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Engraving of five women in a panelled salon, one standing and reading aloud from a book while the others listen around a table

a two-night getaway for bookish women to share the joy of reading

Rõõm means joy in Estonian. This retreat is for you if you find joy in reading, or you used to but you lost it in the mess of daily life.

What you’ll get

Two nights, three days to read and connect with other book lovers. Endless cups of coffee, afternoon cake. All meals prepared for you on-site. Evening social time. A safe place to lock away your phone while you read.

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Lithograph of a woman sitting in long grass, reading, drawn in loose crayon strokes

Tentative itinerary

Friday

  • Arrive and settle in
  • Dinner
  • Book swap and trivia

Saturday

  • Breakfast
  • Reading time
  • Lunch
  • Reading time
  • Dinner
  • Sauna

Sunday

  • Breakfast
  • Goodbyes and check-out

Practical details

Dates
22-24 January 2027
Where
Altmõisa Guesthouse, Estonia

Food & Drink

The retreat includes all meals: two breakfasts, one lunch, and two dinners. Afternoon cake breaks will give you the energy you need to power through the final pages of your book.

Altmõisa aims to use at least 50% locally sourced ingredients, and its sustainability efforts have earned it Green Key certification.

Coffee and tea are available all day. Alcoholic drinks are not included in the retreat price, but they are available for purchase on-site, should you want a glass of wine with your dinner or a beer in the evening.

We are happy to accommodate any dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, etc.). Please let us know when you register.

What the price covers

Two nights of accommodation, two breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners built around local, seasonal ingredients, coffee and tea all day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and afternoon cake on Saturday and Sunday.

After-dinner activities, such as book trivia. One sauna evening. Optional daytime activities, such as guided stretching, journaling and audiobook walks. An upcycled tote bag holding a blind date with a book and other bookish goodies. And, most importantly, lots of time to read.

Rooms

Most rooms have two twin beds, meaning you’ll share a room with one other participant. If you sign up with a friend, let us know so we can ensure you're in the same room. We also have several single rooms available if you would prefer to room alone.

All rooms have an en-suite bathroom with a shower. Towels for the room and for the sauna are provided.

The Grounds

If you want a bit of fresh air or prefer to stroll while listening to your audiobook, Lagleranna Hiking Path will take you to the seaside and back in under an hour. You can also grab one of the guesthouse’s bikes to go for a spin on the quiet country roads.

Reserve your spot

22-24 Jan 2027 · Altmõisa Guesthouse, Estonia

Reserve your spot below. A deposit or the full amount is paid by bank transfer — we will send account details once you sign up.

Reserve your spot

Not ready to book yet?

Leave your email and we will send you one letter with the details of the retreat and the link to reserve, so you can decide in your own time.

No commitment, no deposit. Your address is used only for that one letter.

Oil sketch of a woman at a table, head resting on one hand, absorbed in an open book

What to bring

  • a good book (or three)
  • headphones for audiobooks
  • a swimsuit for the sauna
  • comfy clothes (feel free to stay in pajamas all day!)
  • knitting, sketchbook, journal

What not to bring

  • your laptop
  • your children
  • your husband
  • your boyfriend

FAQ

It is a reading retreat. But if you need a break from your book, you’re welcome to go for a walk or partake in another quiet activity.

Nope! In fact, we hope everyone is reading something different, so you have the chance to discover something new. We welcome all genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, non-fiction; you’re even welcome to bring magazines and newspapers!

Not formally, no. The primary focus of this retreat is to give you the time and space to lose yourself in a book. We don’t want you to have to worry about coming up with clever commentary for the group. Of course, we welcome bookish conversation over meals and in the evening.

Have books lying around that you don’t plan on reading? Do you need more space on your bookshelf? Bring a book or books that you’re willing to part with. You’ll get a ticket for each book you bring and can exchange that book for a new one.
Mari Liis and Hillary together in the evening, smiling at the camera

About us

Mari Liis & Hillary

Mari Liis (left) and Hillary (right) are the owners of Reading Rõõm. They will be there for the entire retreat. They are both moms and are fully prepared to give “the look” to anyone who gets noisy during reading time. Mari Liis is also a sociologist and Hillary is a writer. They will be available throughout the retreat to keep you fuelled with coffee and cake.

Your hosts at Altmõisa Guesthouse, Estonia

Reserve your spotOr get more info first