Zibby Retreats
Connecting through books in person. Join us!
"Book people are my people": Why your next vacation should be a book retreat
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Retreats are at the heart of what we do.
Personal. Authentic. Inspiring. Fun. Our retreats are held at beautiful boutique hotels around the country with multiple featured authors, delicious food, local bookstore visits, and time for fun. Book lovers of all types are welcome: avid readers, audiobook listeners, aspiring writers, published authors, librarians, journalists… and everything in between.
Required: book love.
Zibby Retreats are a Zibby Media initiative launched by Zibby Owens and led by Graça Tito.
Join us at our next retreat. We can’t wait to meet you.
Retreats are at the heart of what we do.
Personal. Authentic. Inspiring. Fun.Our retreats are held at beautiful boutique hotels around the country with multiple featured authors, delicious food, local bookstore visits, and time for fun. Book lovers of all types are welcome: avid readers, audiobook listeners, aspiring writers, published authors, librarians, journalists… and everything in between.
Required: book love.
Zibby Retreats are a Zibby Media initiative launched by Zibby Owens and led by Graça Tito.
Join us at our next retreat. We can’t wait to meet you.
Zibby's Asheville Retreat
April 12 - 14, 2024
HEY BOOK LOVERS!
You’re invited to our next literary adventure—a bookish weekend getaway in the enchanting city of Asheville, NC! Join us in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains as we celebrate the launch of Zibby’s debut novel Blank and seven other authors we adore.
- Zibby Owens - Blank
- Amy Lin - Here After
- Elle Evans -
Wedding Issues - Kristy Woodson Harvey - The Summer of Songbirds
- Kelly McMasters -
The Leaving Season - Angela Brown - Olivia Strauss is Running Out of Time
- Denise Kiernan - The Last Castle (An Asheville special!)
- Tommy Tomlinson - Dogland
Tickets include two nights at The Foundry Hotel and all meals and activities mentioned in the itinerary.
Coming with a bookish friend? You can share a room with two queen beds! Each person should purchase their own “Shared Room” ticket.
We will contact you to make sure we have the right friend pair.
Live in Asheville? Get the "Weekend Day Pass" to join in on all the fun without having to stay at the Foundry Hotel.
Join us in the Zibby-verse! We can’t wait to meet you!
- Julie Chavez - Everyone But Myself
- Donna Hemans - The House of Plain Truth
- Chandler Baker - Cutting Teeth
- Amanda Eyre Ward - Lovers and Liars (pre-order!)
- Dina Gachman - So Sorry For Your Loss
- Wendi Aarons - I'm Wearing Tunics Now
- Adrienne Bankert - Your Hidden Superpower
- Elizabeth Crook - The Madstone
- May Cobb - A Likeable Woman
- Zibby Owens - Blank (pre-order!)
Julie Chavez
Everyone But Myself
Donna Hemans
The House of Plain Truth
Chandler Baker
Cutting Teeth
Amanda Eyre Ward
Lovers and Liars (pre-order!)
Dina Gachman
So Sorry For Your Loss
Wendi Aarons
I'm Wearing Tunics Now
Adrienne Bankert
Your Hidden Superpower
Elizabeth Crook
The Madstone
May Cobb
A Likeable Woman
Zibby Owens
Blank (pre-order!)
Tickets include two nights at Hotel Ella and all meals and activities mentioned on the itinerary.
Coming with a friend? You can share a room with two beds. Each person should purchase their own ticket. We will contact you to make sure we have the right friend pair.
Join us! We can't wait to meet you.
Zibby's Petite Retreat: Chicago
May 20th - 21st , 2024
HEY BOOK LOVERS!
We couldn't be more excited to announce... an impromptu petite retreat in the windy city! Join us for a day of bookish fun, including a delicious welcome lunch, free reign of the American Writers Museum, fabulous panels, and a bookstore event to top it all off.
- Zibby Owens - Blank
- Swan Huntley - I Want You More
- Donna Hemans - The House of Plain Truth
- Christie Tate - Group and B.F.F.
- Lisa Barr - The Goddess of Warsaw
- Sonali Dev - The Vibrant Years
- Nancy Johnson - The Kindest Lie
- Jason B. Rosenthal - My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me
- Jeff Hoffman - Other People's Children
- Emma Noyes - Guy's Girl
- Alison Hammer - Little Pieces of Me
- Renée Rosen - Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl
- Logan Steiner - After Anne
- Stacy Igel - Embracing the Calm in the Chaos
- Ali Wenzke - The Art of Happy Moving
- Carol Orange - A Discerning Eye
- Clothilde Ewing - Stella
- Christina Hillsberg - License to Parent
Tickets include lunch at The Kitchen American Bistro and all other programming listed on the itinerary (including cocktails and light bites at the museum!).
Need a place to stay? We partnered with Soho House Chicago and secured an excellent rate for you! Please contact Katelyn Stowers (katelyn.stowers@sohohouse.com) to make your reservation. Don't forget to mention the Zibby Retreat!
Please read the cancelation policy carefully before purchasing your pass.
We hope to see you all there!
- Zibby Owens - Blank
- Swan Huntley - I Want You More
- Donna Hemans - The House of Plain Truth
- Christie Tate - Group and B.F.F.
- Lisa Barr - The Goddess of Warsaw
- Sonali Dev - The Vibrant Years
- Nancy Johnson - The Kindest Lie
- Jason B. Rosenthal - My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me
- Jeff Hoffman - Other People's Children
- Emma Noyes - Guy's Girl
- Alison Hammer - Little Pieces of Me
- Renée Rosen - Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl
- Logan Steiner - After Anne
- Stacy Igel - Embracing the Calm in the Chaos
- Ali Wenzke - The Art of Happy Moving
- Carol Orange - A Discerning Eye
- Clothilde Ewing - Stella
- Christina Hillsberg - License to Parent
- Zibby Owens - Blank
- Swan Huntley - I Want You More
- Donna Hemans - The House of Plain Truth
- Christie Tate - Group and B.F.F.
- Lisa Barr - The Goddess of Warsaw
- Sonali Dev - The Vibrant Years
- Nancy Johnson - The Kindest Lie
- Jason B. Rosenthal - My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me
- Jeff Hoffman - Other People's Children
- Emma Noyes - Guy's Girl
- Alison Hammer - Little Pieces of Me
- Renée Rosen - Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl
- Logan Steiner - After Anne
- Stacy Igel - Embracing the Calm in the Chaos
- Ali Wenzke - The Art of Happy Moving
- Carol Orange - A Discerning Eye
- Clothilde Ewing - Stella
- Christina Hillsberg - License to Parent
Zibby's Palm Springs Retreat
September 20th - 22nd, 2024
HEY BOOK LOVERS!
Pack your bags—we're going to Palm Springs! Join us for a weekend of literary bliss in the desert city as we celebrate books we adore (including four published by Zibby Books!).
- Zibby Owens - Blank
- Lara Love Hardin - The Many Lives of Mama Love
- Byron Lane - Big Gay Wedding
- Steven Rowley - The Celebrants
- Swan Huntley - I Want You More
- Joselyn Takacs - Pearce Oysters
- Mary Jones - The Goodbye Process
- Ava Dellaira - Exposure
Tickets include two nights at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel and all meals and activities mentioned on the itinerary.
Coming with a bookish best friend? You can share a room with two queen beds! Each person needs to purchase their own "Shared Room" ticket. We will contact you to confirm we have the right friend pair.
Need a ride to and from Los Angeles? A bus is available for an added fee. It will meet at Zibby's Bookshop in Santa Monica. Details to come!
Please read the cancelation policy carefully before purchasing your weekend pass.
We can't wait to meet you!
- Zibby Owens - Blank
- Lara Love Hardin - The Many Lives of Mama Love
- Byron Lane - Big Gay Wedding
- Steven Rowley - The Celebrants
- Swan Huntley - I Want You More
- Joselyn Takacs - Pearce Oysters
- Mary Jones - The Goodbye Process
- Ava Dellaira - Exposure
- Zibby Owens - Blank
- Lara Love Hardin - The Many Lives of Mama Love
- Byron Lane - Big Gay Wedding
- Steven Rowley - The Celebrants
- Swan Huntley - I Want You More
- Joselyn Takacs - Pearce Oysters
- Mary Jones - The Goodbye Process
- Ava Dellaira - Exposure
Past Retreats
Zibby's Austin Retreat
February 2nd to 4th | Austin, TX
A note from Julie Chavez:
"When Zibby, bearing the brunt of a brutal winter virus, asked me to step in and host the Austin retreat, I didn’t need time to consider before messaging back with a response: Of course. I didn’t hesitate because I’m fortunate to know that book people are the best people. But what surprised and delighted me during our weekend was the way each and every attendee brought their full self to the retreat.
We were present and were able to take a break from busy lives and careers and families to lavish some of our precious attention on ourselves. We strolled through bookstores and discussed our favorite titles, our TBR lists, and our dreams; we enjoyed meals and laughter and companionship. It was a celebration of connection, and the memories and joy fit easily into my suitcase to take home. (The books I bought were a different story, but I made those fit too.)"
Zibby's Miami Retreat
November 17th to 19th | Miami, FL
A note from Alisha Fernandez Miranda:
"I never need an excuse to go to Miami (especially in the winter), but the Zibby Retreat weekend exceeded even my (high, sunshine-deprived) expectations. Two days and nights focused on our shared love for books, creating community, and celebrating the 40th anniversary of the legendary Miami Book Fair left me with a full heart, satisfied belly, and even, dare I say, a light tan.
The Zibbyverse, as I fondly refer to it, is full of fascinating people from all corners of the country (and world—our retreat featured visitors from Europe and Down Under) who are united in our desire to create deep connections around the joy of reading. This weekend, we were all VIPs. We did rooftop yoga and bonded over candlelit dinners, walked along the beach with our flip-flops in hand, and sashayed passed the velvet ropes to our private suite at the Book Fair and the author’s party at the Standard Hotel that followed (despite the many custom cocktails, I still didn’t have the guts to say hi to writer celebs like Dave Barry). Sunday rolled around way too quickly, but we all departed back into the sunshine with the same question: when can we come back?"
Zibby's Miami Retreat
November 17th to 19th | Miami, FL
A note from Alisha Fernandez Miranda:
"I never need an excuse to go to Miami (especially in the winter), but the Zibby Retreat weekend exceeded even my (high, sunshine-deprived) expectations. Two days and nights focused on our shared love for books, creating community, and celebrating the 40th anniversary of the legendary Miami Book Fair left me with a full heart, satisfied belly, and even, dare I say, a light tan.
The Zibbyverse, as I fondly refer to it, is full of fascinating people from all corners of the country (and world—our retreat featured visitors from Europe and Down Under) who are united in our desire to create deep connections around the joy of reading. This weekend, we were all VIPs. We did rooftop yoga and bonded over candlelit dinners, walked along the beach with our flip-flops in hand, and sashayed passed the velvet ropes to our private suite at the Book Fair and the author’s party at the Standard Hotel that followed (despite the many custom cocktails, I still didn’t have the guts to say hi to writer celebs like Dave Barry). Sunday rolled around way too quickly, but we all departed back into the sunshine with the same question: when can we come back?"
Zibby's Wine Country Retreat
September 22 - 24 | Solvang, CA
An excerpt from the LA Times article by Deborah Vankin:
"The bus ride to the Danish village of Solvang, where we’ll be staying, is an animated, IRL version of Owens’ motto — “Stories are best when shared” — which appears on the tote bags full of snacks that she’s given us for the trip. The roar of conversation on the bus is near-deafening and constant. Most of these women — who have traveled from the Midwest and the East Coast, with several from the L.A. area and one
from Japan — have just met and they launch into intimate story sharing, a merry if passionate sound that forms the cacophonous backdrop of the next three days. Some of the travelers have books cracked open on their laps, and they flip through pages or pass the book to their seatmate."Click here to read the rest of the article!"
Zibby's Wine Country Retreat
September 22 - 24 | Solvang, CA
An excerpt from the LA Times article by Deborah Vankin:
"The bus ride to the Danish village of Solvang, where we’ll be staying, is an animated, IRL version of Owens’ motto — “Stories are best when shared” — which appears on the tote bags full of snacks that she’s given us for the trip. The roar of conversation on the bus is near-deafening and constant. Most of these women — who have traveled from the Midwest and the East Coast, with several from the L.A. area and one from Japan — have just met and they launch into intimate story sharing, a merry if passionate sound that forms the cacophonous backdrop of the next three days. Some of the travelers have books cracked open on their laps, and they flip through pages or pass the book to their seatmate."
Click here to read the rest of the article!
Zibby’s Charleston Retreat
April 28th to 30th | Charleston, SC
A note from Zibby Owens:
"It wasn’t just the setting. When I thought about hosting a retreat in Charleston, I knew people would go nuts over the quaint, historic, food-centric, congenial town. I could envision groups of women gossiping and giggling along the waterfront, walking through the market, and grabbing ice cream at Jeni’s. What I couldn’t have known was just how cohesive a group it would be.
Readers from far and wide descended on the Emeline Hotel, bringing stories of loss, love, reinvention, creativity, and connection. They came from Little Rock, Minneapolis, Knoxville, Dallas, Atlanta, and beyond. They brought manuscripts and ideas, favorite books and fellowship. The women (and one man!) shared and laughed, discussed writing craft and swapped favorite books. And when we all spent time together in a bookstore, Buxton Books, it was like bringing Rolling Stones fans into the green room. These were, quite simply, fans of books and reading, all congregating to commiserate and create. And we all can’t wait to do it again."
Zibby’s Charleston Retreat
April 28th to 30th | Charleston, SC
A note from Zibby Owens:
It wasn’t just the setting. When I thought about hosting a retreat in Charleston, I knew people would go nuts over the quaint, historic, food-centric, congenial town. I could envision groups of women gossiping and giggling along the waterfront, walking through the market, and grabbing ice cream at Jeni’s. What I couldn’t have known was just how cohesive a group it would be.
Readers from far and wide descended on the Emeline Hotel, bringing stories of loss, love, reinvention, creativity, and connection. They came from Little Rock, Minneapolis, Knoxville, Dallas, Atlanta, and beyond. They brought manuscripts and ideas, favorite books and fellowship. The women (and one man!) shared and laughed, discussed writing craft and swapped favorite books. And when we all spent time together in a bookstore, Buxton Books, it was like bringing Rolling Stones fans into the green room. These were, quite simply, fans of books and reading, all congregating to commiserate and create. And we all can’t wait to do it again.
Zibby’s Fierce Women Retreat
March 10th to 12th | Hampton Bays, NY
A note from Graça Tito:
"The inaugural Zibby Retreat was pure magic. Women from all walks of life gathered at the gorgeous Canoe Place Inn to celebrate books and the fierce women who wrote them. On the first night, we sat around the fireplace and defined what it means to be a fierce woman—brave, ambitious, kind—and knew immediately that we were surrounded by them. We shared stories (while sipping on the spicy, book-themed “Fierce Cocktail”) and felt inspired and uplifted.
The rest of the weekend was an absolute blast—we laughed through Ann Garvin’s plot workshop, ate delicious brick-oven pizzas and flaky croissants, stretched to Tara Stiles’ soothing yoga voice, and bonded over our shared love of books. Tracy Chapman’s “Startin’ a Revolution” played behind it all. The perfect soundtrack for what happened that weekend. Put 100 women in a room together… and well, we’ll see what happens!"
Zibby’s Fierce Women Retreat
March 10th to 12th | Hampton Bays, NY
A note from Graça Tito:
The inaugural Zibby Retreat was pure magic. Women from all walks of life gathered at the gorgeous Canoe Place Inn to celebrate books and the fierce women who wrote them. On the first night, we sat around the fireplace and defined what it means to be a fierce woman—brave, ambitious, kind—and knew immediately that we were surrounded by them. We shared stories (while sipping on the spicy, book-themed “Fierce Cocktail”) and felt inspired and uplifted. The rest of the weekend was an absolute blast—we laughed through Ann Garvin’s plot workshop, ate delicious brick-oven pizzas and flaky croissants, stretched to Tara Stiles’ soothing yoga voice, and bonded over our shared love of books. Tracy Chapman’s “Startin’ a Revolution” played behind it all. The perfect soundtrack for what happened that weekend. Put 100 women in a room together… and well, we’ll see what happens!
Head of Retreats: Graça Tito
Contact: graca.tito@zibbybooks.com
Testimonials
“This may have been the most fun I've had in many years! The intelligence, creativity, and interesting conversations from the other participants was truly inspiring!”—Ellen Y.
“If you love books and are looking for a fun way to connect with other readers, recharge, and get inspired—look no further than this literary retreat that is one of its kind.”—Christy M.
“Zibby and her team curated the perfect weekend. My many new friends and I are still buzzing about it over a week later. I can’t wait until the next one. 10/10!”—Swampy H.
“My expectations were blown out of the water; the entire weekend was planned and executed perfectly. Zibby, who is so kind, warm, and down to earth has created a remarkable Retreat Team that is attentive to every guest's need. The Zibby Retreat offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will find nowhere else—I left radiating! I was in a total life slump and came back alive and ready to tackle the world.”—Sarah G.
“Being with other writers and authors feeds my soul. There’s an immediate connection when writers meet each other. We understand one another in a way others might not.”—Dara K.
“I left this retreat feeling reinvigorated and buzzing with inspiration from all of the connection and community with kindred spirits!”—Meagan G. S.
“Zibby Retreats allow you to be transported to a book lovers respite. You will undoubtedly come away feeling more connected to others and yourself. ”—Debbie R.
“If you have the chance to attend a Zibby Retreat—go! I loved the weekend full of author talks, incredible food, and rooms full of wonderful people who revel in books and writing and reading. Zibby brings together the most creative and inspiring community from across the country. Not to be missed!”—Kristen N.
“Zibby Retreats really are retreats. You have the chance to slow down, enjoy a beautiful city, and spend time with people who love books as much as you do. I'm already looking forward to the next retreat.”—Marney M.
“The people! My goodness, I didn’t expect to meet such awesome people.”—Kristen J.
“An insightful, gracious group! Rarely am I in the company of so many readers who have read and enjoyed the same books.”—Lisa R.
“Travel, books, good food, and new reading friends. What more could I ask for?”—Tina F.
Zibby’s Wine Country Retreat
September 22nd - 24th
JOIN US for an unforgettable bookish weekend in Solvang, CA!
Join 6 iconic writers for 3 days of author chats, book signings, delicious meals, wine tastings, cocktail parties, yoga classes, walking tours, bookstore visits, writing workshops, and more!
- Michelle Wildgen - Wine People
- Patty Lin - End Credits
- Silvia Vasquez-Lavado - In the Shadow of the Mountain
- Eirinie Carson - The Dead are GodsCin Fabré - Wolf Hustle
- Zibby Owens - Bookends
Tickets include two nights at the Landsby Hotel, all meals, and all activities.
We will meet at Zibby's Bookshop (1113 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403) on Friday morning. Buses will take us to Solvang and back! Alternatively, you can meet us at The Landsby.
JOIN US! We can’t wait to meet you.
JOIN US for an unforgettable bookish weekend in Solvang, CA!
Join 6 iconic writers for 3 days of author chats, book signings, delicious meals, wine tastings, cocktail parties, yoga classes, walking tours, bookstore visits, writing workshops, and more!
- Michelle Wildgen - Wine People
- Patty Lin - End Credits
- Silvia Vasquez-Lavado - In the Shadow of the Mountain
- Eirinie Carson - The Dead are GodsCin Fabré - Wolf Hustle
- Zibby Owens - Bookends
Tickets include two nights at the Landsby Hotel, all meals, and all activities.
We will meet at Zibby's Bookshop (1113 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403) on Friday morning. Buses will take us to Solvang and back! Alternatively, you can meet us at The Landsby.
JOIN US! We can’t wait to meet you.
Photo Gallery
We can't wait to meet you at our next retreat!
Head of Retreats: Graça Tito
Contact: graca.tito@zibbybooks.com
