Cozy Winter Reading Retreat
January 22-24, 2027 | New Buffalo, Michigan
A Weekend to Read, Rest, & Reconnect
A cozy weekend getaway for women who love ACOTAR, romantasy, and all things bookish. Come spend a few days getting caught up on ACOTAR 7 (releasing January 12!) or disappearing into whatever book you’re currently loving most.
Imagine sinking into a cozy nook with a blanket, a warm cup in hand, as the scent of old paper and jasmine wraps around you and the distant murmur of fellow readers becomes the softest kind of company.
This retreat is your permission slip to slow down, settle in, and step away from the everyday. With plenty of time to read, restorative activities, delicious food, and connection with other like-minded women, this is a weekend designed to help you rest, reconnect, and return to yourself.
What to Expect
This is a reading retreat, after all! Enjoy plenty of unstructured time to get lost in a book, swap a favorite read with another guest, browse a local bookstore, and connect with fellow readers along the way.
❋ Plenty of Bookish Activities
Make space for the things that make you feel like you again. Spend time chatting with other women, getting creative with optional craft activities, or simply enjoying a quiet moment to yourself.
❋ Time to Reconnect
There’s no packed schedule here. Sleep in, move your body with an energizing yoga class, relax in the onsite sauna, or spend an afternoon doing absolutely nothing—and enjoy every minute of it.
❋ Restorative Self-Care
You won’t have to think about what’s for dinner. All meals are included, from easy breakfasts and cozy meals throughout the weekend to a private chef dinner one evening and a fun night out the other.
❋ Delicious Food
Whether you’re a solo traveler, coming with friends, part of a book club, or hoping to meet fellow readers, this retreat offers space to read, relax, and recharge at your own pace.
Is This Retreat for You?
Best for women who:
Love ACOTAR, romantasy, and books.
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Always wanted a girls' reading getaway.
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Love a weekend where reading is actually the main event.
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Like slow mornings, cozy evenings, and meaningful conversations with other open-minded and supportive women.
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Would love a weekend away from home that you just have to show up to, with everything already planned.
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Want to leave restored and feeling like yourself again.
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Our Itinerary
(Subject to change)Late afternoon arrivals
Private chef dinner
Introductions and a white elephant-style book exchange
Day 1: Friday, January 22, 2027
Breakfast at our accommodations
Morning yoga class (optional)
Lunch at our accommodations
Afternoon outing to a local bookstore (optional)
Dinner out at PostBoy
Free time to read, relax, sauna, craft, or chat with others throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening
Day 2: Saturday, January 23, 2027
Breakfast at our accommodations
Free time to read, relax, sauna, craft, or chat with others
Late morning departures
Day 3: Sunday, January 24, 2027
What’s Included
3 days’, 2 nights’ accommodations
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All Meals - from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast, including a private chef dinner and a dinner out at a restaurant
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Snacks and beverages at our accommodations
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Yoga class (optional)
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Materials for crafts
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Use of onsite sauna and gym
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Welcome gift
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What’s Not Included
Flights/transportation to and from retreat
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Travel insurance (highly recommended)
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Accommodations
Where we are staying
We’ll be staying in two small homes at Petit Acres in New Buffalo, Michigan. Petit Acres is located just outside of downtown New Buffalo, yet nestled among mature oaks and open meadows, making it feel like you are immersed in a forest thanks to the nature that surrounds you.
Each home has a shared living space, full kitchen, WiFi, and all linens and towels provided. Petit Acres also has additional common spaces for use such as yurts and fire pits, as well as a gym and sauna. Onsite parking is also included.
King Bedroom with Private Bathroom
This room has a King bed with a private bathroom. Perfect for a solo traveler who wants privacy or 2 people traveling together.
Single - $1,995
Double - $1,350
King + Twin Bedroom with Shared Bathroom
This room has a King bed and a Twin bed, with a shared bathroom down the hall. Perfect for 2-3 people traveling together.
Single - $1,795
Double - $1,250
Triple - $1,050
Queen Bedroom with Shared Bathroom
This room has a Queen bed with a shared bathroom down the hall. Perfect for a solo traveler who wants privacy or 2 people traveling together.
Single - $1,650
Double - $1,050
Twin Bed in Shared Room with Shared Bathroom
This is a twin bed in a shared room with three twin beds and a bathroom to share with your roommates. Perfect for a solo traveler that doesn’t mind sharing a room with others or a group of 3 who wants to book the entire room.
Single - $1,050
Full Bed in Shared Room with Shared Bathroom
This is a full bed in shared room with 3 full beds and a bathroom to share with your roommates. Perfect for a solo traveler that doesn’t mind sharing a room with others or a group of 3 who wants to book the entire room.
Single - $1,250
Getting There
New Buffalo, Michigan is an easy drive from both Chicago and Grand Rapids, and either Chicago. Grand Rapids, or South Bend airports can be used if flying in.
If you are looking to rent a car or take the train from Chicago and need some help, feel free to schedule a discovery call with me or send me an email at laurel@northstarwayfarer.com to discuss further.
From Chicago, IL
Downtown
Driving - ~1.5 hours
Train - ~1.5 hours
O’Hare Airport - ~1.75 hour drive
Midway Airport - ~1.5 hour drive
From Grand Rapids, MI
Downtown - ~1.5 hour drive
Grand Rapids Airport - ~1.75 hour drive
From South Bend, IN
South Bend Airport - ~45 minute drive
Who I Am
Hi, I’m Laurel! I’m the founder of North Star Wayfarer, where I plan travel and retreats for others not only looking to visit a destination, but to really find themselves in their travels as well. I’ve gone on retreats that have changed the trajectory of my life and connected me back to myself and others—and I want to share that magic with others.
In addition to loving all things travel, I also obviously love reading, practicing yoga, amazing food, art, and nature, just to name a few things.
I created this retreat because I wanted to combine two things I love most: travel and books. I’ve always loved the feeling of discovering a new place, settling into a cozy space with a good book, and having the time and freedom to actually slow down and enjoy it.
And honestly? I think we could all use a little more of that.
This retreat was inspired by the idea of creating the kind of weekend that feels a little magical—a beautiful place, a stack of books, good food, cozy moments, and a group of women who are just as excited to talk about fictional characters (i.e. mostly Rhys) as they are to make new friends.
As a travel advisor, I spend my days helping other people plan meaningful trips, and hosting retreats is my way of creating those experiences for myself and for others. My goal isn't to pack your weekend with activities or give you a strict itinerary. It's to create the setting, take care of the details, and give you permission to slow down.
So come as you are. Bring the books you've been meaning to read, your comfiest clothes, and your enthusiasm for a little escapism.
I'll take care of the rest!
Frequently Asked Questions
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No! While this retreat was designed with the release of ACOTAR 7 in mind, you do NOT have to like romantasy or bring a romantasy book to read. Bring along whatever books you like best!
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We welcome women of all ages, as long as you are at least 21 years old.
Our retreats are built for women who love books, cozy weekends, and the idea of slowing down and connecting with others. You’ll find a mix of personalities, backgrounds, and reading tastes, but everyone is coming with an open mind and a kind, inclusive attitude.
There’s no pressure to be the most social person in the room, or to participate in everything. Whether you’re hoping to make new friends, enjoy some much-needed alone time, or a little bit of both, there’s a place for you here.
You can also review our code of conduct.
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While travel insurance is not required, it is highly recommended for this retreat. If you need a recommendation, I am partnered with Faye Travel Insurance (affiliate link). I recommend adding on “Cancel For Any Reason” insurance within 14 days of deposit if you think there may be a reason you need to cancel, otherwise, a general policy is sufficient.
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This retreat is non-refundable. We highly recommend travel insurance (affiliate link) if you think you may need to cancel.
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Yes! We require a $500 deposit on all room types with the final payment due on December 14th, 2026. If you require additional options for a payment plan, schedule a discovery call with me or email me at laurel@northstarwayfarer.com to discuss further.
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There is potentially an opportunity for additional room types if you aren’t seeing an option that works for you. Schedule a discovery call with me or send me an email at laurel@northstarwayfarer.com to discuss in more detail.
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Since our retreat takes place in January, winter weather is always a possibility! We’ll keep a close eye on the forecast and road conditions leading up to the retreat and communicate with guests if significant weather is expected.
Because everyone will be traveling from different places, each guest is ultimately responsible for deciding whether they can safely travel to and from the retreat. We encourage you to plan with some flexibility and allow extra travel time if winter weather is in the forecast.
Our priority is always your safety. If severe weather requires a change to the retreat plans, we’ll communicate with guests as soon as possible and work through next steps together.
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No problem! Let us know when you are booking your room and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
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Schedule a discovery call with me or send me an email at laurel@northstarwayfarer.com to discuss any further questions.
Ready to say yes to a restorative weekend?
Still unsure if this is for you?
Let’s chat! We can go over any questions you have over a 15-minute call.
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