Step into the pages of your favorite epic. In 2026, the boundary between fiction and reality has dissolved, giving rise to “Romantasy Tourism.” According to data from Booking.com, over 71% of global travelers are now seeking destinations that mirror the “enchanted” aesthetics of their favorite books—think sprawling castles, mist-shrouded forests, and candlelit masquerades.
Whether you’re a member of the “Night Court” or a seeker of ancient Fae magic, here is your guide to the most immersive romantasy retreats across Europe this year.
1. The UK: Halloween Magic at Stanton Manor
For those who prefer the “Cozy Romantasy” subgenre, the Stanton Manor Halloween Retreat (Wiltshire, UK) is the premier destination for 2026. This elegant countryside hotel, filled with character and charm, transforms into a literary sanctuary for a limited number of guests.
- The Experience: This is an intimate, “slow-reading” retreat. Guests enjoy exclusive use of the manor, including private reading rooms and a function hall for seasonal, sit-down dinners.
- The Highlight: A bespoke workshop schedule that often includes bookbinding or character-themed creative sessions.
- The Vibe: Flickering hearths, velvet armchairs, and “after-dinner cocktails” in a setting that feels like a hidden manor in a Victorian fantasy.
2. France: Masquerades and “Courts” in the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley has long been the heart of European castle culture, but in 2026, venues like Château de Jalesnes are hosting “Masquerade Residencies” that go far beyond a simple tour.
- The Experience: These retreats are built around the concept of a “Living Court.” Guests are encouraged to dress in period-accurate or fantasy-inspired attire for multi-course banquets.
- Activities: Archival library dinners, ballroom dancing lessons, and twilight walks through the manicured gardens. It is the physical manifestation of the “Enemies-to-Lovers” ballroom trope.
3. Germany: Gothic Grandeur at Schloss Kalkhorst
If your romantasy tastes lean toward the dark and architectural, the Schloss Kalkhorst experience in Northern Germany offers the ultimate immersive weekend.
- The Experience: Community-led retreats where entire castle wings are rented for “Court Weekends.” These are often high-immersion role-play events where guests take on personas of Fae nobility or brooding sorcerers.
- The Landscape: The surrounding German forests provide the perfect backdrop for “Silent Forest Walks” and “Enchanted Archery” workshops.
The Immersive Itinerary: What Happens at a 2026 Retreat?
Unlike a standard vacation, a romantasy retreat is a curated “Storyscape.” You aren’t just visiting a location; you are inhabiting it.
- The Aesthetic Morning: Breakfasts served on long oak tables with local honey and artisan breads, often followed by “Silent Reading Hours” in secret gardens or libraries.
- Skill-Building Workshops: Learn the arts mentioned in your favorite series—herbalism (for the aspiring healers), sword-play (for the warriors), or quill-and-ink calligraphy.
- The Grand Finale: Every retreat culminates in a “Grand Masquerade” or “Crowning Feast,” where the storytelling reaches its peak with live orchestral music and theatrical performances.
What to Pack for Your First Romantasy Retreat
- The “Signet” Wardrobe: At least one formal fantasy gown or tailored tunic for the final banquet.
- Weather-Worn Boots: For those essential treks through the “enchanted” woods.
- A Dedicated Journal: To document your “in-character” thoughts or creative writing prompts.
- Your Current Read: Most retreats feature “Book Swaps” where guests trade their favorite paperbacks.
- A Wax Seal Kit: For sending “letters home” that look like they were delivered by owl.
4. Portugal & Scotland: Ethereal Fae and Dark Academia
- Sintra, Portugal: The Quinta da Regaleira gardens are the epicenter of the 2026 “Dark Academia” retreat trend. Its initiation wells and hidden tunnels serve as a playground for photography retreats and mystical philosophy workshops.
- The Scottish Highlands: In the Galloway Forest, 2026 “Nature-Fae” retreats combine wellness with fantasy. Think “Wild Swimming” in mist-covered lochs followed by meditations on ancient Celtic folklore.
The Era of Radical Escapism
As the world becomes more digital, the craving for the tactile—the cold stone of a castle, the smell of old parchment, and the weight of a silk cape—has never been stronger. Romantasy retreats in 2026 offer more than just a trip; they offer a “re-enchantment” of the self. In these forests and halls, you aren’t a traveler—you are the protagonist.
