Reading & Writing Retreat
Fall 2025
One of the greatest joys of my career has been being able to connect with so many likeminded and creative people. I am always in search of more ways to do this and more ways to prioritize reading and writing. This is exactly why I’m so excited to officially invite you to my fall 2025 reading and writing retreat.
If you’re looking for a chance to escape to a cabin in the woods, curl up with a book or a writing project, and eat delicious food (plus, make some new friends!), I would love for you to join me November 2-4, 2025 for a luxurious, restorative, and fun stay in the Catskill Mountains.
As someone who loves to create cozy, beautiful moments whenever I can, this retreat is my way of hosting something special for people who appreciate the same things I do. Think: Storybook setting, coffee by a roaring fire, candlelit dinners, and lots of time to yap, connect, and (of course) read and/or write.
When & Where
For 3 days and 2 nights this fall, we’ll be staying at Deer Mountain Inn in Tannersville, New York, spending our days reading and writing and our evenings connecting over delicious meals.
Nestled in the Catskill Mountains, Deer Mountain Inn is a gorgeous, impeccably designed warm hug of a property. It has two fireplaces, a phenomenal restaurant, and stunning outdoor areas. My husband Jake and I have stayed there many times and often make the hour-long drive just to get dinner or a drink there. It’s a special place and feels a little bit like it’s part of its own world and the first place I thought of when I was trying to decide where I would love to spend a few days reading, writing, and connecting.
To learn more about Deer Mountain Inn, visit their website.
Itinerary
SUNDAY 11/2
3:00 PM Check-in and get settled, explore the property, read, write, etc.
5:00 PM Mountaintop welcome drinks and bonfire (weather permitting)
6:30 PM Private group dinner
9:00 PM Little Women movie night in the Attic
MONDAY 11/3
8:00 AM Breakfast
9:30 AM Group hike (optional)
11:00 AM Reading and/or writing time
1:00 PM Lunch
2:00 PM Reading and/or writing time
6:30 PM Private group dinner
9:00 PM Pride & Prejudice (2005) movie night in the Attic
TUESDAY 11/4
8:00 AM Breakfast
11:00 AM Check-out & departures
What’s Included
The goal of this retreat is for you to arrive and not have to think about anything other than being creative and relaxing. All drinks and meals are included, from the delicious breakfast spread each morning to three-course private dinners at the Deer Mountain Inn restaurant each night.
Having stayed and eaten at Deer Mountain Inn many times myself, I can personally attest to the high quality of the property, from the rooms to the restaurant to the bar. Every room is thoughtfully appointed and beautifully designed. Each meal is made from first-rate, often local ingredients. I wanted every part of this retreat to feel like a special, premium experience.
By booking a spot below, you receive:
2-night, 3 day stay at Deer Mountain Inn in Tannersville, NY
2 breakfasts
Welcome mountaintop bonfire with open bar (wine and beer)
1 catered lunch (sandwiches and salads)
2 private, three-course dinners, including wine, beer, and cocktails (mocktails and other NA options available)
Unlimited soft drinks, juice, tea, and coffee all day
Full access to the gorgeous Deer Mountain Inn property, including the Attic, Sunroom, terrace and gardens, bar, and nearby trails
A goodie bag curated by Olivia OR if you are trying to accumulate less “stuff,” a donation of equal value to the charity of your choice
An upstate guide from Olivia filled with local tips, tricks, and suggestions (including a full bookstore guide) for places to stop, shop, and discover before or after the retreat, if you so choose
Book your spot.
Single Rooms
If you’re planning to attend the retreat on your own, your best option is a single room in the inn. Please note that space is limited, and each single room is for one retreat guest. If you are traveling with a friend, consider booking an Artist Cabin.
Shared Artist Cabins
If you’re attending with a friend, or you’re simply interested in making a new one, consider booking a shared cabin, which are complete with private porches and decks, gas-powered fire pits, and scenic views of the woods. They are located a 1-2 minute walk from the Deer Mountain Inn main property.
Please note that all shared cabins include a king-sized bed and a separate, queen-sized pull out couch bed, and one bathroom. Because of the discrepancy in the beds, the prices are reflected accordingly. Please note that the DMI staff will set up the pull-out bed for your convenience. I highly suggest checking out the 3D tours of the cabins to get a better sense of the space and layout.
IF BOOKING WITH A FRIEND: If you wish to share one of these cabins with a specific friend, please make sure you book beds in the same room (i.e. Dresser King and Dresser Queen, not Dresser King and Dodge King) and please send me a note to retreats at oliviamuenter dot com to confirm the name of who you’d like to share with. I can only confirm you will be in the same room when both spots are booked/payments are made.
IF BOOKING SOLO: If you are looking to make a new friend + be paired with a roommate, please book your chosen room + bed.
FAQ
Q: Is transportation included?
A: Transportation is not included. Please note that there are very few (if any) ride shares available in the area, so please plan accordingly.
Q: Do I have to be a writer to attend?
A: No. This retreat is intended to be fun, restorative, and customizable for anyone who wants to read and/or write. Think: Fancy adult summer camp, but with books and journals instead of crafts (though if you want to craft that’s cool, too). How you spend your downtime is totally up to you.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Deer Mountain Inn is a pet-friendly hotel, but for the sake of connection and courtesy to everyone else attending the retreat, I kindly ask that we leave your furry friends at home for this one.
Q: Will there be writing workshops?
A: No, but if anyone is interested in partnering with another attendee to exchange work and give each other feedback, please email me and I will coordinate this if at all possible.
Q: Can you accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?
A: Yes. If you have a allergies or restrictions, please email me along with any questions or notes and I will pass along to the team.
Q: What happens if I book my spot but can’t attend? Can I get my money back?
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to Olivia (retreats@oliviamuenter.com):
- 75% Refund: If cancellation is received on or before August 2, 2025;
- 50% Refund: If cancellation is received after August 2, 2025 or before September 1, 2025; and
- No Refund: If cancellation is received on or after September 2, 2025
Please be sure to review the full terms and conditions (including refund policies) which are available for review prior to check out.
Q: How small are the shared cabins?
A: Jake and I stayed in a shared cabin with my parents (4 of us total), and it was snug, but comfortable. For two people, it would be a generous amount of space, especially considering all the other areas of the property and the inn that you will have access to. In three of the cabins, the King Bed is lofted, so each bed really does have its own space. Please check out the 3D tours of the cabins for a full sense of the layout.
Q: I have a question that isn’t listed here!
A: Please email me at retreats@oliviamuenter.com and I will do my best to assist!
Q: Why aren’t you playing the 1995 Pride & Prejudice?
A: Because the 2005 version is better, OK!!!
