Books, Bagels, and Big City Energy

Join us just outside New York City · April 16 – 1 9, 2026

(Booking Deadline December 31, 2025)

Sometimes you crave the hum of the city—the bookstores, the brownstones, the bagels that are somehow better here than anywhere else. But you also need space to breathe. To unwind. To curl up with your book and actually read a chapter without a subway screech in the background.

By day? Wander legendary bookshops, sip coffee in charming cafes, and soak up the buzz of the Big City. By night? Relax with kindred spirits, share stories, swap book recs, and breathe deep.

Because the best escapes aren’t just about where you go—they’re about finding space to recharge, connect, and fall back in love with stories (including your own).

Spots are limited. Step outside the ordinary with us.

What to Expect When You Escape With Us

Your Retreat Home

Just across the river from Manhattan, this modern retreat space seamlessly blends big-city energy with quiet comfort. You will be minutes from bookstores, coffee shops, and iconic NYC experiences, with room to unwind when the day winds down.

This escape lets you experience the best of both worlds. Spend your days wandering legendary bookshops, exploring hidden corners of the city, and soaking in the buzz of New York. In the evenings, return to a peaceful space where conversation flows easily, books are always within reach, and connection comes naturally.

It is an inspiring, story-filled getaway where skyline views meet cozy comforts and every moment invites you to slow down and reconnect.

Features include
✔ Sleek interiors with cozy gathering spaces for reading and connecting
✔ Eight-person hot tub for unwinding under the stars
✔ Comfortable nooks designed for relaxation and conversation
✔ Quick access to NYC’s bookstores, restaurants, and cultural icons
✔ The perfect blend of big city adventure and space to breathe

All the Little Things That Matter

Everything you need for a soul-nourishing escape:

    • Welcome snacks & signature cocktail or mocktail

    • Arrival night dinner at a local restaurant

    • Free flowing coffee & tea

    • Breakfast, lunch, & dinner each day

    • Wine with dinner

    • A location-themed book sent in advance

    • Optional group book discussions

    • Designated time to share reading recommendations

    • Free time to read, relax, or explore

    • Book exchange

    • Literary walking tour in Manhattan

    • Optional group activities

    • A special welcome gift

  • While we’ve got the essentials covered, here are a few things you’ll need to take care of:

    • Flights and ground transportation

      • *Transfers to Manhattan for tours ARE included.

    • Travel insurance (highly recommended)

    • Meals or drinks outside of the retreat house, unless otherwise specified

    • Alcohol (other than wine served with dinner)

  • Room Options

    Pricing varies by occupancy—please see individual product listings for details.

    NYC Primary - 2 Double Beds w/Ensuite

    • $3,000 single occupancy · 50% due now · Balance by Feb 15, 2026 · Today’s payment: $1,500

    • $2,500 pp/double occupancy · 50% due now · Balance by Feb 15, 2026 · Today’s payment: $1,250

    NYC King Room w/Shared Bath

    • $2,000 single occupancy · 50% due now · Balance by Feb 15, 2026 · Today’s payment: $1,000

    • $1,650 pp/double occupancy · 50% due now · Balance by Feb 15, 2026 · Today’s payment: $825

    NYC Double Room w/ Shared Bath

    • $1,800 pp/double occupancy · 50% due now · Balance by Feb 15, 2026 · Today’s payment: $900

    Deposit

    50% due now · Balance by February 15, 2026

    Cancellations, Transfers & Refunds

    60+ Days Before the Retreat Start Date:

    • We will attempt to resell your ticket to our community.

    • If resold: You receive a refund minus a $199 processing fee.

    • If not resold: You will not be eligible for a any refund.

    Less Than 60 Days Before the Retreat:

    • No refunds, transfers, or resales are permitted for cancellations within this window.

    • This includes illness, travel issues, or personal emergencies.

    Deposits:

    • Deposits are non-refundable unless your spot is resold.

    • If we are able to resell your spot, you’ll receive a refund minus a $199 processing fee.

  • Do shared rooms mean shared beds?

    Possibly—please note that in rooms with double occupancy, the beds cannot be reconfigured. If you book a shared room, and it’s a King or Queen bed, you’ll be sharing a bed with your roommate. If you're not traveling with a friend and would like to be paired, we’ll do our best to match you with someone who’s also open to sharing. To see available room configurations, click “Book Your Journey Now”.

  • Bayonne, NJ

    We recommend flying into one of the following airports for the easiest access to Bayonne and your Literary Escape

    Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – about 20 minutes away and the most convenient option. You will be relaxing with your book faster than you can say, "I'm walkin' here!".

    John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – around 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Ideal for international or cross-country flights.

    LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – roughly 45 minutes to an hour away, serving mostly domestic routes.

    From there, it is a quick ride to our retreat space in Bayonne, where skyline views, cozy corners, and your next great escape await.

    Need help planning your arrival? We are happy to help sort out your route or answer questions to make your trip as smooth as possible.

  • Your Big City Bookstack: A Curated Reading List for the NYC Escape

    Set the mood for your Literary Escape with stories steeped in New York’s history, ambition, grit, and glamour. This list blends fiction, nonfiction, and historical gems so you can dive into the city’s energy before you even board your flight.

    The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis
    A dual timeline mystery set in and around the iconic New York Public Library. Expect secrets, strong women, and plenty of literary atmosphere.

    The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
    Based on the true story of Belle da Costa Greene, the brilliant woman who curated J.P. Morgan’s private library while hiding her racial identity in early 20th-century New York high society.

    Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe
    Gilded Age drama meets modern-day family introspection. A fascinating nonfiction dive into one of New York’s most powerful dynasties, with plenty of scandal, wealth, and legacy.

    Just Kids by Patti Smith
    A raw, poetic memoir of Patti Smith’s early years in New York alongside photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Punk rock, poetry, and the magic of finding your creative voice in the city.

    Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
    A glittering novel set in 1930s Manhattan, where chance encounters open doors to high society, heartbreak, and possibility. Glamorous, witty, and full of old New York charm.

    Open City by Teju Cole
    A reflective, contemporary novel following a Nigerian immigrant as he walks the streets of Manhattan, exploring identity, memory, and the hidden layers of city life.

Bright and airy living room with two teal sofas, orange armchairs, a round wooden coffee table, a large flat-screen TV mounted on a white wall, a black media console, a large window with curtains allowing natural light, a dining area with a dark table and chairs, and a view of greenery outside.
A bright bedroom with two beds featuring black headboards, white bedding, and blue pillows. Large windows with white curtains, a wooden floor with a blue patterned rug, and a wall art depicting a colorful tree. A mirror is visible on the right wall.
Outdoor patio with black wicker furniture, a hot tub, and a wooden pergola decorated with hanging purple flowers and string lights, surrounded by green bushes and trees.

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.