Writers' Retreat with Olivia Petter

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.

For select Reading Retreats, we offer a complimentary group transfer at a set, scheduled time. Please refer to the “Getting There” section of your specific retreat listing for full details.

Where we do offer a complimentary group transfer, theses times are arranged around the retreat's check-in and check-out times and will be confirmed in your Welcome Pack. If you'd like to use the complimentary group transfer, please make sure your flight times work with the scheduled transfer.

As this is a group transfer, we're unable to adjust the timings around individual flight schedules. If you plan to book your flights before your Welcome Pack is sent, please reach out to us for transfer details at help@ladieswholit.co.uk.

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.

We’re no longer able to offer part payments directly. That said, you’re very welcome to settle the balance at a time that suits you anytime up to 60 days before the retreat. Alternatively, Klarna is available in most regions via the payment link if you’d prefer to spread the cost.

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.

All prices for our retreats, events and products are set in British Pounds Sterling (GBP). Payments are processed by Stripe. If you pay from outside the UK, Stripe may show the price and charge you in your local currency (for example USD or EUR) instead of GBP. When this happens:
- Stripe converts the GBP price into your local currency at the exchange rate it applies on the day you pay.
- That rate includes a currency conversion fee set by Stripe, typically 2–4% above the market rate.
- The conversion fee is charged by Stripe and goes to Stripe. Ladies Who Lit does not receive any of it.
- The amount you will be charged in your local currency is shown at checkout before you confirm payment.

If you'd like to pay in GBP instead, choose GBP at checkout where that option is shown. Or contact us at help@ladieswholit.co.uk before paying, and we'll send you a payment link charged in GBP. Your card provider will then handle any conversion under its own terms and fees.

More information can be found in our Retreat Terms & Conditions.

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.