Almancil, Portugal
20 – 24 February 2026
Tuck into the sun-soaked Algarve for a reading retreat that pairs slow days with salty air, delicious food, and beautiful company. Whether you’re recharging solo or sharing the experience with a friend, this is a retreat to exhale deeply, stretch out in the winter sun, and return to the page.
Our private Balinese-inspired villa, nestled just outside Quinta do Lago, is filled with texture and soul — think marble and teak floors, airy proportions, carefully curated art, and wide open spaces to let your mind wander. The vibe? Quiet luxury, relaxed conversation, and the warmth of a southern European winter.
Each day unfolds slowly and sweetly. Wake to the scent of citrus and birdsong. Brew a coffee and find your nook — poolside, on a sun-drenched deck chair, or beneath the pergola in the garden, surrounded by cork and fruit trees. This is your time to read, rest, and simply be.
We have the entire house to ourselves, and it has five stylish double bedrooms each with an ensuite, and one dorm room with three beds. There's plenty of space to stretch out — whether you’re dipping into a book in the saltwater pool, sneaking away for a nap, or swapping favourite reads around the outdoor bar at sunset.
Afternoons might find you under the shaded pergola, wrapped in a blanket with a novel and a glass of wine. Or maybe you’ll feel up for a hit of table tennis, a game of pool in the basement bar, or even a try at the golf practice net.
At night, we share long, relaxed dinners — warm Portuguese flavours, simple comfort, and conversation that drifts from laughter to literature and back again.
Your retreat:
Rooms & Pricing
All bedrooms have their own bathroom.
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Private Double (Ensuite) – £1700 (solo stay)
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Shared Double (Ensuite) – £2300 (for two guests)
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Dorm Room (2 women max per room) – £1350 per person
Pricing includes accommodation, all meals and drinks, activities, and access to the villa’s facilities.
Location
The villa is around a 20-minute drive from Faro Airport, with free on-site parking if you’re hiring a car. We'll provide full arrival info and tips before the retreat — including how to get there, what to pack, and how to settle in.
What’s Included
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4 nights in a beautifully renovated Balinese-style villa
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All meals, drinks and wine
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Saltwater pool, games room, bar, and ample indoor/outdoor chill spaces
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Gentle walks or wanderings nearby
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Welcome drinks & farewell dinner
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A curated goody bag to take home
Everything is optional — nap instead of reading, swim instead of socialising. This retreat is designed around you.
What’s Not Included
✘ Travel to and from the retreat
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Transfers to/from the property
✘ Meals or drinks outside the retreat
Getting There
Our sun-drenched winter reading retreat is held at a peaceful private home in Almancil in Portugal’s beautiful Algarve region. Tucked between golden beaches, quiet countryside and historic villages, it’s the perfect escape for readers and dreamers alike.
Whether you’re arriving by plane, car or train, getting here is simple — and part of the joy.
By Air
Faro International Airport is just a 15-20 minute drive from the retreat. There are regular direct flights from London, Manchester, Edinburgh and other UK cities. Taxis are readily available at the airport, or we can help arrange a private transfer if preferred.
By Car
Driving in? The retreat is easily accessed via the A22 motorway. We’ll send you the exact address and full directions in your welcome pack. Parking is available on-site, and the journey is scenic — think olive groves, whitewashed villages and blue skies the whole way.
By Train
The nearest train station is Almancil. From the station, it’s around a 20-minute taxi ride to the retreat house.
Once you arrive, everything slows down. We’ll greet you with something warm (or cool) to sip, a smile, and all the time you need to settle in with your book.
Booking Info
A £500 deposit secures your place.
The remaining balance can be paid in instalments, with final payment due 30 days before the retreat begins.
Need a little flexibility? Just let us know — we’re here to help.
The Vibe
This retreat is all about slowing the pace. Whether you’re lost in a novel, re-reading an old favourite, or finally diving into that book that’s been waiting on your shelf — you’ll find time and space for it here.
It’s cosy, calm and delightfully unhurried. No pressure, no schedule — just books, warmth, and a gentle rhythm of rest.
