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)
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
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
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