Svalbard, Norway
Set above Longyearbyen during the Arctic’s polar night, this retreat at Funken Lodge offers a rare kind of magic — where the landscape is lit by moonlight, snow, and the Northern Lights. Surrounded by vast wilderness, this is an adventurous Reading Retreat filled with once-in-a-lifetime moments, from dog sledding through the tundra to candlelit dinners far from it all.
Indulge in literary adventure at our exclusive Arctic Reading Retreat, where wilderness meets literature and like-minded women come together for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Join us solo for a retreat that blends exploration, unforgettable moments, and meaningful connection — all while staying in your own private room, giving you space to unwind after each day’s adventure.
Location
Svalbard, Norway
Set high above Longyearbyen in the remote Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, Funken Lodge offers a truly otherworldly escape during the polar night — a season where the sun never rises and the landscape is illuminated by moonlight, snow, and the shifting glow of the Northern Lights. Surrounded by vast, untouched wilderness, this is a setting that feels both cinematic and completely removed from everyday life.
Imagine slow, dark mornings with a book in hand, the world outside hushed in Arctic stillness. Days spent venturing into the wilderness — dog sledding through snow-covered valleys, hiking beneath star-filled skies, and experiencing landscapes few ever reach. Evenings bring us back together for candlelit dinners, champagne tastings, and unforgettable meals in remote cabins, where the only thing beyond the windows is miles of untouched snow.
With its cosy interiors, panoramic views, and individually assigned private rooms, Funken Lodge offers the perfect balance of comfort and adventure. Whether you’re watching the aurora dance overhead, warming up after a day in the tundra, or simply taking in the quiet magic of the polar night, this retreat invites you to experience something rare — a Reading Retreat that feels truly once in a lifetime.
Itinerary
Day One — Arrival, Champagne & First Impressions
You’ll arrive into the Arctic wilderness and be transferred up to our home for the trip. — the beautiful Funken Lodge, perched above Longyearbyen with panoramic views across snow-covered mountains.
After settling in, we ease into the retreat with a private champagne tasting and book swap — because obviously.
The evening is all about connection: a four-course welcome dinner, shared stories, and that first magical moment where a group of strangers starts to feel like something more.
Day Two — Slow Mornings & Wilderness Dining
We start the day gently before heading out for a guided historic walk through Adventdalen — Arctic stillness, vast landscapes, and stories of life in one of the most remote places on earth.
There’s time to warm up, read, and reset before the evening — and this one is special.
Tonight, we head deep into the wilderness for a murder mystery private dining experience in a remote cabin. A private chef, local Arctic ingredients, candlelight, and nothing but mountains and silence around you. This is the kind of evening you don’t forget.
Day Three — Huskies, Movement & Views
This is your “I can’t believe I’m doing this” day. We head out for dog sledding through the Arctic landscape, guiding your own team of huskies across snow-covered valleys. It’s exhilarating, surreal, and honestly… a little bit emotional.
After lunch, we swap adrenaline for perspective with a guided hike up Platåfjellet. It’s a climb — but the views across Longyearbyen and the surrounding wilderness are worth every step.
The evening brings dinner, rest, reading, and that quiet kind of satisfaction you only get after a full day outside.
Day Four — Northern Lights & Final Night Magic
Today is all about the Arctic at its most magical. We head out on a snowmobile safari under the polar night — chasing the Northern Lights across vast, untouched landscapes.
Think star-filled skies, silence, and that surreal glow of the aurora dancing above you.
Our final evening brings us back together for a seven-course tasting dinner and our book discussion — a proper closing moment. Good food, good wine, and a room full of women who now feel like old friends.
Day Five — Slow Goodbyes
A final breakfast, one last look at the mountains, and then we head back to the airport. You’ll leave with a full heart, a camera roll that doesn’t feel real, and probably a neverending tbr list.
Itinerary
Book Discussion
An evening filled with delicious food whilst we chat about the book of the trip and what we’re currently reading
Champagne Tasting
A private tasting experience to ease into the retreat, sipping champagne while getting to know the group in a relaxed, intimate setting.
Dog Sledding
An unforgettable experience guiding your own team of huskies through snow-covered valleys, surrounded by the silence of the Arctic wilderness.
Goodie Bag
Leave with a brand new tote bag filled with a few goodies inside
Guided Hike Up Platåfjellet
A rewarding hike above Longyearbyen, leading to panoramic views across the mountains and icy landscapes of Svalbard.
Guided Historic Walk Through Adventdalen
A gentle Arctic walk through vast tundra, uncovering the history, stories, and stillness of life in one of the world’s most remote landscapes.
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
Northern Lights Snowmobile Safari
A once-in-a-lifetime adventure across the Arctic in search of the Northern Lights, beneath star-filled skies and endless snow.
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
Rooms
Modern Arctic bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, designed as a warm and cosy retreat after days spent exploring the wilderness. Each room blends contemporary comfort with the rugged beauty of Svalbard, featuring thoughtful details like plush robes, soft lighting, and views across the mountains or town.
All rooms on this retreat are private — giving you your own space to unwind, reset, and soak in the quiet magic of the polar night.
Solo Occupancy
£2995
Details
Accommodation, food, airport transfers & full itinerary.
Flights, travel insurance, alcohol & soft drinks, food & drink outside of the accommodation.
There is a complimentary transfer available from Longyearbyen Svalbard Airport (LYN). 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.
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.
Funken Lodge, Vei 212-4, 9171 Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway. Set high above the town in the heart of the Arctic wilderness, Funken Lodge offers sweeping views across snow-covered mountains and the vast polar landscape.
Due to the remote Arctic setting and the nature of the activities included, this retreat may not be suitable for all mobility levels. Some excursions involve uneven terrain, snow, and extended periods outdoors in cold conditions. The hotel itself is modern and well-equipped, but access to certain experiences may require a moderate level of fitness. If you have any specific accessibility needs (mobility, sight, hearing, etc.), we’re more than happy to liaise with the hotel and activity providers in advance to see how we can make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
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
Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
.jpg)
Balearic Islands, Spain
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.
.jpeg)