In an era marked by burnout and digital fatigue, purposeful travel is gaining momentum. The Travelling Bookbinder’s Shetland Text and Texture Retreat, scheduled for 24th–27th March 2026, reflects this shift through an intimate four-day programme on the remote Shetland Islands. The experience combines bookbinding with the archipelago’s raw landscapes and is positioned as a restorative option for travellers seeking calm, creativity, and time away from screens.
Wellness tourism has become a major force in global travel. The Global Wellness Institute reported expenditures of 651 billion dollars in 2022 and forecasts a rise to 1.4 trillion dollars by 2027, with spending expected to grow by 16.6% annually. Industry predictions indicate that holidays focused on stillness, sleep, and screen free routines will become increasingly common in 2026.
Creative retreats align closely with these trends. A systematic review in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy found that crafts based activities can reduce anxiety and depression while supporting social functioning. A separate study in the Journal of Positive Psychology reported that small creative tasks improve happiness and emotional resilience by promoting mindfulness. Nature exposure strengthens these effects, with coastal and wild environments associated with lower cortisol levels and greater emotional balance.
Participants in the Shetland retreat will create seven stitched bindings housed in a bespoke slipcase. The work draws inspiration from Shetland’s geological layers, fibres, and patterns reminiscent of Fair Isle knitting.
Key elements of the retreat
- Digital disconnection: Screens are set aside in favour of stitching and quiet exploration, encouraging mental clarity and reconnection.
- Nature immersion: Coastal walks and guided outings provide a nature based reset against the backdrop of cliffs, open horizons, and abundant wildlife.
- Small group learning: Limited spaces make the experience highly personalised, with room for individual experimentation.
- Creative well-being: The retreat supports the growing interest in hands on hobbies and literary themed travel.
Why Shetland
Shetland, Scotland’s northernmost archipelago, is known for Norse heritage, rich wildlife, and enduring craft traditions. The islands prioritise sustainable tourism and maintain a strong sense of place. Lerwick serves as the retreat centre, with the main studio located above the Peerie Shop, a knitwear venue filled with designer Victoria Gibson’s vibrant work.
Participants will travel to Burra for a RISO print workshop at Gaada, which uses plant based inks and a waterless process that combines elements of screen printing and photocopying.
Four day programme
- Day one: Introduces basic folds and stitches in the Lerwick studio and provides time for participants to settle in.
- Day two: Focuses on printing, with a three hour RISO session that produces sheets for later experiments.
- Day three: Includes collating, ink play, collage, and a visit to the Shetland Museum for inspiration drawn from archaeological objects and maritime collections.
- The final day: Centres on crafting a custom slipcase, ending with a show and tell accompanied by tea and cake.
Lunches are prepared by the Peerie Shop Cafe, with one meal served in Scalloway after the printing session. The 995 pound fee covers tuition, materials, workshops, a goody bag, excursions, and refreshments. Participants are encouraged to bring scissors, a scalpel, a ruler, a glue stick, and a cutting mat.
Rachel Hazell, known as the Travelling Bookbinder, said: “In Shetland, creativity feels elemental. This retreat is about slowing down, making something beautiful with your hands, and leaving with a tangible reminder of your journey.”
As wellness tourism continues to evolve, the Shetland Text and Texture Retreat stands out for its blend of craft, nature, and reflection. With increasing interest in quiet luxury and regenerative travel, it offers a meaningful escape for travellers seeking purpose oriented experiences in 2026.