Upcoming
Reading Retreat: March 2027 in Wellington (join the waitlist)
Austen Retreat: Australia July 2028 (join the waitlist)
Past retreats
Persuasion: Linger and Gaze
24-31 July 2026
A retreat for Austenites to relax and discuss Persuasion
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
- 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)
Accommodation Options
Uppercross (For those who like to socialize or spend funds wisely)
Two bedroom (shared) apartments:
Single bed: Room shared with one other, single bed and shared bathroom
Queen bed: Room with queen bed and own bathroom
Solitary Splendour (For those seeking the ultimate in privacy)
One bedroom apartments
Own apartment with queen bed, own bathroom, own lounge, potentially on a separate floor from other attendees
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.
FAQs
Do I need to be a New Zealander?-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
