holiday with friends. I went alone and everyone was lovely - I will happily book again next year. Book! You won't regret it.

Lauren O'Callaghan
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Google

Find out first...Join the book club

Join the Ladies Who Lit book club and be the first to know when new retreats drop and last minute spaces become available.