Is a Reading Retreat the Next Yoga Retreat?
In the past couple years, a new kind of retreat has been popping up and it doesn't feature a spa or yoga, nor is it a creative writing getaway. Nope, it's a reading retreat and there's only one rule here: The reading room must be silent at all times. You don't even have to BYOB (bring your own book).
People all around the world are turning to reading retreats as the next form of ultimate relaxation. Cressida Downing and Sara Noel started their own Reading Retreat in the United Kingdom and have had great success with book worms from all over the world. Visitors pay about $600 for a three-night stay in one of their cozy accommodations, including all meals, a published author at each stay and a tailored reading prescription although guests are allowed and encouraged to bring any book they'd like.
The Reading Retreat is not like reading at home or going on vacation and reading in your hotel room. As one guest told the BBC: "This is about giving myself permission to prioritize my reading. If I stayed home, I'd always be thinking that I should be doing other things â seeing friends, writing, cleaning, knitting."
A 2014 study conducted in the UK reported that 41% of 25-39-year-olds were reading for pleasure less than they used to, and that nearly a quarter of adults in the UK hadn't read one book for pleasure in the previous year. Experts suggest that people are distracted by screens in the digital age â but don't fret, phones are allowed at the Reading Retreat, although the founders do encourage a digital detox and offer to confiscate phones and tablets upon arrival.
At the retreat, readers are encouraged to dive into their books whenever and wherever they like â even at the dinner table.
"Reading is not a passive thing," Downing told the BBC. "Reading is about engaging and connecting. And reading, as scientists have discovered, does wonderful things for your brain and longevity and health so really, we're probably better for you than a spa."
H/T: BBC News
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership RewardsÂŽ points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership RewardsÂŽ points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | Earn 5X Membership RewardsÂŽ points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel Appâ˘. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership RewardsÂŽ points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel Appâ˘, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership RewardsŽ points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App⢠and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership RewardsÂŽ point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership RewardsÂŽ Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if youâre approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount â all with no credit score impact. If youâre approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership RewardsÂŽ points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership RewardsÂŽ points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 5X Membership RewardsÂŽ points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel Appâ˘.
- Earn 3X Membership RewardsÂŽ points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel Appâ˘, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership RewardsŽ points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App⢠and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership RewardsÂŽ point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay ItÂŽ lets you tap in the American ExpressÂŽ App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan ItÂŽ gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. Youâll know upfront exactly how much youâll pay.
- $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American ExpressÂŽ Gold Card. Thatâs up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American ExpressÂŽ Gold Card at U.S. Dunkinâ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five StarÂŽ Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide.§ *Eligible charges vary by property.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App⢠with added peace of mind â backed by American ExpressÂŽ service and support. Only for American ExpressÂŽ Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.