Are You Ready To Step Into the Magic?
hotel lilien - catskills, ny
may 16th - 18th, 2025
Reading Retreat for Women and Queer Folk
JOIN THE WAITLIST
Picture this.
You arrive at a stunning boutique hotel nestled in the Catskills of upstate New York, ready to meet your new book besties for the cozy sleepover of a lifetime.
Perhaps you’d like to spend the day reading quietly alone by the fire curled up with a warm bevy, or maybe you’d prefer to go hike and befriend some woodland creatures.
No matter what you choose, we know there is magic waiting for you at this enchanted fantasy retreat.
Photo credit: Hotel Lilien
This retreat is for you if:
You want to connect with other women and queer folk who love to read fantasy and just get you
You want more bookish friends to swap fan theories with
You want to make lifelong friendships with people who have similar interests
You know your like-minded squad exists, but you can’t find anyone near you
You are just as happy to curl up in a cozy nook with an herbal tea as you are to wander into the forest and be absorbed into the moss-covered floor
You are 21+
what can i expect?
RESTORATION. ENCHANTMENT. CONNECTION.
DAY ONE:
Orientation at 2pm
Hotel Check-In at 3pm
Meet & Greet
Bookish Trivia
DAY TWO:
Free Time - Hike, Read, Explore!
Book Club
Creative Writing Workshop
Craft/Knitting Circle
Bookish Games
DAY THREE:
Breakfast and Closing Circle
Check-Out at 11am
All meals will be included, and all activities are completely optional. Whether you want alone time for a few days just to read and relax, or to build community and find your new bookish bestie, this is for you.
Itinerary items are subject to change.
Take it from our past guests
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"If you’re asking yourself, should I buy this ticket and meet up with random people I’ve never met? The answer is 100% absolutely!! I have never experienced such an immediate connection. The level of enthusiasm, acceptance, and just overall ✨women supporting women energy✨ at this retreat has blown my mind. Days later I am still riding the high of this trip. From late night talks, wine tasting, and the best charades ever, this is not a trip you want to miss out on. Thank you to Sarah and Alli for putting together such an amazing event!"
-June Washington Retreat
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"Without trying to sound dramatic this was life changing. Connecting with friends at camps is something we take for granted as kids and is so precious as an adult. Being surrounded by so many wonderful women, bonding over a shared interest, and existing in a beautiful location brought back a piece of magic in my life that I’d been struggling to find. I now have soul sisters that I will have for the rest of my life, you can’t put a price on that. This was my first time ever traveling for something where I knew nobody, it’s intimidating but so worth while. These girls will always be in my life and we’re all already planning our next adventure together. I’ve never had this type connection with a group of people before. I found my tribe."
-April Washington Retreat
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"What really made this retreat stand out was the women who attended and the activities. From TOG trivia and charades to spas and hiking, there was something for everyone to enjoy! Sarah and Alli were super passionate about the book series and had everyone laughing / debating during our book club and trivia sessions. It was so great to be surrounded by women who love the SJM universe just as much as I do! Overall, I would highly recommend Forest & Fawn to anyone looking for a fantasy book retreat. I truly feel I have made friends and connections for years to come! Thank you Sarah and Alli for an unforgettable experience!"
-June Washington Retreat
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"Thank you Alli and Sarah for your devotion to bringing this vision to life! You held space for a whimsical, enchanted, delightful, this-feels-like-home, magical experience for all of us! Returning to fantasy reading in my 40s helped me fall in love with myself all over again, to feel brave, and curious, and look at the world as brilliant and expansive. This retreat was proof of how special it is share that experience with others. I will be back for many, many Forest and Fawn retreats...and if we're ever at Captain Whidbey Inn again, maybe we'll get another glimpse of the mermaid in the cove under the moon."
-April Washington Retreat
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"This was, by far and away, one of the most memorable and fun trips I've ever taken. The accommodations, the itinerary, the gift bags, and the incredible friends made were top notch. I wish the weekend didn't have to end! I'm so glad I decided to join the first Forest and Fawn retreat and have not stopped telling everyone I know about it. This was the most comfortable I've been in a group/social setting in a long time. As a relatively quiet introvert, it was incredibly refreshing to connect with everyone right away and be able to talk books all weekend long. 11/10!"
-April Washington Retreat
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Although I did do this retreat to meet new people and widen my circle, the main reason I did it was to do something new and exciting. I feel like we often get stuck in our routines as we age. It was fun to put myself out there, push myself and give room to grow. If you want to surround yourself with strong, body positive, smart, kind, supportive people who love books, this is the retreat for you.
-June Washington Retreat
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"This retreat was everything I hoped it would be! The accommodations were stunning, luxurious, and peaceful. I appreciate the camaraderie we built as a group and the amazing women I met. I will definitely do another retreat with Sarah & Alli again!"
-June Washington Retreat
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"The only trip I have ever booked because of Instagram and it was the best decision ever! I didnt expect such lasting connections with all of these amazing humans to be built in two days. Everyone was so open, kind, fun, smart and absolute book nerds in the best way 🫶🫶🫶 #smutconferenceinthewoods created a core memory for this millenial 😂"
-June Washington Retreat
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"This quite honestly was the most amazing experience I have ever had. I get socially drained quickly and I didn’t feel like this drained me much at all. Thank you for creating such a safe space for us to all get to know each other. ❤️"
-April Washington Retreat
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"This retreat was the perfect bookish weekend! Everything from the accommodations to the activities to the snacks were so beautifully planned to create a welcoming and inspiring space amongst new friends"
-April Washington Retreat
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"I had an incredible time. The retreat was a great balance of scheduled and non-scheduled time. The location was amazing, and the people really made this experience next level. I felt comfortable, welcomed, and just that I could generally be myself, and I cannot say enough amazing things about this community."
-April Washington Retreat
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"Book the retreat! I was not prepared for how amazing this weekend was. The book chat, the new friends, the location, the events, the food (omg the food!)-- all 10/10. Forest & Fawn have created the warm, cozy book sisterhood we all need. Thank you!"
-April Washington Retreat
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“I came to this retreat looking to make friends of a like mind and I definitely got what I bargained for. The group of women I had the privilege of spending the weekend with are lifelong friends that I have in every part of the country now. I’m so grateful for Forest & Fawn retreats.”
- Nov Washington Guest
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" This retreat was everything I could have asked for. The genuine kindness and enthusiasm everyone exhibited absolutely filled my heart. Getting to unabashedly talk about an interest of mine isn’t something I get to do often, and being in a community who all share that interest was incredibly fulfilling. The accommodations were lovely to boot."
- Nov Washington Guest
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"Spending a weekend with an incredible group of likeminded humans in the woods was everything my heart and soul needed! Being surprised with a Q&A session with the author of the books was UNREAL and having my book signed by everyone is such a special memento from an unforgettable weekend with new, lifelong friends. The adult summer camp vibes were top tier!"
- Nov Washington Guest
WHAT BOOKS ARE WE DISCUSSING?
We are going to be discussing the spellbinding romantasy trilogies, Once Upon a Broken Heart, and Caraval by Stephanie Garber! These books will transport you to magical realms where love, secrets, and fate collide in the most unexpected ways. Come prepared to bring your curiosity, your sense of wonder, and your heart—because these books will pull you into a whirlwind of mystery, romance, and magic.
Photo credit: Hotel Lilien
Photo credit: Hotel Lilien
What’s included?
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Your ticket includes accommodations at Hotel Lilien in the Catskills, NY.
Hotel Lilien is a boutique hotel that offers a cozy atmosphere with all the reading nooks and comforts you could want.
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All meals are included starting with dinner on Friday night and ending with breakfast Sunday. Coffee and tea will be provided throughout the days to keep you cozy.
Have an allergy or other kind of food restriction? You’ll have an option at checkout to tell us what your specific needs are!
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Throughout your stay, there will be cozy crafting supplies available for you to drop in and use whenever you'd like.
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Are you a seasoned fantasy writer? Brand new and want to try it out? Attend a creative writing workshop where you can let your imagination run wild and share your writing with the group.
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Because no retreat is complete without a few things for you to take home that will serve as reminders of your magical time with Forest & Fawn retreats. Whether this weekend brings you new book besties to swap conspiracy theories with or simply a much needed break from a hectic day-to-day, we want you to remember this time forever.
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You’ll have access to a private group forum before and after your retreat. This is a great chance to connect with other fantasy-lovers (if you choose) and keep in touch once the retreat is over. Say hello to your new writing besties!
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It’s all taken care of! All you have to do is book your travel, then sit back and relax!
accommodations
Hotel Lilien is a boutique hotel that offers a cozy atmosphere with all the reading nooks and comforts you could want.
Choose between a private room, shared room, or even sharing a bed with a friend! No matter what you choose, these rooms are to die for.
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Private King or Queen Room
SOLD OUT!
Early bird: $2,050
Regular: $2,150
Enjoy a private room all to yourself! This is for the traveler who wants a little extra privacy, a luxurious room to unwind in with some alone time after hanging with new friends all day.
If you’re traveling with a friend and want to share your bed, you have the option to add on a roommate!
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King or Queen bed in shared room
SOLD OUT!
Early bird: $1,950
Regular: $2,050
Enjoy a luxurious king or queen bed in a shared room. You will share your room with either one or two roommates. Each room comes with a private bathroom.
This is for the traveler who wants some extra company or is looking for new friends!
If you are traveling with a friend, they should book the “Sleeper Sofa or Bunk Bed in shared room” ticket. Please request your roommate at checkout.
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sleeper sofa or bunk bed in shared room
SOLD OUT!
Early bird: $1,400
Regular: $1,500
This ticket is for a a sleeper sofa or a bunk bed in a shared room.
This is our most affordable room and is perfect for those who are traveling with a friend or simply enjoy having company around.
meet your hosts
Forest & fawn
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Alli
"FOREST"
Co-Founder of Forest & Fawn, Fantasy Writer, and Storytelling Extraordinaire.
Also the President of All Things Cozy and can definitely communicate with woodland creatures (might even be one).
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Sarah
"FAWN"
Co-Founder of Forest & Fawn, Bookish Content Creator, and Romantasy/Fantasy Connoisseur.
Can and will be found yapping about a shadow daddy somewhere (don't bother trying to stop her, it's like waking up a sleepwalker).
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE: Orientation begins at 2pm before hotel check in starts at 3:00pm on Friday, May 16th, 2025. Check out is at 11:00am on Sunday, May 18th, 2025.
Plane: The nearest airport to Tannersville, NY is located in Albany, NY. Other options are Newark, LaGuardia, or JFK all located in/around NYC.
For those flying, you will have a chance to coordinate with other guests to carpool with rental cars in advance if you would like.
Car: Tannersville, NY is roughly
1 hour from Albany, NY
2 hours from NYC
3 hours from Boston
Getting there
faqs
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Our retreats are created to serve women and queer folk who love to read and/or write fantasy/romantasy. We work hard to make sure our events are inclusive, safe spaces.
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There will be a maximum of 26 guests at this retreat.
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Yes! Alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase at the inn bar, but if you prefer herbal tea, that will be available all day at no extra cost!
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Ticket prices include a $250 non-refundable deposit. A refund on a ticket (minus $250 deposit) is contingent on whether or not Host can fill the Participants slot within 60 days before the event, for sold out events only. For non-sold out events there are no refunds on payments made, and you are responsible for the entirety of your payment plan.
In the rare case of a retreat cancellation by the Host (Forest & Fawn), The Host will offer a transfer to another retreat (if possible) or a full refund of your payment within 14 days. The Host is not responsible for any expenses or damages incurred as a result of retreat cancellation including preparation costs, airline tickets, travel documents or other expenses.
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Yes! If you book a shared room, you will have an option in checkout to request a roommate!
If you book a private room, you can add a roommate if you have a friend you would like to share your bed with.
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Yes! Well, as long as you take breaks to eat and use the restroom. This retreat is made for YOU. All activities are optional.
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We collect food restrictions before the event and do everything we can to be sure you are taken care of. If you have a severe allergy, please notify us so that we can plan accordingly.
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Yes! You can choose to check out with AfterPay at checkout for orders up to $2,000.
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This retreat is for YOU. That means that nothing is mandatory. If you want to curl up and read in your luxurious bed all day, go for it. If you want to take your lunch on the road and see the natural wonders of the area, by all means. Our activities are solely here as options to enhance your experience.
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Due to the capacity of our venue, daypasses are not available for this retreat.