Portland Literary Club Summer Reading Retreat

Portland Literary Club Reading Retreat

With Ali Philbrook at Casa Portal
June 11–13, 2027 – Jackson, Maine 

Your next chapter starts at the farm

A book in your bag, a seat at the farm table and a whole weekend to read, relax and make friends. Join Ali and Portland Literary Club at Casa Portal for a cozy Maine escape, with literary gatherings led by Ali and farm life served up by Melissa and Chef Pete—good food, curious sheep and plenty of places to disappear into your book. No productivity required. No judgment on your TBR pile. Just books, snacks and getting way too invested in fictional characters’s bad decisions.

Bring a friend or come solo. Bring whatever you’re reading. We’ll take care of the rest.

Your ticket includes

• • Two nights in your selected accommodation, with linens, towels and toiletries.
  • Farm-to-table meals with Chef Pete, from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast, plus snacks, coffee, tea and non-alcoholic drinks.
  • Literary activities curated by Ali, including a book swap, group discussions, creative activities and a reading picnic or afternoon tea in the garden.
  • Plenty of independent reading time, balanced with opportunities to connect with fellow readers.
  • A Portland Literary Club welcome bag filled with curated goodies.
  • A Saturday-night sound bath in the barn.
  • A welcome farm tour with Melissa and time to enjoy the sheep, gardens, trails and cozy shared spaces.

12 spots at the table

We’re opening just 12 places! Once filled, we’ll start a waitlist. Add your name if you miss a spot—we’ll be in touch if a place opens up.

Choose your stay

Select your accommodation below. Every rate is per person for the full two-night retreat, including everything listed above. Maine lodging and meals taxes are additional.

The guesthouse offers cozy farmhouse living, Wi-Fi and four shared, private lockable bathrooms with hot showers. Bedrooms are upstairs. There are no en-suite bathrooms or air conditioning; fans are provided.

The A-Frames offer a rustic stay with covered porches, solar power and shared outdoor bathroom facilities. Outdoor showers use solar-heated water, so hot water is limited. There’s no running water or Wi-Fi inside the cabins. Cell service from all providers works in the cabins. Farmhouse bathrooms, hot showers and common spaces are approximately a five-minute walk away.

Read each accommodation description before choosing. Casa Portal assigns your specific room or cabin.

Make friends or bring a friend

Each shared guest books separately and has their own bed. Book the same shared category as your friend and request each other in the registration form. Coming solo? Your registration answers help us thoughtfully match roommates.

Reserve with a $300 deposit

Click Register Now, choose your accommodation and complete your registration. Your $300 non-refundable deposit goes toward your total ticket price. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the retreat. Payment plans are available at checkout.

Cancellation policy

For cancellations more than 30 days before arrival, payments are refunded minus the $300 deposit. No refunds are available for cancellations 30 days or fewer before arrival, including illness, emergencies or travel delays. We strongly recommend travel insurance.

If we cancel the retreat, all retreat payments—including your deposit—will be refunded. Separately booked travel expenses are not covered.

Arrival and important details

Arrive Friday between 2 and 4 pm; checkout is Sunday by 11 am. Travel and airport transportation are not included.

Casa Portal is alcohol-free and fragrance-free. This is a working farm with natural paths and resident animals. Please contact us before booking about mobility needs, severe allergies or dietary concerns; our kitchen is not allergen-free.

Booking questions: melissa@casaportalretreats.com · 207-323-3016

Getting here

Casa Portal • 83 Sullivan Road, Jackson, Maine 04921. Parking is available on site. Bangor International Airport is about 40 minutes away; Portland International Jetport is more than two hours away. Travel is not included. Arrange a rental car or taxi ahead of time; do not rely on local rideshare. Email Casa Portal for transportation guidance. info@casaportalretreats.com

After booking, you’ll receive confirmation and pre-arrival information with packing guidance and practical details for your stay.

Follow Casa Portal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casaportalretreats/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@casaportalretreats
Website: https://www.casaportalretreats.com/

Presented by Portland Literary Club in collaboration with Casa Portal.