Reading Retreats vs Wellness Retreats: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve ever googled “retreats in New Zealand” and felt like none of them really got you — this post is for you. Let’s unpack the difference between reading retreats and wellness retreats, and why the slower, story-filled version might be exactly what your nervous system needs.
What is a wellness retreat?
The typical wellness retreat is built around health-focused activities: yoga, meditation, plant-based meals, breathwork, journaling workshops, no phones… you get the vibe. They promise green juices, yoga at sunrise, and digital detoxes.
You’ll usually find:
Early wake-ups
Structured schedules
Group sessions
Detox meals
Time for reflection (but often in a “let’s have a breakthrough” way)
For many, this is exactly what they need. For others, it can feel like... a lot. Especially if you're already overcommitted, peopled-out, or exhausted.
What’s different about a reading retreat?
A reading retreat is a different kind of rest. One that doesn’t expect transformation. One that lets you simply be.
It’s not about fixing yourself. It’s about giving yourself space & time to read.
At a Busy With Books reading retreat, you’ll find:
Cosy, low-pressure settings
Zero “healing” workshops
No schedule at all (apart from lunch & dinner together)
Time alone and time with like-minded book lovers
Full permission to read, nap, snack,…or whatever else you want to do
You won’t be asked to share your life story in a circle or sit in silence unless you want to. You don’t even have to speak to anyone until you’ve had coffee. Heaven, right?
Reading retreat vs wellness retreat: quick comparison
So… which one’s right for you?
Choose a wellness retreat if you:
Want to explore a particular practice (e.g. yoga or breathwork)
Enjoy structured days and self-improvement goals
Thrive in group environments
Choose a reading retreat if you:
Are craving space and stillness — without the self-help
Want a break that feels gentle and nourishing, not performative
Miss uninterrupted time to read, reflect, and breathe
Final word: you don’t need to earn your rest.
One of the best parts of a reading retreat? No pressure to achieve, change, or be “better” by the end of it.
You’re already enough. You just need time to remember it.
If you’re feeling pulled toward a bookish escape, take a peek at my upcoming reading retreats. They’re small, thoughtful, and made for people like you — people who love stories, silence, and the feeling of turning off the world for a while.