Catskills Reading Retreat

Pack Your Books—WE’RE OFF TO THE CATSKILLS!

Join us for new books and friends at Book Huddle’s third retreat in the beautiful Catskills! From Apr 12-14, 2024, at the stunning Callicoon Hills Resort, you'll find the ideal mix of rustic charm and luxury amenities for a perfect reading and relaxing experience.

a reading retreat in THE CATSKILLS from APR 12-14, 2024.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at our third Book Huddle retreat in the Catskills, NY, taking place at the renowned Callicoon Hills Resort. Featured in Time Out New York and Food & Wine Magazine, this century-old venue is the perfect setting for our spring retreat.

Spanning 23 acres of stunning landscapes, the resort combines the charm of its storied past with modern comforts. It's an ideal place for immersing yourself in great books and making new friends, all within a setting that feels like a step back in time with contemporary luxuries.

Look forward to a weekend of relaxation, inspiration, and unforgettable reading experiences!

  • "I can't wait to attend more."

    “New friends, good books, and a weekend of relaxation? Yes, please! I had a blast at the reading retreat and I can’t wait to attend more. I found myself in a room full of strangers talking like we’d known each other our entire lives. It was warm and welcoming and the most fun I’ve ever had. Bookworms make the best friends and no one will convince me otherwise. 10/10 would recommend!”

    Kat C. from Tacoma, WA

  • "A weekend I will remember."

    "It’s hard to explain the magic of what the book huddle weekend was! From walks in the woods to in-depth discussions about our favorite books, it is a weekend I will remember for quite some time. It’s hard to believe we all started the huddle as strangers; I walked away from the weekend having made connections I will treasure for a long time."

    Erica L. from Seattle, WA

  • "I booked the next retreat when I got home."

    “The retreat was the perfect mixture of activities and relaxing. Many of us have different book preferences, but we all shared a love of reading. I had such a great time I booked the next retreat when I got home.”

    Katie F. from Silverdale, WA

  • "Every single person i met was exceptional and kind."

    "The connections made on this trip were truly wonderful and every single person I met was exceptional and kind!"

    Jacqueline G. from Austin, TX

Your ticket includes:

SELECTED BOOK

Get your chosen book mailed in advance, setting the stage for a weekend full of book chats!

COMFORTABLE LODGING

Choose from single or shared rooms, each with a private bathroom.

BOOK FAIR

Browse the best (and most underrated) books in a private curated book fair!

designated HUDDLE

Get matched up with a designated group for engaging book discussions.

welcome bag

Get a gift bag full of reader-friendly goodies and Book Huddle merch on arrival.

YOGA CLASS

Unwind in a relaxing yoga session, surrounded by the property's scenic beauty.

exclusive access

Enjoy a private barn with lounge furniture, reserved solely for our group.

Tie-Dying Workshop

Relive classic camp fun with an interactive (and colorful!) tie-dying workshop.

NIGHTLY S’MORES

Gather around the fire pit each evening for s'mores under the starlit skies.

ALL MEALS

Savor all meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages during the retreat.

WRITING CLASS

Unleash your inner storyteller in a fun and relaxed creative writing class.

cash bar AVAILABILITY

Complement your book and the fresh mountain air with a drink from our private cash bar!

Note: Air and car transportation to/from the retreat is not included in the fee.

With a 99% satisfaction rating from our first retreat, you can expect deep connections, immersive reads, and unforgettable moments with fellow book enthusiasts.

  • DESIGNATED READING TIME

  • Our weekend's bookish headquarters

  • Stunning single and shared rooms

  • Cozy reading areas across the property

  • Delicious gourmet meals

  • Focused Book Huddles!

  • 23 acres of forest trails

  • Indoor-outdoor gym facilities

  • On-Property coffee shop

Every room IS THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED FOR AN INSPIRING GETAWAY.

Callicoon Hills' rooms, in King, Queen, and Double Full sizes, are artfully decorated and cozy. With custom-built furnishings and Malin & Goetz amenities, comfort is a given. We’ll have dog-friendly and ADA-accessible options to ensure a comfortable stay for everyone. (Note: You won’t find any TVs in the rooms, but who needs that when you’ve got great books to read?)

option one

Solo Room

Want privacy? Then you might like your own room with a king or queen-sized bed. (And don’t worry, there will be plenty of opportunities to make friends this weekend!)

This ticket type is now sold out. Sign up to be notified about the next Book Huddle retreat!

option two

Shared Room

Looking for a roomie? Select a shared room and get your own full-sized bed. You can put in a request for your roommate, meet one in Discord, or be matched up!

There’s one shared room ticket left for $1,449

A CHARMING ESCAPE OF READING AND RELAXING!

Here’s what makes this retreat location special:

  • It's a blend of historic charm and modern comfort, only a two-hour drive north of Newark airport.

  • The resort sprawls across 23 acres, featuring hiking trails and scenic landscapes perfect for quiet reading or leisurely strolls.

  • Accessibility for all, with ADA-compliant rooms ensuring a comfortable stay for every guest.

  • The accommodations are spread across several buildings, each with its unique appeal and cozy ambiance.

  • Beyond our private area, the resort offers plenty of serene spots for reading and relaxation.

  • Expect top-notch security and a commitment to health and safety.

  • Fresh, local ingredients are used in our meals, enhancing your dining experience.

Ready to immerse yourself in a historical setting with fellow book lovers? Secure your spot now!

Once you’re in, you’ll vote on your weekend book track!

For the weekend’s books, we’ll focus on recently published works. This way, we’ll all read the books together for the first time!

All attendees can vote on the weekend’s fiction, fantasy, mystery, or romance book, and then you’ll pick your genre book track for the weekend. I’ve narrowed down some options for us to consider, which include women and BIPOC authors and LGBTQ+ storylines, and I’m open to suggestions as well!

Based on your book track, you’ll be assigned to a group of people who also chose that book, and you’ll meet in four intervals throughout the weekend to discuss your book in quarters.

You’re welcome to read your book in full before (or get a headstart) or read it while you’re there. Regardless, your book will be shipped to you before the weekend begins! Our past retreat books have included…

  • Learned by Heart by Emma Donoghue

  • Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster

  • A True Account by Katherine Howe

  • What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

  • The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok

  • Curious Tides by Pascale Lacelle

  • A shot in the dark by victoria lee

  • The Fury by Alex Michaelides

A DREAMY ESCAPE FOR ALL READERS.

Books create spaces for us to understand and value diverse experiences. Reflecting on our first retreat, I am deeply moved by the lifelong friendships formed and our community's incredible kindness. Inclusivity and safety are paramount to me, and I can guarantee that every attendee will feel safe and welcomed.

Just like the first retreats, this weekend is whatever you want to be. All activities are encouraged, but nothing is mandatory, so you can make this weekend exactly as you’d like it.

Want to read all weekend? Go for it. Feel like partaking in a group creative writing class? Step right up. Want to learn more about the historical property? Explore for as long as you’d like.

The itinerary will be shaped by the desires of attendees, but in the meantime, here’s what I have in mind:

    • Afternoon check-in, complete with a special welcome bag from us.

    • First meeting with your book huddle!

    • A delicious dinner, accommodating all dietary needs.

    • Evening yoga session to relax and unwind.

    • Night of cozy reading in our exclusive barn lounge with a s’mores break.

    • Start the day with a scrumptious breakfast.

    • Enjoy reading time in our private area, outfitted with comfortable seating.

    • Mid-morning nature walk and tie-dying workshop.

    • Enjoy lunch in our private eating area.

    • Afternoon book huddle for further literary exploration.

    • Private book fair with curated titles by a local bookstore partner.

    • Enjoy a comforting dinner with a cash bar.

    • End the night with s'mores by the fire pit and optional star-gazing.

    • Start with a nutritious breakfast.

    • Engage in a morning creative writing class, sparking inspiration in the serene setting.

    • Wrap up the retreat with a delicious lunch, a perfect end to our literary weekend.

    • Conclude your book huddle discussions, sharing final thoughts and insights.

01

Luxury bedding and modern bathrooms

02

ADA-ACCESSIBLE ROOM OPTIONS

03

MALIN + GOETZ BATH PRODUCTS

04

Signature lavender spa amenities

05

DOG-FRIENDLY ROOMS (!)

06

MOUNTAIN AND FOREST VIEWS

  • "Everything I'd hoped for."

    "The Book Huddle retreat was everything I'd hoped for and more! Every detail was perfect, from the location to the types of activities to the food. It was clear that so much thoughtfulness was given to our happiness. It was such a joy to spend a weekend chatting and laughing with people who love reading as much as I do. My TBR list just grew exponentially! I can't wait to attend another retreat."

    Angela D. from Los Angeles, CA

  • "Thoughtful, well executed, and a joy to attend."

    "The Book Huddle retreat was thoughtful, well executed, and a joy to attend. I would highly recommend joining the next retreat to meet the sweetest group of people, while also knowing you are in good hands."

    Amanda M. from Wake Forest, NC

  • "I'm so glad I went."

    "I really enjoyed the retreat! I’m so glad I went and it was very enjoyable. Thank you for putting it together!! I will definitely be joining more retreats and wish I was going to New Mexico!"

    Natalie D. from New York, NY

  • "I felt so included."

    "You never know what kind of people you're going to meet at an event you found via TikTok...but I found my kind of people at Book Huddle. Lauren and Jake made us all feel so welcome, included, and gave us the means to make friends and connections with people all over the country. I was worried I was going to end up with a bunch of nerds, and I did - book nerds! My kind of nerds! Getting to interact with people who've read and loved the same books as you makes you feel seen.”

    Sam E. from Portland, WA

choose your ticket…

The solo room ticket

  • Your own room with a king or queen-sized bed and modern bathroom*

  • All meals, snacks, tea, and non-alcoholic beverages from Friday at 4pm through Sunday at 4pm

  • Access to a private building reserved just for our retreat

  • Your weekend book of choice mailed to you in advance of the retreat

  • Activities such as a tie-dying workshop, creative writing class, yoga class, nature walks, and a private book fair (all optional)

  • A welcome gift bag with reader-friendly goodies

PAYMENT OPTIONS

This ticket type is now sold out.

The shared room ticket

  • A shared room with your own full-sized bed and an en-suite modern bathroom*

  • All meals, snacks, tea, and non-alcoholic beverages from Friday at 4pm through Sunday at 4pm

  • Access to a private building reserved just for our retreat

  • Your weekend book of choice mailed to you in advance of the retreat

  • Activities such as a tie-dying workshop, creative writing class, yoga class, nature walks, and a private book fair (all optional)

  • A welcome gift bag with reader-friendly goodies

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Upfront payment for $1,449.

Pay in full

*Note: All rooms are unique at Callicoon Hills; this image reflects the typical room’s size and quality!

Mark your calendar for an unforgettable WEEKEND.

Organizing these reading retreats has been a dream come true. The demand for the first event was mindblowing (sold out in 37 hours!), then the demand for the second event was even more mindblowing (sold out in 28 hours!),and I am endlessly grateful for your interest. I want this to be a life-changing getaway that helps you relax, recharge, and make bookish friends.

Thanks so much, as always, for helping this come to life. I looking forward to meeting you!