Follow The Plot

Great literature has the power to transport us to far-off places, while travel brings those imagined worlds to life. In 2025, literary travel is taking center stage, and there’s no better time to embark on a journey inspired by the stories we love. In fact, the New York Times has named literary travel a major trend for the year, highlighting specifically Jane Austen’s England as its top destination via the 52 Places to Go in 2025 list. At Exclusive Resorts, we’re making it possible to step into the pages of beloved novels while enjoying world-class accommodations. Here are 10 perfect pairings for book lovers looking to merge their favorite stories with unforgettable journeys.

1. Jane Austen’s England

Taking a page from the New York Times, begin your Jane Austen-inspired journey in London, the setting for pivotal moments in Sense and Sensibility. Wander Hyde Park or visit the British Library to immerse yourself in the city’s literary history. From there, head to the southwest of England to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth. Visit Jane Austen’s House in Hampshire, her former cottage, and enjoy exhibitions, guided walks, and Regency-themed festivals. Let the romance of Austen’s world come alive in both city and countryside.

Where You Will Stay

In London, enjoy The Club's two-bedroom luxury suites steps from Buckingham Palace at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate. Please note, The Travel Desk can assist with every detail, from securing tickets and event access to booking accommodations and arranging seamless travel for your adventures outside of London.

2. Ernest Hemingway's Paris

Take the train across the channel to the City of Lights, where more literary fun is to be had. Explore the iconic setting of Paris, immortalized in Ernest Hemingway's A Moveable Feast. Stroll through the Latin Quarter, sip coffee at Les Deux Magots, and visit Shakespeare and Company where Hemingway and other literary greats found inspiration. From there, explore Montmartre or take a walk along the Seine to fully immerse yourself in the city’s artistic and literary charm.

Where You Will Stay

Spend your time in luxury at one of The Club's four Parisian abodes. From The Peninsula Paris to Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, the spirit and charm of this European gem will embrace you at every turn.

3. Paul Bowles' Morocco

Immerse yourself in the atmospheric world of Paul Bowles' The Sheltering Sky with a journey to Morocco. Wander through the bustling souks of the Medina, savor mint tea in the tranquil courtyards of historic riads, and marvel at the stunning architecture of the Koutoubia Mosque. Explore the Jardin Majorelle or venture into the nearby Atlas Mountains to experience the dramatic landscapes that inspired Bowles’ haunting tale of love and existential longing.

Where You Will Stay

Our palatial four-bedroom residence, Dar Hasnaa, perfectly blends easy city access and serene seclusion. It's surrounded by a walled-in garden complete with olive trees, a private pool and tennis court, and an outdoor dining area.

More to Explore

For a full taste of the North African setting, book The Club's Private Journey: Morocco: History and Leisure. Members will quickly discover the pulse of Morocco, including experiences in Marrakech, Volubilis, The Atlas Mountains, and Fes — Morocco’s 17th-century capital.

4. J.R.R. Tolkien’s New Zealand

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Middle-earth with a visit to this mystical land. J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings series springs to life in this stunning region, where majestic peaks, verdant valleys, and rushing rivers set the stage for adventure. Whether you’re hiking through the Remarkables, cruising on Lake Wakatipu, or simply soaking in the awe-inspiring vistas, Queenstown offers the perfect base for Tolkien enthusiasts to embark on their own epic journey through this real-life fantasy world.

Where You Will Stay

The Club offers exclusive accommodations at two of New Zealand’s most luxurious retreats — Rosewood Cape Kidnappers and Rosewood Kauri Cliffs — an ideal escape for your adventure.

More to Explore

Join The Club on an unforgettable Private Journey: Australia and New Zealand, where island hopping takes on a whole new meaning. Along the way, immerse yourself in Indigenous cultures, savor gourmet cuisine, and explore incredible landscapes that range from pristine beaches to rugged wilderness.

5. John Steinbeck’s California

Experience the vibrant world of John Steinbeck's Cannery Row in Monterey, California. Stroll along the historic street, once lined with sardine canneries, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of characters and stories that Steinbeck so vividly portrayed. From the bustling activity of the canneries to the charm of the coastal setting, Monterey offers a unique glimpse into the past that inspired this literary classic.

Where You Will Stay

While exploring the charm of Monterey, enjoy an exceptional stay in San Francisco, just a scenic two-hour drive away. Our two-bedroom luxury homes at The Fairmont Ghirardelli feature city or bay views and are within walking distance of many attractions. Easily explore the town, while amenities — like butler service and private wine storage — tempt you back at day's end.

6. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s New York

Step into the roaring twenties and explore the world of The Great Gatsby in the heart of Long Island, where the boundaries between wealth, love, and tragedy blur in Fitzgerald's iconic novel. Stroll the elegant streets of East Egg and West Egg, the fictional locations that mirror the affluent communities of The Hamptons, and experience the opulence of a bygone era. Whether you’re visiting Gatsby’s infamous mansion or reliving the lavish parties in Fitzgerald’s narrative, The Hamptons offer the perfect setting to immerse yourself in the Jazz Age’s splendor.

Where You Will Stay

To truly embrace the duality of The Great Gatsby, spend your time between the timeless elegance of The Hamptons, reminiscent of Gatsby’s grand estate, and the vibrant energy of New York City, just a short drive away. The Club offers exclusive residences in both locations, allowing you to experience the quiet sophistication of Long Island’s shores and the pulse of Manhattan — just as Gatsby did between his grand soirées and the city lights.

7. Audrey Niffenegger’s Chicago

Immerse yourself in The Time Traveler's Wife, a poignant love story of Clare and Henry, whose unconventional relationship unfolds against the backdrop of Chicago's iconic landmarks. From the Newberry Library, where Henry first meets Clare, to the bustling streets of the Loop, the city serves as a silent witness to their extraordinary journey through time. Explore the neighborhoods and institutions that shaped their lives, and experience firsthand the settings that bring this modern classic to life.

Where You Will Stay

One of ten prestigious hotels in the world to boast five-star Forbes ratings, our coveted two-bedroom homes gaze out over a 180-degree view of the river and Lake Michigan — in a prime downtown locale for easy city living and exploring tourist attractions.

8. J.G. Ballard's Shanghai

Step into the wartime Shanghai of Empire of the Sun, where the city becomes both a symbol of beauty and destruction. Follow the journey of young Jim — caught in a world of Japanese occupation during World War II. Set against Shanghai's iconic skyline and busy streets, the novel paints a vivid picture of life in a city torn between East and West. The rich cultural and political tensions during this period serve as a haunting backdrop for Jim’s coming-of-age story.

Where You Will Stay

Opened on the historic Bund in 2009, The Peninsula Hotels’ flagship hotel — The Peninsula Shanghai — in Mainland China is a beacon of luxury hospitality on the city’s iconic riverfront promenade.

9. Ruta Sepetys' Madrid

As part of our The Club's inaugural Book Club, we've delved into a variety of rich settings and compelling stories. The Fountains of Silence took us to 1950s Madrid, where the shadows of Spain's turbulent history cast a deep, mysterious aura over the lives of its characters. A must-visit landmark for any traveler is the Prado Museum, where the beauty of Spanish art intertwines with the city’s storied past.

Where You Will Stay

For those looking to experience Madrid in luxury, the versatile One Bedroom Suite at Rosewood Villa Magna offers a separate sitting area, a spacious walk-in closet, and large marble bathroom with double vanity, bath, and separate rain shower. Watch our conversation with the Ruta Sepetys, where we dive deeper into the novel’s themes and its historical setting.

10. Jo Piazza's Sicily

Our next Book Club meeting transported us to the rolling hills and dramatic landscapes of Sicily within The Sicilian Inheritance where family legacies and secrets intertwine amidst the backdrop of Italian tradition. A visit to the stunning Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is a must for anyone exploring Sicily’s ancient past.

Where You Will Stay

Our 3- or 4-bedroom villas with uninterrupted ocean views, Verdura Villas, combine space and privacy with the luxury services of the five-star Rocco Forte’s Verdura Resort — including a private beach, restaurant, and spa — a mere golf cart ride away.

More to Explore

For those wishing to experience the essence of Sicily firsthand, The Club offers a private journey called The Essence of Sicily, where you can explore the island’s breathtaking landscapes and rich history.

.