Wairarapa retreat
Get lost in your favourite stories surrounded by a small group of book lovers just like you & enjoy sweeping views of the magnificent Remutaka mountain range.
All you have to think about is which book to read next.
When? March 28 - 30, 2025
Where? Martinborough, Wairarapa, New Zealand
Imagine reading your favourite books without having to stop to prepare meals or run after little ones.
No interruptions, no obligations, no guilt about just sitting and reading.
Let me set the scene…
You arrive at our gorgeous venue in Martinborough (only a 1.5h drive from Wellington), surrounded by sweeping views of the magnificent Remutaka mountain range, and the only thing you have to think about is which book you’ll read next.
With multiple cosy reading spots, a spa, and 5 bedrooms, it’s the perfect location to bring bookish people together for a weekend of relaxation.
Oh, and did I mention that I’ll be feeding you throughout the day? Not in a creepy spoon-to-mouth kinda way but in a “hey, these are the dishes I grew up with in Italy” kinda way. You can expect authentic Italian food you normally won’t find in New Zealand.
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 own room, I won’t force you to socialise).
What’s included:
Luxury accommodation for 2 nights - choose from single or shared rooms
Authentic Italian food, made from locally-sourced, high-quality ingredients
Snacks that are easy to eat with a book in your hand
Non-alcoholic drinks - you’re welcome to bring your own drinks to enjoy with dinner
Welcome gifts curated for book lovers
The opportunity to find new friends who love books as much as you do
…and other (literary) surprises!
Wait, there’s more.
Book fair
Swap, trade, and share your favourite reads with others at our own little book fair. Find hidden gems, make recommendations, and get some fresh books for free (‘cause new books are expensive).
Blind date with a book
Choose a book based on a brief description without knowing the title, author, or plot beforehand. It’s a great way to discover new books and step outside your comfort zone!
Shared read
If there’s enough interest from the group, we could read a book together (either before or during the retreat) and discuss it. I’ll provide some questions to get the conversation started!
ROOM OPTIONS
DOUBLE (1 person)
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Your own bedroom with a king bed - the perfect setting to read all weekend long.
1 left.
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$1800
A 30% non-refundable deposit is required when booking (only available until Feb 14) or you can pay in full today.
TWIN SHARE (2 people)
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Want to enjoy this weekend together with your bestie, mum, sister, cousin...? Grab a twin room! We only have one of these available.
Please note that we won't be accepting couples at this retreat. We also won't put together 2 strangers.
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$2200 ($1100 per person)
A 30% non-refundable deposit is required when booking or you can pay in full today.
STUDIO (2 people)
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Stay in the separate, fully self-contained 1-bedroom apartment – you’ll have plenty of space to relax and unwind.
Includes your own living area, bathroom & kitchen.
There is only one of these rooms available.
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$2600 ($1300 per person)
A 30% non-refundable deposit is required when booking (only available until Feb 14) or you can pay in full today.
Itinerary
The weekend is whatever you want it to be: All activities are encouraged, but nothing is mandatory.
Choose solitude or shared time with other readers.
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You're welcome at the accommodation from 3pm onwards. We'll have some welcome snacks & gifts ready on arrival and I'll give you a tour. After that, you're free to do whatever you want. Later, I'll be dishing up a yummy dinner with authentic Italian dishes so we can all get to know each other (but I won't force you to share a "fun" fact about you, pinky promise).
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Breakfast will be served buffet-style so you can grab something whenever you're hungry.
The rest of the day is yours to fill with whatever you feel like doing: reading (duh), taking a walk, sitting in the hot tub, discussing your latest read with others...
In the evening, you can attend another delicious dinner with the rest of the group or get it delivered to your room. No judgement, this is your weekend!
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Breakfast is served buffet-style until 9ish. Then it's time to grab the tissues & say goodbye to everyone before we leave the house before 10am!
When most of your life revolves around looking after others, let us look after you for a whole weekend.
About your host
Oh hi, that’s me, 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 who 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.
I have always loved food and can’t wait to show you the dishes I grew up with back at home ❤️
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. Wellington airport is a 1.5h drive from our accommodation and offers flights from all over New Zealand.
We'll also 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 us, 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.