2026 Retreat

Persuasion: Linger and Gaze

24-31 July 2026

A retreat for Austenites to relax and discuss Persuasion

Do you want to spend a week discussing Persuasion and get away from life?

This retreat is for you if you:

  • want to holiday with other Austen nerds
  • yearn to discuss Persuasion in depth
  • are excited to watch Persuasion adaptations
  • dream of emulating the trip to Lyme
  • crave a break from the New Zealand winter (Queensland’s July temperatures are 10-20°C)
  • value having plenty of free time to relax, shop, visit cafes or see the sights
  • appreciate the flexibility of optional activities

This retreat is not for you if you:

  • expect a rigid, fully-scheduled itinerary
  • require a fully-catered experience
  • want to focus solely on an academic analysis of Persuasion
  • are uncomfortable sharing and interacting respectfully in group settings
  • struggle with respecting personal boundaries and confidentiality
  • need a high level of personal space or daily housekeeping (if you are in a shared apartment)

Imagine this:

  • seven nights in Coolangatta, Australia
  • a group of like minded Austenites
  • beach walks
  • film nights
  • book discussions
  • switching off from your everyday

Here’s a glimpse of your retreat schedule:

  • Early Morning: a “stroll down to the sea before breakfast” (beach walk – weather permitting)
  • Mid-Morning: a “considerable taste in reading” (book club)
  • Late Afternoon: let’s be “very much affected by the view” (movie night)

Who Is This Retreat For?

This retreat is for you if:

  • You love Jane Austen and/or Persuasion
  • You need to getaway
  • You enjoy the company of other Austenites
  • You want to escape the New Zealand winter for the warmer climate of Australia
  • You appreciate a balance of structured activities and free time

Persuasion: Linger and Gaze is a 7-night retreat to discuss Jane Austen’s Persuasion, while enjoying a relaxing escape to beautiful Coolangatta, Australia.

Here’s what’s included:

  • 7 nights’ accommodation at the Beachcomber International Resort in Coolangatta 
  • In-depth Persuasion discussions
  • Film screenings and discussions of various Persuasion adaptations
  • Beach walks to start your day
  • Free time for relaxation, exploration of Coolangatta, and enjoyment of the resort’s amenities

Optional extras (at additional cost):

  • A beautiful clothbound hardcover copy of Persuasion
  • A group dinner at the resort rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the Gold Coast
  • Access to specially designed retreat merchandise
  • Retreat exclusive in-person coaching or writing with Frances

Cooly Breeze is hands down the best restaurant on the Gold Coast! The service is exceptional, and the food is simply divine. – M.N

The Property: Beachcomber International Resort

The Beachcomber International Resort offers:

  • A 5-minute walk to the beach and supermarket
  • Resort amenities including a games room, spa/sauna, gymnasium, and two swimming pools
  • Apartments with air conditioning, full kitchen, washer/dryer, balcony, free Wi-Fi, TV/DVD, plus all sheets and towels
  • Local tours and resort events (some may be at additional cost)

Located just a short walk from the beach, Beachcomber International Resort offers the ideal coastal escape. The resort features well-equipped, comfortable motel-style rooms with modern amenities, ensuring a relaxing stay. Guests can enjoy easy beach access, stunning ocean views, and excellent facilities, including a pool and dining options. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or an extended stay, Beachcomber provides both convenience and comfort in a prime seaside location. – G.C


Choose your ideal accommodation:

Uppercross (For those who like to socialize or spend funds wisely)

  • Two bedroom (shared) apartments:
    • Room shared with one other, single bed and shared bathroom – $1,000 (4 beds available)
    • Room with queen bed and own bathroom – $2,000 (2 available) + $500 double occupancy 

Solitary Splendour (For those seeking the ultimate in privacy)

  • One bedroom apartments: Own apartment with queen bed, own bathroom, own lounge, and all other amenities with the added exclusivity that it may be on a separate floor from other attendees – $3,000 (3 available) + $500 double occupancy

Great view of the sea. Well appointed spacious unit. Lots of amenities on site. – J.M

Your Persuasion journey includes:

  • 7 nights’ accommodation at Beachcomber International Resort
  • In-depth discussions of Persuasion  
  • Film screenings and discussions  
  • Beach walks  
  • Free time to relax and explore  
  • A group messaging board to acquaint yourselves prior to the trip

Facilitator

As an author who’s been obsessed with Jane Austen for 30 years, Frances Duncan (she/they) has a unique insight into Austen’s works. Join Frances and other equally passionate individuals from the Jane Austen Society of Aotearoa New Zealand to read Persuasion in a relaxed environment.

If you want to disconnect from life, deeply relax and discuss Persuasion, book now.


FAQs

Do I need to be a New Zealander?
No, everyone is welcome.

Should I read Persuasion beforehand?
If you want to, but it’s not required. You might want to skip the movies if you’ve never read the book before to avoid spoilers – we’ll do our best to keep conversation focused on current chapters if a participant is reading for the first time.

Do I need to know a lot about Jane Austen?
So long as you’re not reading Persuasion written by anyone else you’ll be fine!

But I'm an introvert
Me too. I’ve planned this with that in mind:
-all activities are optional (and participation at them – you can sit quietly if you prefer)
-all activities are 2 hours max
-there are 2 hours minimum between each activity (heaps of time for naps or recharging)
-everyone will be adults so we can expect them to respect others time, space and possessions
-you can choose to share a living space or bedroom (or neither)
-everything is based at the place we’re staying or within a short walk
-for discussions we do a circle where everyone gets their own time

What about transport?
You’re responsible for booking your flights and transportation to Coolangatta. For those flying from Wellington, JetStar offers a direct flight, while AirNZ may have better times.

What about food?
This retreat is self catered, food is not included. There is a supermarket 5 minutes walk from the resort and plenty of restaurants even closer. An optional extra is a group dinner at the resort restaurant.

What should I pack?
Yourself, an open mind, a copy of Persuasion, a notebook/journal to take notes, swimsuit, clothes for 7 days, toiletries, medication.

What about travel insurance?
This is not included, but it is recommended.

Can I bring my partner?
Sure! If you book a queen room or an individual apartment please add on double occupancy for $500. (They can chose to attend the retreat sessions or not)
If you are in a two bedroom apartment please be considerate of others you are sharing with.

Can I meet people beforehand?
There is a Discord (online chat) channel for people attending. You can get to know each other and plan any side trips.


Pricing

A breakdown of room types, availability and costs.

Room$Payment plan
Single bedShared room / apartment / bathroom4$1,000$1,050
Queen bedShared apartment2$2,000$2,100
ApartmentOwn apartment3$3,000$3,150

We absolutely loved our stay here at the beachcomber, very clean and centrally located. We are close to restaurants, shopping and the beach, everything is a short walk away. – M.H

Check out the Terms and Conditions (available to download and complete when you purchase your tickets – these must be signed to confirm your place)