Golden Stones & Quiet Pages
A Reading Retreat in Key West, Florida
June 10-13, 2027
(Booking Deadline: April 5, 2027)
What if your next chapter began with palm trees swaying overhead, a book you can't put down, and absolutely nowhere you need to be? Welcome to Key West, where the ocean breeze is warm, the cocktails are cold, and life moves at its own wonderfully unhurried pace.
There's a reason writers have been drawn to this little island for generations. Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and countless others found inspiration in its colorful streets, eccentric characters, and unmistakable sense of freedom. Maybe it's the salt air. Maybe it's the sunsets. Or maybe it's simply that Key West has a way of making the rest of the world feel very far away.
TFor this Literary Escape, we're embracing island time in every sense of the phrase.
Imagine slow mornings with coffee and a good book, afternoons spent reading beside a private pool, and evenings filled with laughter, conversation, and a cocktail or two. No packed schedules. No rushing from one activity to the next. Just the freedom to read, relax, explore, and enjoy the company of women who understand that sometimes the best vacation plans are no plans at all.
Your Key West escape will include:
Old Town Literary Walking Tour: Wander the colorful streets and discover the writers, poets, and fascinating personalities who helped shape Key West's literary legacy.
The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum: Step inside the home of one of America's most iconic authors, meet the famous six-toed cats, and explore the place where some of his most celebrated works came to life.
Sunset Sailboat Cruise: Trade your book for a glass of something refreshing as we sail into the Gulf waters and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Plenty of Poolside Reading: Because sometimes the most important thing on the itinerary is finishing that next chapter.
Time to Explore: Discover Old Town's quirky shops, lively restaurants, historic architecture, and hidden corners, or simply stay put and enjoy the sunshine.
We believe a great reading retreat should offer just the right balance of experiences and absolutely nothing on the agenda. Key West makes that easy.
This is your invitation to leave the responsibilities behind, pack a few books (we won't judge how many), and spend a few glorious days living on island time.
Come for the books. Stay for the sunshine. Leave with a few new stories of your own.
From $2,650 per person (shared room) · $3,050 single occupancy · 50% deposit at booking · Balance due MONTH XX, 2027
Full details in the Pricing & Terms section below.
"Far exceeded anything I could have hoped for. Every detail so thoughtfully planned."
— Julie Z.
What to Expect When You Escape With Us
Your Island Home
Our Key West retreat will be nestled in the heart of historic Old Town, just steps away from the colorful shops, restaurants, and lively atmosphere of Duval Street.
Think tropical charm, inviting outdoor spaces, and a private pool perfect for lazy afternoons with a good book and a refreshing cocktail. Whether you're enjoying a slow morning with coffee, soaking up the sunshine, or gathering with new friends for an evening of laughter and conversation, our island home will be the perfect place to unwind.
With comfortable accommodations, plenty of space to relax, and the best of Key West right outside our door, we'll have everything we need to settle into island time.
Pack your books, grab your sunglasses, and leave your schedule behind.
Features include:
✔ Comfortable accommodations for up to 8 guests
✔ Private pool for lazy afternoons and poolside reading
✔ Inviting indoor and outdoor spaces to relax and unwind
✔ Tropical island charm in the heart of historic Old Town
✔ Easy access to Key West's literary landmarks and waterfront attractions
✔ Fully equipped kitchen and dining area for group meals
All the Little Things That Matter
Everything you need for a soul-nourishing escape:
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From townhouse breakfasts to firelit dinners, food here is as much about comfort as it is about nourishment.
Light daily breakfasts of pastries, fruit, and good coffee — or a full English, if that's what the morning calls for.
Daily lunches at the townhouse, with one exception: on your excursion day, lunch is yours to enjoy while you're out exploring.
Chef-prepared dinners at the townhouse, blending British comfort with a little seasonal flair.
A traditional afternoon tea, because no visit to England is complete without one.
Wine with dinner, each evening.
Tea, coffee, and filtered water always available at the townhouse.
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We believe books and place feed each other — and you'll feel that here.
Curated reading list + guided book discussions among the sitting room's shelves.
A blind book exchange to surprise and delight your inner reader.
Morning quiet hours for journaling, reflection, or a solo wander before the day begins.
A private half-day excursion to Stonehenge, included in your retreat price.
An optional soak at Thermae Bath Spa, for anyone who wants it.
Evenings around the fire, filled with conversation and the kind of connection that only happens once the wine is poured and the stories start flowing.
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Little touches that make the week memorable:
A thoughtful welcome gift waiting in your room.
Access to the townhouse's private garden and well-stocked sitting room.
An evening toast by the fire, to start the week off right.
A private group chat before the retreat to share travel tips and excitement.
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What's Not Included
While we've got the essentials covered, here are a few things you'll need to take care of:
Airfare and travel to Bath
Lunch on the day of your Stonehenge excursion, so you can explore along the way, as a group or independently
Beyond the wine we provide at dinners, alcohol is not included. Guests are welcome to pick up something extra at a local pub or bring something back to the townhouse.
Travel insurance and personal expenses
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required and must be arranged independently.
Please purchase insurance only once the trip is CONFIRMED.
Insurance should cover unexpected events such as illness, travel delays, or last-minute cancellations.
Proof of travel insurance will be required.
A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), required for all US travelers. Currently £20 (about $25), applied for directly at gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorization or via the official UK ETA app. Not included in your retreat price.
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Room Options
Pricing varies by occupancy — please see individual product listings for details.
Single Occupancy:
$3,400 · 50% due at booking · Balance by June 24, 2027
Double Occupancy (Twin Room):
$2,900 pp · 50% due at booking · Balance by June 24, 2027
Deposits & Payments
A 50% deposit is due at the time of booking.
The remaining balance is due by June 24, 2027 (roughly 90 days before check-in).
Trip Confirmation
We're building our guest list now. Booking closes May 14, 2027 — once we reach our minimum group size, this retreat will be confirmed and you'll hear from us straightaway. If we don't reach the minimum, you'll receive a full refund — no questions asked.
The trip will be CONFIRMED no later than May 14, 2027.
If the minimum number of guests is not reached by that date, you will receive a full refund of your deposit and any payments made.
Please wait until the retreat is CONFIRMED before booking flights or travel insurance.
Cancellations, Transfers & Refunds
If the trip is still PENDING:
You may cancel at any time for a full refund of your deposit and any payments made.
If the trip is CONFIRMED (61+ days before check-in):
We will attempt to resell your spot within our community.
If resold, you will receive a refund minus a $199 processing fee.
If not resold, payments are non-refundable.
If the trip is CONFIRMED (60 days or less before check-in):
No refunds, transfers, or resales are available for cancellations, including illness, travel issues, or personal emergencies.
Deposits are non-refundable unless your spot is successfully resold.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required and must be arranged independently.
Please purchase insurance only once the trip is CONFIRMED.
Insurance should cover unexpected events such as illness, travel delays, or last-minute cancellations.
Proof of travel insurance will be required.
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A Note on Room Sharing
Four guest rooms are offered at single occupancy, each entirely your own. A fifth room — a twin, with two separate beds — is offered as a shared double at a lower per-person rate, for two guests happy to room together.
If you're coming with a friend and want to book the twin room together, just let each other know when you register. Otherwise, single occupancy is the default across the other four rooms.
To see exact room configurations before booking, click 'Book Your Journey' and review the available room listings. Or just send us a message — we're happy to walk you through the options.
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Location
Bath, England, a historic city in the West of England, about 115 miles west of London.
We recommend flying into London Heathrow (LHR) or Bristol Airport (BRS) — Bristol is the closer option, about a 45-minute drive from the townhouse.
From Heathrow, Bath is a straightforward train journey via London Paddington, or about a 2.5-hour car service. Bath Spa train station is also well connected to Bristol, London, and beyond, if you'd rather arrive by rail.
Check-in: 4:30 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
All US travelers will need a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before departure — a quick online application, currently £20, valid for two years. Apply only through the official UK government site, gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorization — third-party sites often charge more for the same thing.
Need help planning your ground transportation? Feel free to reach out — we're happy to help you sort out the best route to get here smoothly.
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Bath Escape Recommended Reading List
Georgian ballrooms, quiet ambition, and stories rooted in the wit and social world of England:
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Austen's own Bath novel — a story of second chances, quiet longing, and the city's Pump Room and Assembly Rooms as the backdrop for a love reconsidered.Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
A gothic parody set largely in Bath's ballrooms and salons, following a young woman whose imagination outpaces her judgment — Austen at her most playful.The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
A modern novel about an unlikely group in a small English village, brought together after WWII by a shared devotion to Austen's legacy.Longbourn by Jo Baker
Pride and Prejudice retold from the servants' hall — the same Regency world, seen from below stairs, richly immersive and quietly subversive.The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
The first Bridgerton novel — Regency London ballrooms, sharp banter, and swoonier romance, for a lighter counterpoint to Austen's restraint.
"I know I'll be back for another Literary Escape!"
— Taya T.
Pen Your Questions Here
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about the retreat, want more details about the experience, or need assistance with your reservation, we’re here to help. Reach out to us, and let’s make your Literary Escape unforgettable.