Bringing bookish people together. In real life and online.
Self-care isn’t just doing yoga, drinking healthy smoothies or journaling.
Sometimes, it’s about making time for yourself to get stuck into a book, surrounded by people just like you.
AS SEEN IN
When most of your life revolves around looking after others, let us look after you.
A reading retreat is a getaway for book lovers, like you and me.
We’re all juggling a million things and secretly wishing we had more time to read instead of… folding laundry.
A reading retreat is an escape from all that: A weekend to slow down in a stunning setting, chat about your favourite reads with fellow book nerds, and indulge in 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
MARTINBOROUGH
Sept 5-7, 2025
MORE INFO COMING SOON
Originally from the north of Italy, I now live on the beautiful Kāpiti Coast of New Zealand.
Busy With Books was born out of a simple idea: what if reading could be the centrepiece of connection, self-care, and joy?
Through in-person reading retreats and a cosy online book club, I’m creating spaces where book lovers can slow down, switch off, and finally read without interruption - or guilt.
And because I grew up in an Italian family where food was love, you’ll always find a good meal (or a delicious recipe) as part of the experience ❤️
Hi, I’m Hanna!
“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
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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!
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No, you will need to make your own travel arrangements. Our retreats are usually close to an airport & we have plenty of parking available if you choose to travel by car.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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We welcome all book lovers aged 18 and above.
Can’t come to a retreat?
Join our online book club instead!
Each month, we meet on Zoom for a fun, relaxed book discussion, and you get access to a private Slack community where the bookish chat never stops.
Oh, and because books and food just belong together, you also get a curated Italian recipe each month to pair with your read - easy, delicious, no weird speciality ingredients required.
LET’S TALK BOOKS OVER ON INSTA!
