July 23-25, 2027
Excelsior Springs, MO
Our 9th reading retreat is so special- not only is it our first summer retreat, but it will also have a spooky twist!
We'll be staying at The Elms Hotel in Excelsior Springs, Missouri which has a bit of a 'haunted' past while also being known for its relaxing,
spa experience.
Whether you’re a die-hard spooky fan or just a reader who loves a little extra atmosphere, this is the perfect midsummer escape to unplug, recharge, and lose yourself in a great book.
Sarah R.
What i loved most about book·cation was the atmosphere. i was surrounded by kind, generous people who enjoy a good book and conversation, just like me. i spent the weekend not just enjoying lots of uninterrupted quality reading time, but actually feeling like i had walked into my favorite book.
what do we have planned?
LET ME TELL YOU!
- Check-in begins at 4:00pm
- Welcome hors d’oeuvres reception to mix, mingle, and meet your fellow book lovers followed by a guided ghost tour of the haunted halls of The Elms
- A gift card to explore the resort at your own pace Friday morning
- An immersive sound bath experience to restore, reset, and ease into the retreat before everything kicks off Friday night
NEW OPTION
Arrive Early!
Here's how a Book·cation weekend actually works: the itinerary below covers our curated group moments- the dinners, the bookstore pop-up, the author chat. But everything in between? That time is completely and intentionally yours. Find a cozy chair by the fire, claim a spot on the patio, and just read. No agenda, no obligations. The whole point is giving you the beautiful space and the permission to do it.
Friday, July 23
- Check in at 4:00pm (for those not arriving early)
- Explore the resort and scope out cozy spots to read throughout the weekend.
- Doors open for dinner at 6:30 with a welcome toast at 7pm. You’ll receive all your swag when you walk in and there will also be time to take photos, enter the local author giveaway, and chat!
- At both dinners, all dietary needs can be accommodated.
Saturday, July 24
- Breakfast and lunch will be on your own, but you'll get vouchers to use towards meals throughout the resort so you can choose where and what you'd like to eat.
- After breakfast, come to our event room for an exclusive pop-up book fair with mobile bookstore Novel Adventure KC!
- Book Club will happen in the afternoon (optional)
- Doors open for dinner at 6:30pm
- After dinner we'll do our Blind Book Exchange
- Everyone will be seated by favorite genre so you can sit with your fellow genre lovers!
- We're hoping to welcome a local, Missouri author so book information coming soon!
- Breakfast and lunch will be on your own, but you'll get vouchers to use towards meals throughout the resort so you can choose where and what you'd like to eat.
- After breakfast, come to our event room for an exclusive pop-up book fair with mobile bookstore Novel Adventure KC!
- Book Club in the afternoon (optional)
- Doors open for dinner at 6:30pm
- After dinner we'll do our Blind Book Exchange
- Everyone will be seated by favorite genre so you can sit with your fellow genre lovers!
- We're hoping to welcome a local, Missouri author so book information coming soon!
Sunday, July 25
- Check out is at 11am, but please feel free to join me at 8:30am at the Three Owls restaurant for breakfast. This isn’t a formal meal, but a last chance for those who’d like to join to chat a bit more before we all head out back to reality.
BREAKING
DOWN
COST
BREAKING
DOWN
COST
We’re committed to making this retreat both affordable and luxurious — a well-earned, guilt-free splurge for all book lovers. At just $650 + lodging, it’s a true resort escape without the five-star price tag.
We also reward readers who commit early!
Booking early helps us plan and secure everything that makes the retreat special, so we pass those savings along to you. Once Early Bird closes, the retreat moves to its standard rate and then final rate.
$575
Early Bird
$600
Standard
$650
Final Rate
Early Bird Registration saves you $75 and will be open for ONE WEEK starting on January 11, 2027.
Use code 'EARLYBIRD'
The Standard Rate is a savings of $50 and will run January 12 - May 15 2027.
Use code 'STILLASTEAL'
The Final Rate is full price and will be in effect May 16-31, 2027.
LODGING INFORMATION
Lodging is booked separately of registration. Once you've registered, you'll get an email from me with a link to book your room at a special, discounted rate.
Lodging is booked separately of registration. Once you've registered, you'll get an email from me with a link to book your room at a special, discounted rate.
EXTRA DAY ADD-ON
$175
- Welcome hors d’oeuvres reception to mix, mingle, and meet your fellow book lovers followed by a guided ghost tour of the haunted halls of The Elms
- A gift card to explore the resort at your own pace Friday morning
- An immersive sound bath experience to restore, reset, and ease into the retreat
The ‘Arrive Early’ experience is an optional add-on open to all attendees. Participation in activities is always optional — the extended stay is simply offered as one bundled experience with a single add-on fee.
Add-On Day
A quick note about pricing...
Unlike many all-inclusive retreats with one large upfront fee, Book·cation separates lodging so you can tailor the stay to your comfort level and budget. Most attendees find their full weekend investment, including lodging, typically falls around $950–$1,250, depending on location and room selection. Many choose to add an extra night and day which is a popular add-on that extends the experience to a full long weekend, typically bringing the total to $1,400–$1,700.
Want to keep cost down?
Invite friends along! Even though everyone would need to register individually, splitting the cost of the hotel can help bring down costs to keep the retreat even more budget friendly.
A standard king room will be $283/night (includes tax + resort fees)
A double queen room will be $307/night (includes tax + resort fees)