Salt Air & Slow Pages
A Reading Retreat in Key West, Florida
June 10-13, 2027
(Booking Deadline: February 28, 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.
Writers have been finding their way to this little island for generations. Ernest Hemingway wrote some of his best-known work here, and Tennessee Williams, Elizabeth Bishop, and Judy Blume all called it home. Maybe it’s the salt air, maybe it’s the sunsets, or maybe Key West simply has a way of making the rest of the world feel very far away.
For this chapter of The Literary Escape, we're embracing island time in every sense of the phrase.
Imagine slow mornings with coffee and a good book, afternoons reading beside a private pool, and evenings filled with laughter, conversation, and a glass or two of wine. 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:
Three nights in our private Old Town home, steps from Duval Street, with a pool made for reading
A welcome dinner at a local Key West restaurant.
Chef-prepared dinners at our island home, featuring fresh seafood, tropical flavors, and a little island flair.
Curated excursions: such as a tour of the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, a Sunset Sailboat Cruise, or an Old Town Literary Walking Tour.
Plenty of Poolside Reading: Because sometimes the most important thing on the itinerary is finishing that next chapter.
Chef-prepared dinners at our island home, featuring fresh seafood, tropical flavors, and a little Key West flair.
Time to Explore: Discover Old Town's quirky shops, lively restaurants, historic architecture, and hidden corners, or simply stay put and enjoy the sunshine.
A Key West themed book sent to you in advance for evening discussions.
A special welcome gift waiting for you upon arrival.
We believe a great reading retreat offers the right balance of experiences and absolutely nothing on the agenda. Key West makes that easy.
Consider this your invitation to leave the to-do list at home, pack a few books (we won’t judge how many), and spend a few slow, sun-warmed days on island time.
Come for the books. Stay for the sunshine. Leave with a few new stories of your own.
From $2,450 per person (shared room) · $3,150 single occupancy · 50% deposit at booking · Balance due April 1, 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. It’s close enough to wander out for a café con leche or a sunset stroll, and tucked away enough that the loudest thing by the pool is a page turning.
Think tropical charm, inviting outdoor spaces, and a private plunge pool perfect for long afternoons with a good book and a cold drink. 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:
✔ Air-conditioned king bedrooms, with room for up to 8 guests
✔ A private plunge pool for lazy afternoons and poolside reading
✔ Indoor and outdoor spaces to read, gather, 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 sun-soaked literary escape.
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From leisurely breakfasts to island-inspired dinners, good food, great wine, and even better company are all part of the Key West experience.
Daily breakfasts with coffee or tea, enjoyed at your own pace.
Lunches at our island home, perfect for breaking up an afternoon of poolside reading and relaxation.
A welcome dinner at a local Key West restaurant to kick off our island escape.
Delicious dinners prepared in-house by your hosts or a private chef, featuring fresh seafood, tropical flavors, and a little island inspiration.
Wine with dinner each evening.
A taste of Key West's famous Key lime pie, because no visit to the island would be complete without it.
Coffee, tea, and filtered water at the house all weekend.
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A little literary history, a little island adventure, and a whole lot of time to do nothing at all.
An Old Town literary walking tour through the lanes where writers have lived, worked, and found their stories for generations.
A visit to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, writing studio, six-toed cats, and all.
A sunset sail on the water around Key West, with the whole sky putting on a show.
Poolside reading time, with absolutely no pressure to do anything else.
Our signature bookish conversations and opportunities to connect with fellow readers.
Free time to wander Duval Street, browse local bookshops like Judy Blume’s Books & Books, shop, or find your favorite waterfront spot for a cocktail.
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It's the little things that make a Literary Escape memorable.
A thoughtful welcome gift to kick off your island getaway.
A relaxed, intimate retreat experience with a small group of fellow book lovers.
Plenty of opportunities for spontaneous adventures, meaningful conversations, and new friendships.
A private group chat before the retreat to share travel tips and build 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 Key West
Beyond the wine we provide at dinners, alcohol is not included. Guests are welcome to pick up something extra at a local market.
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.
Choose a policy that covers illness, travel delays, last-minute cancellations, and hurricanes or named storms, since Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1.
Proof of travel insurance will be required.
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Room Options
Pricing varies by occupancy — please see individual product listings for details.
Primary Suite (King w/ Private bath) Single Occupancy:
$3,150.00 · 50% due at booking · Balance by April 1, 2027
Primary Suite (King w/ Private bath) Double Occupancy:
$2,6500 pp · 50% due at booking · Balance by April 1, 2027
Standard Room (King w/shared bath) Single Occupancy:
$2,950.00 · 50% due at booking · Balance by April 1, 2027
Standard Room (King w/shared bath) Double Occupancy:
$2,450.00 · 50% due at booking · Balance by April 1, 2027
Deposits & Payments
A 50% deposit is due at the time of booking.
The remaining balance is due by April 1, 2027 (roughly 90 days before check-in).
Trip Confirmation
We're building our guest list now, and booking closes February 28, 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 March 25, 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.
If a Storm Comes Through
If a hurricane or named storm forces an evacuation or cancellation, refunds follow the policy above. That’s why we ask every guest to carry travel insurance that covers named storms.
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A Note on Room Sharing
Every guest room at our island home has a king bed, so each room can be booked as single occupancy, entirely your own, or shared by two friends at a lower per-person rate. Because sharing a room here means sharing a bed, shared occupancy is best for friends, sisters, or travel partners who already know they’re happy to bunk together.
If you’re coming with someone and want to share, book together and include each other’s names when you register. Otherwise, every room is booked as single occupancy.
A quick look at the rooms:
Primary Suite: king bed with its own private bathroom
Standard Rooms: king beds, each sharing a Jack and Jill bathroom with the room next door
Every room has air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. Questions about which room is the best fit? Send us a message, and we’ll walk you through the options.
To see exact room configurations before booking, click 'Book Your Journey' and review the available room listings.
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Location
Key West, Florida | June 2027
Our retreat will be located in historic Old Town Key West, within a short walk of Duval Street's restaurants, shops, galleries, and nightlife.
Guests can fly directly into Key West International Airport (EYW), just a short drive from Old Town. Flying into Miami International Airport (MIA) is another option, followed by a scenic drive through the Florida Keys.
Final arrival information, check-in details, and transportation recommendations will be provided before the retreat.
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
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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A little island history, a little mystery, a few unforgettable characters, and of course, a nod to Hemingway. These stories capture the colorful, quirky, and sometimes scandalous side of Key West and the Florida Keys:
The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton
Three women, one devastating hurricane, and secrets that could change everything. Set in the Florida Keys in 1935, this historical novel delivers strong female characters, tangled relationships, and plenty of drama against a fascinating backdrop.
The Woman at the Light by Joanna Brady
Life in the Florida Keys wasn't always sunshine and cocktails. Set in the 1800s, this sweeping historical novel follows a woman left to raise her children alone at a remote lighthouse, where survival is only part of the story.
To Have and Have Not by Ernest Hemingway
Forget the romanticized version of island life. Hemingway takes us into the gritty underbelly of Depression-era Key West, where a fishing boat captain makes some questionable decisions to keep his family afloat. Not exactly a beach read, but a fitting one for Hemingway country.
The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille
A Key West charter boat captain, a mysterious woman, a secret mission to Cuba, and a whole lot of trouble. Fast-paced, full of twists, and just the kind of adventure that's better experienced from the safety of a pool chair.
An Appetite for Murder by Lucy Burdette
Murder, food, and Key lime pie? We're in. This first installment of the Key West Food Critic Mystery series serves up quirky locals, island restaurants, and a mystery that proves paradise isn't always so peaceful.
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
A man, a marlin, and the ultimate battle of wills. Set off the coast of Cuba, this short Hemingway classic is all about determination, pride, and knowing when to let go. And at just over 100 pages, there's still plenty of time for another book and a cocktail.
"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.