All you have to think about is which book to read next.

Self-care isn’t just doing yoga, drinking healthy smoothies or journaling.

Sometimes, it’s about making the time for yourself to get stuck into a book in a beautiful location, surrounded by people just like you (or in your room, we won’t force you to socialise).

Open book and cup of coffee on a bed

AS SEEN IN

When most of your life revolves around looking after others, let us look after you for a whole weekend.

A reading retreat is a getaway for book lovers, like you and me.

We all lead busy lives and wish we had more time to read instead of having to run after little ones or take care of household chores, right?

A reading retreat is an escape from exactly that: a weekend away to relax in a stunning location, discuss your favourite reads with other book nerds, and enjoy authentic Italian food, right here in New Zealand.

For a whole weekend, there are no obligations and you can keep yourself busy with books (see what I did there?) 😉

What is a reading retreat?

Upcoming retreats

HAWKE’S BAY NOV 2024

- BOOKINGS CLOSED -

Coming soon

March 2025

Coming soon

TBD

Blonde woman smiling at the camera with a book in her hand

Hi, I’m Hanna!

Originally from the North of Italy, I now live on the beautiful Kāpiti Coast and when I'm not reading, I run a marketing consultancy. As a business owner, I get in contact with so many ambitious women who work hard in their jobs (and at home!) but don’t always get the time to fill their own cups.

That's why I want to create a space for us all to finally read our books uninterrupted, without feeling guilty about it.

I have always loved food and can’t wait to share the dishes I grew up with back at home ❤️

“IL DOLCE FAR NIENTE”

[/ˌdɒltʃeɪ ˌfɑː nɪˈɛnteɪ/]

(Italian saying & life philosophy). Literally translated: “the sweetness of doing nothing”.

An opportunity to absentmindedly exist without the need to do anything because your time is your own and you deserve control over it.

 FAQs

  • You're free to read WHATEVER books you want, we don't discriminate.

    While I don't dictate which books you read, I will be bringing along some of my favourites in case you don't want to decide or run out of books to read.

    We'll also have our own little book fair, so bring any old books you want to swap with others!

  • No, you will need to make your own travel arrangements. Hawke's Bay Airport is only a 15-minute drive from our accommodation and offers flights from all over New Zealand.

    We also have plenty of parking available if you choose to travel by car.

  • Nope, and that's fully on purpose. This is a time (and space) for you to do whatever you want. If that means staying in your room in your PJs all day, go for it!

  • While I try to accommodate your dietary needs, I cannot guarantee an allergy-free diet as the kitchen I use is not entirely under my control. Please let me know about your specific dietary requirements when you book or send me an email at hello@busywithbooks.com if you have any questions.

  • Not much, really!

    Comfy clothes, books (obviously), maybe a water bottle to stay hydrated? The rest will be provided by me, including main meals, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, linen, and towels.

  • Absolutely not.

    This is a weekend for you to relax and unwind without distractions: no stopping to prepare meals, clean up after other people or worry about take care of other everyday chores.

  • We welcome all book lovers aged 18 and above.

LET’S TALK BOOKS OVER ON INSTA!