Planning a digital detox? Switch off at these six beautiful places…
On average, we spend almost 28 hours a week on our screens, and pick up our phones over 300 times a day. Just think what else you could be doing – or not doing.
If you’re planning some kind of digital detox, or one of your resolutions is to cut back on screen time, why not do it somewhere nice? And the travel industry could really use your support – what more excuse do you need?!
We’ve found some beautiful places where Wi-Fi is non-existent, the views are incredible, and the vibe is very much ‘out of the office’. What better way to kickstart the year and work on your mental health? A chance to totally recharge and enjoy the tranquillity of these remote getaways.
Joali Being – Maldives
The Maldives’ newest retreat, this is the first dedicated nature-immersive wellbeing retreat of its kind here. It’s only been open a few weeks.
The focus is on enabling you to reconnect with nature, and enjoy a journey of self-discovery and renewal. Combining ancient knowledge with modern science, woven around the ‘Four Pillars’ of Joali Being – Mind, Skin, Microbiome and Energy.
As part of the rejuvenation ethos, there is no WI-FI at all outside of your villa. If you’re lucky enough to be able to book a stay here, you will be part of an exclusive group of travellers to transform themselves in this sustainable yet glamorous environment. So put the phone down!
Book through Experience Travel
FiveElements – Indonesia
Switching off and embracing the tranquillity of the rural location with some gentle walks, cycling and yoga will do anyone a world of good. However, for those looking for a more rejuvenating experience, FiveElements has a bit more to offer.
This award-winning wellness retreat blends the wisdom of traditional Balinese healing with innovative wellness concepts. From Ayurveda to holistic doctor treatments, it’s a peaceful sanctuary, embracing authentic Balinese healing, plant-based cuisine, and sacred arts.
Enjoy yoga, nurturing plant-based menus, Balinese therapies, and experiential activities like traditional cooking. A healing retreat for regeneration, replenishment, and alignment.
Vista Verde Ranch – Colorado, USA
If you really want to escape reality, then this place is straight out of a Christmas movie. A working ranch 25 miles away from the nearest traffic light in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Experience what it feels like to be a cowboy/girl with not a care in the world as you take in the scenic snow-covered mountains and enjoy whiling away your days/nights in front of a roaring real log fire.
You’ll be able to completely switch off and immerse yourself in nature as you can experience all the activities, you’d expect such as horse riding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and more.
Stay in a luxurious log cabin with all the comforts of home, make your way to the main lodge for hearty meals made from the freshest ingredients.
Book a child-free stay at Vista Verde
Warwick Gardens – Sri Lanka
You’ll be transported back in time, to even before the Internet, at this converted colonial tea plantation mansion. Set in 30 acres over 6000ft above sea level, it has just five luxurious rooms. Perfect for getting away from the madding crowd.
This is the perfect setting for an intimate getaway, soaking up the atmosphere of a bygone era. Tech will feel completely out of place here.
Sri Lanka is of course known for its tea and here you can explore its origins, walking through the tea plantations and sampling the delights that are grown on the property.
The hospitality here really is second to none and you won’t need to worry about checking emails or voicemails as you drift off into the 1930s, and sink into the sounds of nature surrounding you.
Book Warwick Gardens in Sri Lanka
Koh Jum Beach Villas – Thailand
This 19-villa retreat is shrouded in jungle, next to a 700-metre beach on an island that has managed to avoid mass development. It’s one of the few remaining beach retreats in Thailand where you can truly escape the everyday without compromising on comfort.
Switch off your screens (there are no TVs in the villas) and spend your days kayaking, snorkelling, relaxing with a massage or enjoying delicious food made with produce from the organic garden.
Each of the well-designed luxury villas is directly on the resort’s seven-hundred-meter-long-beach. Or in the lush tropical gardens with beautiful sunset views overlooking the Phi Phi National Marine Park.
And they are also working hard to make their resort sustainable with their own bottled filter water, locally sourced amenities, and even open-air showers.
Book Koh Jum with Experience Travel
Vil Uyana – Sri Lanka
Welcome to the most exclusive sanctuary on earth. This man-made nature reserve has 26 species of mammals, 150 species of birds, 51 species of butterflies and 35 species of amphibians and reptiles within the grounds.
The highlight is slender loris, fishing cat and Eurasian otter. All living alongside guests with night-time safaris available. Guests can even lay camera ‘traps’ to take home footage of their findings. They have also just had the birth of 20 baby crocodiles; the first known at a reserve in the world.
This is an exquisite experience for animal lovers, with many different excursions. From whale and dolphin watching, to witnessing the gathering of elephants at the Minneriya National Park. Which is a spectacle found nowhere else in the world. There truly is no better way to digitally detox.
Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.
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