Book Retreat at Casa Apriltsi
02.10- 04.10.2026

For those who cherish reading, nature, and a sense of tranquility—nestled in the heart of the Balkan Mountains.

If you’ve been telling yourself, “It’s high time I finish my book in peace,” and you’re craving a bit of time for yourself, a space to share favourite reads and soak in the beauty of the mountains, this reading retreat offers the perfect setting for rest, inspiration, and meaningful new connections.

At Casa Apriltsi, we’ve created a space where calm and personal time come first, even with a rich and thoughtfully curated program.

What Is a Reading Retreat?

The reading retreat is a holiday made especially for you - dedicated to books, nature, quiet time alone, and the joy of reading, enriched with thematic activities and opportunities to connect with fellow literature enthusiasts.

What Is The Theme of The Retreat?

The theme of the upcoming retreat will be fantasy. We want to give everyone the freedom to bring any book they like, as long as it fits within that genre. Rather than limiting participants or assigning a specific title, we want to offer the flexibility to read whatever excites youth, while at the same time creating the space to share and discuss your chosen books with others.

The Space

Casa Apriltsi is a place designed for your complete rest and relaxation, with beautiful views of Stara Planina and Maragidik . You’ll have access to a spacious garden where you can bathe in the sun or simply listen to the sounds of nature with a book in hand, along with a variety of quiet corners for reading and reflection like hammocks, a covered barbecue area with seating, a dining room with a fireplace, and a shared kitchen stocked with coffee and tea. The entire house will be reserved exclusively for our retreat group, so you can fully enjoy a sense of privacy, comfort, and calm.

What to Expect

2 nights in a private or shared room – Your space to fully unwind with your chosen book.
2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, and 1 lunch – Locally sourced meals that turn your stay into a true pleasure, so you can enjoy your food without a worry.
Live music – Our guest musicians will immerse you in the magic of the fantasy genre.
A scenic herb-picking walk through the breathtaking Stara Planina - learn how to spot various wild herbs.
A tea workshop tailored to your taste – Create your own aromatic blend to take home and continue your ritual of calm.
Book exchange – Discover new reads, share a favourite story, and connect with fellow readers.
Quiz night - A fun literary challenge with prizes.
Guided birdwatching (optional) with the ornithologist Daniel Couceiro– Our guests will have the chance to learn about local birds accompanied by a guide. The perfect moment to bring out your camera, telescope, or binoculars and see the wilderness from a fresh perspective. *please take note that this is charged separately.
Complimentary coffee, tea, and other delightful surprises – Because every good reading session pairs best with a warm drink.
A themed book gift for each participant – A special keepsake to remember the retreat long after it ends.

You are free to participate in as many or as few activities as you like. Everything is entirely up to you - so you can curate your own time to relax.

About the Organisers

Emanouela will be your host during the reading retreat. She is a screenwriter, translator, storyteller, and nature enthusiast.

Her creative expression is rooted in her love for books, meaningful conversations, and the natural world. As a long-time Dungeon Master in tabletop role-playing games, she is deeply passionate about crafting immersive experiences and bringing people together through storytelling. Her interests range from literature to herbal knowledge, identifying wild plants, and spending time outdoors. Through this retreat, she aims to bring all these passions together and share them with participants in a unique and thoughtful way.

Her intention is to create a welcoming and enriching experience where guests can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and share the joy of reading in good company.

Miglena is the creator of Casa Apriltsi- a place inspired by a love for nature, light, and the quiet moments we often overlook in our busy lives.

As an architect and photographer, she believes that spaces shape the way we feel. Casa Apriltsi was designed with the idea that nature should not remain outside, but be present everywhere—in the mountain views, the natural light, the materials, and the small details that create a sense of calm and comfort.

For her, walls are not a boundary, but a frame to the world beyond. Her vision is for Casa Apriltsi to be a place where you can slow down, open a book, listen to the silence, and feel connected to nature once again.

Who Is The Reading Retreat For?

The retreat is ideal for lovers of reading and nature-those looking to meet new people, unwind, and recharge away from the noise and fast pace of city life, in a cosy and peaceful setting. It is designed for anyone who values a good book and the freedom to set their own pace for the day.