Inside Our First-Ever Silent Book Club Reading Retreat in Costa Rica
DAY 1 — Arrivals, Happy Hour, First Dinner
From the moment guests began arriving at the beautiful Hacienda Guachipélin in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, the energy was easy, warm, and ready to unwind. With only a short window to be together, everyone seemed intent on settling in and savoring the weekend from the very first hello. As people trickled in throughout happy hour, conversations sparked effortlessly. The happy hour welcome crew stayed busy greeting new faces and making instant connections.
One of the biggest surprises was that several attendees were brand new to Silent Book Club, experiencing the community for the first time in Costa Rica. Not a bad way to start their SBC journey!
Happy hour quickly shifted from introductions to lively conversation. Our group included doctors, dentists, teachers, tech folks, law students, athletes, and more. From the start, the mix was well-balanced, creating some amazing foundational vibes for the trip. By dinner, it was clear that this retreat was going to be something special.
DAY 2 — First-Ever SBC Reading Retreat Meetup in Costa Rica!
The first official reading session took place on a yoga deck overlooking Rincón de la Vieja volcano, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest. It was exactly the kind of setting you imagine when you picture a reading retreat in Costa Rica. If the itinerary hadn’t nudged us along, the group could have stayed there for hours, completely content with books, silence, and the company of fellow readers.
Hosting Silent Book Club in a place so connected to nature felt effortless. The setting did the heavy lifting. For some attendees, this was their first time experiencing a silent reading meetup, and their reactions were priceless — a mix of surprise and delight that something so simple could feel so fulfilling.
DAY 2 — Hot Springs + Simbiosis Spa
The journey to the hot springs was its own adventure, winding through the rainforest and across a suspension bridges. Once there, the group found a series of natural pools with varying temperatures and a river running directly through them. Cold plunges, natural hot springs, and volcanic mud baths made for the perfect reset.
Smaller groups formed to smooth throughout the day smoothly, creating space for deeper conversations and shared stories. Surrounded by nature, everyone seemed to settle into a slower rhythm, connecting over books, life experiences, and the joy of finding community far from home.
The spa itself was a standout moment — natural juice served upon arrival, the river rushing nearby, views that felt straight out of a dream, and even a monkey visit during a massage! A collective exhale and everything we needed.
DAY 3 — Horseback Riding
The next morning brought a mix of excitement and nerves as the group prepared for horseback riding. Whether seasoned riders or total beginners, everyone took to the trail with curiosity and a sense of adventure. The 45-minute ride carried the group through the rainforest, along the mountainside, and through open fields. It was a chance to see the landscape up close and connect with the horses’ very distinct personalities (including their frequent snack breaks).
DAY 3 — Oropendola Waterfall
The Oropendola Waterfall was an absolute showstopper. There are almost no words for it, but in an attempt to bring readers there through a blog post, we’ll try. The water glowed a vivid blue. The forest wrapped around it in deep greens. A rainbow joined the scene, bright against the falls, as if the moment needed any more magic. The entire setting looked unreal, almost like stepping into a painting. The group’s reaction was one big, collective wow. Every moment at the waterfall felt cinematic — the kind of memory that stays with you long after a trip ends.
DAY 3 — Coffee Break + Impromptu SBC Session by the Fire Pits (of course!)
Originally, the fire pits were reserved for the book swap later that night, but once the group sat down with tea, coffee, and juice — surrounded by trees and soft late-afternoon light — the moment asked for a spontaneous reading session. It was quiet, cozy, communal, and everything Silent Book Club is about.
This off-itinerary meetup ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. A chance to “jungle bathe” with books and each other.
DAY 3 — Yoga, Final Dinner & Book Swap
Before dinner, a small group gathered for yoga led by one of our travelers, with gentle rain falling in the background. After a full day of activity, it offered a grounding pause.
The final dinner and book swap were equal parts heartfelt and hilarious. The swap was surprisingly competitive in the best way — everyone wanted to snag the book that caught their eye, and it became a fun window into each person’s reading tastes.
By this point, conversations flowed easily. Guests chatted about books, travel, friendships, daily life, and even astrology, a classic conversation favorite. The group had truly settled into a rhythm together and the vibes were immaculate.
During goodbyes, some guests shared how meaningful the retreat had been, how necessary the time away felt, and how excited they were to find (or start) SBC chapters back home. And of course… many weren’t quite ready to call it a night and wandered down to the bar for one last cheers. 🥳
DAY 4 — Goodbyes
Departure day carried that soft, bittersweet glow that follows a great trip. Guests left feeling refreshed, grounded, and connected — exactly the hope for Silent Book Club’s first-ever reading retreat.
TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR LOVELY TRAVELERS
"This trip was everything I wanted and more! Laura, Guinevere, and Jazmyn were amazing at organizing & hosting. I met such amazing people and will never forget this amazing time together!" - Victoria T.
What a great experience! Got to unwind and relax with like minded people. Got to read and discuss books in an area of the world I had never been. Met interesting people and made new friends from around the country." - Julie S.