The Preface
You wake up to the ocean, not an alarm.
Your coffee (or tea) is hot. That book is waiting. And for once, there's nowhere you need to be.
You read, rest, wander, connect. Or spend the entire weekend tucked away with a book. It's yours to spend however you want.
And if the thought of having no schedule feels a little uncomfortable, I get it. We're so used to having somewhere to be, something to do, someone who needs us.
We've been to enough corporate retreats. The packed agendas, the scheduled activities, the feeling that even our downtime needs a plan.
I didn't create this to be another one of those.
No pressure. No itinerary. Just books, the ocean, and the freedom to spend your time however you need.
I created this retreat because I need this kind of space, too.
Maybe you do, too.
Your Invitation
Registration for 2027 dates opens soon!
A Reading Retreat at the Jade Resort on Quadra Island, BC
Dates to be released soon!
$975 (taxes included) CAD
For the ones who keep saying, “I just need a few days to myself.”
Okay, but when was the last time you actually took them?
And I know. The idea of a weekend with no itinerary, no agenda, and nobody telling you what's next might feel a little uncomfortable.
We're so used to scheduling our downtime that we've forgotten how to have it.
This isn't a corporate retreat. Nobody's handing you a name tag or making you participate in an icebreaker.
And yes, I'm organizing this whole thing. But I'm also here because I need it, too. Maybe you'll see me with a book and a coffee. Maybe I'll be off doing my own thing.
It's three days by the ocean to read, rest, wander, and connect if you feel like it. Good food, quiet mornings, and uninterrupted time to do whatever you want.
Yes, whatever you want. Even if that's reading in bed until dinner.
Your time. Your books. Your weekend. No permission slip required.
A message I received from a guest who attended the very first one
If you’re someone who likes to have a little idea of what to expect, here’s what our time together might look like.
Setting the Scene
Your Experience Includes:
3 (not full) days (arrive Friday late afternoon, check out Sunday morning) and 2 nights' private oceanfront accommodation Jade Resort on Quadra Island.
Two dinners catered by Tara Taylor, Quadra Roots. (*menu to be shared once finalized)
Tea & Coffee available in each accommodation
A welcome gift
No itinerary or agenda to follow.
Book chat inspired discussions (optional)
Cozy communal space with fireside reading
Pop-up book fair (take or swap)
Access to kayaks + outdoor games (weather permitting)
Peaceful surroundings to relax and recharge
*Please connect with me prior to booking if you have accessibility restrictions.
Not included:
Transportation to and from Quadra Island. Transportation info provided on booking. *Transportation from Campbell River/Quadra Island Ferry Terminal can be arranged.
2027 dates to be released soon!
Total Price: $975 CAD
Deposit of $200 is required to secure your spot. I will be in touch with you to collect your remaining balance, due no later than February 12 2027.
Private Chalet/Suites- First come first served. Rooms will be assigned based on accessibility and availability.
Terms and Conditions may be read here.
The Foreword
A note from me to you.
I've wanted to go to a reading retreat for years. And every time I got close to booking one, something felt off. Too structured. Too social. Too many planned activities. Not enough of what I actually wanted.
Which was pretty simple: a few days somewhere beautiful, with a book in my hands, nowhere I needed to be, and the occasional conversation with someone who just gets it.
So I decided to create the retreat I'd always wanted to attend. And I'm inviting you to come with me.
Think of it as an exclusive book club, minus the meetings. This is for the ‘I wish I had more time to read’ people.
There are no set times to be anywhere or activities you need to plan your day around. Beyond the practicalities of meals and check-in, your time is yours. Sleep in. Take the long way back from a walk. Read one chapter or twenty. Let your coffee get cold because you got lost in your book.
Read on the deck. Take a kayak out. Sleep in. Sit by the fire with someone new. Stay in your chalet and don't speak to anyone until Sunday. I'm not here to tell you what a good retreat should look like.
This is your time. You get to decide what you do with it.
I also know that having nothing planned can feel a little strange when you're used to always having somewhere to be. You don't need to arrive knowing how to slow down. You just need to give yourself the space to try.
If this sounds like the kind of weekend you've been wishing existed, I'd love to have you.
With gratitude,
Michelle
“The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”
Between the Lines (FAQ’s)
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The $975 rate is per person and includes your own private chalet for the weekend, two catered dinners, a thoughtfully curated welcome gift, and time to enjoy the retreat at your own pace.
Want to share a chalet with your bestie, sister, or mom? Shared accommodation is available at a reduced rate for the second guest. Just reach out before booking, and I’ll share the details.
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We have 10 available chalets available. Max. 2 people in each.
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The kitchen is stocked with cutlery and cooking essentials but not with groceries. Bring what you absolutely need or let me know ahead of time if there’s something specific you need or want. (a favourite snack, type of creamer etc)
Also keep in mind, only the dinners are included. You will be on your own for other meals.
To learn more about whats included in your chalet/suite, visit https://www.jaderesort.ca/
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Yes of course. Please let me know ahead of time.
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Nope! When you arrive, you’ll find a one-page letter of the weekend in your space that’ll outline times of certain things but no schedule to follow.
Everything is entirely yours, theres no mandatory social gatherings, forced introductions, come as you are and do what you need.
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It’s a bit unpredictable and I can keep you more updated closer to the date, however I would plan for Fall attire. Think cozy sweaters, loose sweat pants, socks.
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If you need to cancel your booking, the following schedule applies. All cancellations must be submitted in writing to the retreat organizer.
Cancellation timeline:
More than 120 days before October 16, 2026: 100% of payment refunded, excluding the non-refundable $200 deposit.
61–119 days before October 16, 2026: 50% of payment refunded, excluding the non-refundable $200 deposit.
60 days or fewer before October 16, 2026: No refund. The full payment is forfeited.
No-show or failure to attend for any reason: No refund.
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However you choose to approach it is up to you. This retreat was created for the sole purpose of giving you what you need to fill your own cup. There’s no rules, judgements or requirements. I am not here to tell you how to enjoy or spend your weekend. There is plenty of opportunity to be alone or make a new connection.
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I love that for you!
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A $200 non-refundable deposit is required within 10 days to secure your accommodations.
The additional $775 is due by August 7, 2026.
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It is first come first serve so if there is a certain type you would like, feel free to ask what is available and I’ll be happy to accommodate as best as I can.
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This wasn’t supplied in the first retreat but I’ve decided to share the menus as soon as I have them to make everyone aware. Its catered by a Quadra Island local business and the menu is inspired by a survey completed by you, what is in season/available, budget and what the caterer recommends.
These dinners are come and go as you wish. They have a set time when you can expect the food to be ready and thats it! Grab and go, or stay and enjoy!
Questions About the Retreat?
Feel free to send me an email and let’s see how we can create your best experience!
Michelle
create@michellegallant.ca
