Smut Reading Retreat
Launching June 3rd. Join us for an intimate Smut Reading Retreat designed to celebrate female desire, challenge outdated narratives, and remind you that pleasure can be a form of self-care.
For years, women have been told what self-care should look like. Bubble baths. Face masks. Early nights.
We think there might be another chapter to the story.
Welcome to LWcL Smut Reading Retreat — an intimate luxury Reading Retreat at the Mandrake Hotel, one of London's most captivating five-star hotels, created for women who believe that pleasure, curiosity, escapism, and great books deserve a seat at the table too.
Over two nights in the heart of London, we'll gather with fellow readers for long conversations, indulgent meals, thought-provoking workshops, and a carefully selected smutty read designed to spark discussion long after you've turned the final page.
Set amongst the Mandrake's lush interiors, hidden corners, candlelit spaces and unmistakably seductive atmosphere, this retreat is an invitation to explore the connection between reading, fantasy, confidence, desire and wellbeing — all within a warm, welcoming environment where judgement is left firmly at the door.
Expect leisurely breakfasts, fascinating conversations, luxurious surroundings, and the kind of discussions you usually save for the group chat.
Whether you're a lifelong romance reader or simply curious about the growing conversation around female pleasure and sexual wellbeing, this weekend offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded women while enjoying one of London's most distinctive luxury hotels.
Come alone, sink into a great book, meet incredible women, and discover why sometimes the most radical act of self-care is allowing yourself to want more.
Location
The Mandrake Hotel, London
Nestled in the heart of Fitzrovia, the The Mandrake is one of London's most distinctive luxury hotels.
Known for its atmospheric interiors, dramatic design, lush hanging gardens and intimate spaces, the hotel has become synonymous with creativity, wellbeing and unconventional luxury. Hidden behind an unassuming façade, the Mandrake offers an immersive experience that feels worlds away from the bustle of central London while remaining moments from the city's restaurants, theatres and cultural landmarks.
The Mandrake provides the perfect backdrop: sophisticated, sensual, thought-provoking, and entirely unlike anywhere else.
Itinerary
Day One – Arrival & Indulgence
Arrive at the Mandrake and settle into your private room before taking time to explore the hotel or enjoy an optional visit to Damu Spa.
As evening falls, we'll gather in The Library for welcome drinks and introductions before enjoying our first dinner together. Expect warm conversation, new connections, and the beginning of a weekend unlike any other.
Day Two – Smut as Self-Care
After breakfast, we'll dive into the heart of the retreat with an exclusive workshop led by a leading sex therapist, exploring the relationship between pleasure, confidence, fantasy and wellbeing.
Following lunch, you'll have time to read, relax, explore London or enjoy the hotel's unique spaces before preparing for the highlight of the weekend.
In the evening, we'll attend a private dinner and drinks reception at Yopo Bar & Restaurant alongside leading voices from the world of sexual wellbeing, pleasure education and female empowerment. Together we'll explore the theme of Smut as Self-Care through open conversation, shared experiences and thought-provoking discussion.
Day Three – Slow Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and one final opportunity to unwind.
For those who wish, optional Damu Spa treatments can provide the perfect final indulgence before departure and the journey home.
Itinerary
Welcome Drinks in The Library
Cocktails, introductions, and the first of many conversations you'll wish you'd started years ago.
Dinner at The Mandrake
An intimate evening of exceptional food, great company, and bookish discussions that quickly drift off the page.
Damu Spa (optional add-on)
A chance to slow down, switch off, and indulge in a little extra self-care.
Workshop With a Leading Sex Therapist
A candid exploration of pleasure, fantasy, confidence and the role desire can play in our wellbeing.
Private Dinner & Drinks Reception at Yopo
An unforgettable evening alongside leading voices in the world of sex, relationships and female pleasure.
Smut Book Club Discussion
A judgement-free conversation about our retreat read, favourite moments, and why fictional men continue to set unrealistic standards.
Meet & Greet
It all begins with an introduction over cocktails. Meet the other ladies and get ready for a gorgeous few days.
Goodie Bag
Leave with a brand new tote bag filled with a few goodies inside
Rooms
Every guest will enjoy their own private room within the Mandrake Hotel.
Designed with comfort, luxury and relaxation in mind, each room offers a peaceful sanctuary between workshops, discussions and social events. Rich textures, elegant furnishings and thoughtful details create a space that feels both indulgent and restorative.
With only ten places available, this intimate retreat has been designed to foster meaningful conversation while ensuring every guest has space to retreat, recharge and enjoy moments of solitude when desired.
Solo Occupancy
£2000
Details
Two nights' luxury accommodation in your own private room, breakfast each morning, lunch on Day Two, welcome drinks in The Library, dinner on the first evening, exclusive workshop with a leading sex therapist, invitation to an exclusive private dinner and drinks reception at Yopo Bar & Restaurant, opportunity to connect with influential voices from the sexual wellbeing and pleasure space, curated luxury goodie bag, hosted retreat experience throughout the weekend, book club-style discussions and community activities.
Flights or travel to London Airport or station transfers, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and optional Damu Spa access, additional sessions with a leading sex therapist, any additional food, drinks or experiences not listed.
The Mandrake Hotel is located in central London, within easy reach of several transport links. Guests are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the hotel.
Secure your spot with a non-refundable deposit, then pay the remaining balance via a payment plan. The full balance is due 60 days before the retreat start date. Prefer to pay upfront? You’ll save 5% when you pay in full at the time of booking.
The Mandrake Hotel, 20-21 Newman St, London W1T 1PG
Please note that this retreat takes place within a luxury city hotel and guests should feel comfortable navigating a hotel environment independently. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice wherever possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or questions about whether this retreat is suitable for you, please contact us before booking and we will be happy to discuss your needs.
Once your place is secured, you’ll receive a welcome pack with everything you need to know — including your final payment link, full itinerary, and local recommendations. Around 60 days before the trip, you’ll be added to a dedicated WhatsApp group where all further trip communication will take place and you can start connecting with fellow guests.
Gallery
FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 – we’re happy to help.
Depending on the Reading Retreat, a complimentary transfer may be offered. Please check the specific retreat listing under “Getting There” for full details.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
There isn’t a daily housekeeper to make the beds during the retreat.
Although we love dogs, our Reading Retreats are for humans only.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Bali, Indonesia
Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
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.
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.
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.
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.
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