Antigua - A book-lover's paradise
One-to-one "bibliotheraphy" sessions on the beach and bedtime stories over a sunset cocktails are on the agenda for a new dedicated Reading Week being hosted at St James's Club, Antigua.
The Reading Week, which is a partnership between Kuoni, Penguin books and Elite Island Resorts, is designed to be a week of pure relaxation with fellow readers in a paradise setting to chat about favourite novels and help get people out of a reading rut.
It's taking place over five nights from 2 - 6 May 2011 and will be hosted by BBC Radio 4 playwright and founder of the "reader in residence" scheme Damian Barr. Damian hosts the Literary Salon at the exclusive Soho & Shoreditch House members clubs where authors ranging from Jenny Colgan to Louis de Bernieres read exclusive previews of their work before being interviewed live on stage.
He'll be supported by Ella Berthoud, a bibliotherapist who works with the School of Life—she'll be getting to know guests and their reading habits and finding new books for them to enjoy. Bestselling Penguin author Julia Llewellyn, who's books include The Love Trainer and Amy's Honeymoon will host dinner and sunset storytelling.
There are limited places for the Reading Week. It's an all-inclusive week and the literary program is in addition to the varied facilities on offer on at St James's Club, from tennis to mountain biking and spa treatments to sailing. The itinerary is relaxed with a programme of one-to-one bibliotherapy sessions, sunset stories and breakfast book banter. Guests can opt in or out as they like—there's no pressure and no pretentiousness.
Prices are from £1,665 per person for seven nights all-inclusive, staying in a royal suite, with return flights from Gatwick. Price includes a selection of recommended Penguin books, author hosted dinner, sunset storytelling events and one-to-one bibliotherapy sessions.
Book by 28 February to save up to £332 per couple.
To book contact Kuoni (kuoni.co.uk) and quote reference N16049.
St James's Club is part of the Elite Island Resort group, which has seven resorts throughout the Caribbean. For more details visit eliteislandresorts.co.uk. See also readingweekend.co.uk.
