A romantic reading nook overlooking a flower-filled country estate
Destination retreats for book lovers

Once Upon a Weekend

Your next favorite story starts here.

Beautiful places, unforgettable bookish experiences, and the kind of friendships that deserve their own epilogue.

Inclusive packages Named-room booking Secure Stripe checkout
Made for readersImmersive, not ordinary
Your stay, your wayPrivate and shared rooms
Come as you areLeave with a community
H

Meet the person behind the weekends

Haley Croft

@morallygreymomreads

Dark romance devotee and coffee fiend. I am passionate about morally grey MMC's, talking tropes and turning mutual book obsessions into lasting friendships.

More than a getaway

A whole weekend written around readers.

Every Once Upon a Weekend retreat has its own destination, lodging, activities, meals, and little surprises. The retreat page tells you exactly what your package includes before you reserve.

Curated experiences A built-in reader community Travel details managed in one place
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Think less conference, more transportive weekend with the people who understand why fictional characters feel like family.

Chapter one

Find your people

Who our retreats are for

  • -Romance readers ready to swap online Bookstagram chats for real-world connection
  • -Anyone needing dedicated, guilt-free hours purely to sit, relax, and chip away at a TBR.
  • -Women craving a supportive, welcoming atmosphere with zero judgment around reading tastes.
  • -Readers who get genuinely excited dissecting beloved tropes, twists, and shadow daddies.
  • -Fans of relaxed group bonding like lawn yoga, pizza pajama parties, and rom-com movie nights.
  • -Book lovers who embrace the "never yuck someone else’s yum" reading philosophy.
  • -Readers wanting a balanced weekend of curated activities and generous free time.
  • -Women looking to step away from daily routines, work deadlines, and household duties.
  • -Bookish creators or casual readers who simply want to talk about books in a safe space.
  • -Readers who rate books with their heart and love celebrating 5-star feelings.
  • -Anyone who packs multiple books for a four-day trip "just in case."
  • -Readers who love unwinding in comfy loungewear alongside friends who get it.
  • -Readers excited to make memories that carry far beyond the retreat weekend.
  • -Anyone looking for a safe, inclusive escape designed by readers, for readers.

Who our retreats are not for

  • -People who judge or shame others for their romance subgenres, tropes, or spice levels.
  • -Anyone expecting a high-energy, late-night party crawl or nightclub weekend.
  • -People uncomfortable sharing spaces, common rooms, or estate amenities with other women.
  • -Anyone who creates drama, cliquey behavior, or unwelcoming social dynamics.
  • -Travelers looking for a rigid, silent-only retreat with no group conversation or socializing.
  • -Anyone who looks down on commercial fiction, romance novels, or Bookstagram culture.
  • -People who demand strict, minute-by-minute schedules without flexibility for organic fun.
  • -Travelers seeking a completely solitary getaway with zero interest in meeting other guests.
  • -People uncomfortable in a woman-centered, community-first retreat atmosphere.
  • -Guests who refuse to respect dietary, personal, or sensory boundaries of fellow attendees.
  • - Anyone who complains about spending multiple consecutive hours reading in silence.
  • -Travelers unwilling to follow estate house rules, property guidelines, or checkout times.
  • -People who bring negativity, gatekeeping, or competitive attitudes into creative spaces.

There’s more to the story

Get first look at the next chapter

New retreats and future dates go to this list first.

Joining the list does not reserve a room. Privacy policy

Simple from first look to check-in

Choose the chapter that fits you.

01

Find your retreat

Review the destination, dates, itinerary, inclusions, and every available room package.

02

Reserve your spot

Choose a named private or shared room, complete your profile, and pay securely.

03

Plan your arrival

Add flights or driving details later so the retreat team can coordinate transportation.

The story is just beginning

Pack the books. We’ll plan the weekend.