Casa Rosa Reading Holiday

Imagine a peaceful escape to the beautiful Casa Rosa Hotel in Portugal, where book lovers gather for a relaxing Reading Retreat. The days are filled with quiet moments spent immersed in your favourite novels, surrounded by fellow literary enthusiasts who share the same passion for books. The stunning setting encourages you to close yourself off from the world and simply enjoy reading.

One day we will take the short ferry ride to the beautiful nearby Island of Armona, to enjoy the beaches, explore the Islands, read and have lunch.

In the evenings, we will come together over dinner to discuss books and socialise. We will have a Book Club meeting for the Irish modern classic, “Small Things Like These” by Claire Keegan, and on another evening, we will discuss “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens. As well as the Book Club themed meals, we will also have an evening of “A book I love”, where everyone can share a favourite book with the group, sparking lively conversations and sharing unique perspectives.

The rest of the time is yours to enjoy — explore the serene surroundings, have meaningful discussions with others, or curl up in a cosy corner, by the pool or on the beach with your next great read. Casa Rosa offers the perfect blend of tranquillity and companionship, making it an ideal destination for book lovers seeking relaxation and inspiration.

Books in Places creates exceptional trips and reading retreats for book lovers, providing a chance to connect with fellow readers and travellers who share your passions. Most attendees are solo travellers, and solo occupancy is the standard. However, twin rooms are available for those who prefer to share the experience with someone else.

Your trip organiser is Paul Wright, or one of his experienced team – With over six years of experience running large book clubs in Bristol and Exeter, Paul has cultivated a deep understanding of what makes a great gathering. Since 2023, he has organised Books in Places trips, blending his love of literature and travel. The focus for the trip is on creating relaxed and sociable experiences where like-minded people can connect over books they love. 

Casa Rosa Boutique Hotel offers 10 smart rooms, and welcomed its first guests in March 2022. The property was fully refurbished over the last 3 years and has been finished to a high standard. The hotel looks traditional from the outside: pink plaster walls, classical details. Inside, it offers relaxed coastal living using natural materials with a contemporary twist. Exclusive to Friendship Travel.

At ground level there is an open-plan living/dining room which opens onto a tiled courtyard with plunge pool and sociable seating. Upstairs  (via a staircase – no lift), is a beautifully-furnished roof terrace – a real suntrap! Wherever you are in Casa Rosa, you should be able to pick up the free WiFi.

We include a buffet breakfast spread each morning, 2 lunches and 3 dinners with wine per week. We run an honesty bar during the day, with a wider drinks range served in the evening, from cocktails to a wine list. There is plenty of choice nearby for nights out, at own expense.

Please note – A new local tourism tax has been introduced by the government in Olhao since June 2023. All guests must pay locally to the hotel €2 per night up to a maximum of 5 nights. This is not included in your holiday costs.

All 10 rooms are of a slightly different size and are simple but stylish, with retro 1960s colour schemes and cool tones. Each is furnished with a comfortable king-sized bed, bedside tables, chair and desk/dressing table, hair dryer plus a walk-in shower (pool/beach towels provided). Air-con is included. Some rooms have a town view; others look on to the roof terrace or courtyard.

Prices are based on standard ground floor room (rooms 3 and 5), upgrades are available to a ground floor executive room at £15 extra per night, ground floor standard room with shared terrace at extra £15 per night, 1st floor standard rooms at £20 extra per night and deluxe suite at £25 extra per night.