Relax and reset at these tech-free retreats during this summer and beyond
Euphoria Retreat, Greece
Euphoria Retreat, Greece
Situated near the southern UNESCO World Heritage site of Mystras in Greece, the architecture of the Euphoria Retreat is inspired by Byzantine design, complementing its natural surroundings and providing a serene backdrop for relaxation. The retreat offers guests an opportunity to unplug from their devices and reconnect with themselves in a structured and supportive environment. A key element of Euphoria’s digital detox programme is the restriction of mobile phone use in both the restaurant and the spa. This policy creates a distraction-free setting, allowing guests to fully engage in their physical and emotional well-being activities without the interruptions of modern technology. Alongside their property-wide approach to technology, the retreat offers a variety of wellness programmes, including detox, weight loss, yoga, and mindfulness classes.
These programmes are designed to help guests restore balance and achieve a state of well-being. Expert guidance is provided throughout, with an emphasis on facilitating profound physical and emotional transformation. Guests are encouraged to embark on a journey of self-discovery within a safe and nurturing environment. Standout facilities include the striking sphere pool, located within a domed structure and reaching a depth of 3.5 metres, where guests diving into the pool can experience the unique sensation of hearing the sounds of dolphins and whales. Meanwhile, Euphoria Retreat’s spa facilities include a tepidarium, a Byzantine hammam, along with a range of treatments aimed at rejuvenation and relaxation. The retreat also offers personalised nutrition plans based on individual assessments, supporting guests in their wellness journeys.
Chiva-Som Hua Hin, Thailand
The Chiva-Som retreat is situated on Thailand’s Gulf coast in an area known as Hua Hin, which is famed as being the preferred holiday destination for Thai royalty. The resort enforces a policy that restricts the use of mobile phones, personal computers, and electronic devices to only guest rooms and the library, thereby preserving a tranquil environment conducive to relaxation and self-reflection. This approach is designed to support guests’ wellness journey and to mitigate the constant distractions and micro-stressors associated with digital device usage. By encouraging guests to disconnect from their devices, the resort aims to enhance mental clarity, improve focus, and facilitate deeper connections with oneself and others.
While device-free, guests can engage in a variety of wellness activities, including yoga sessions, meditation, and mindfulness practices, all intended to promote mental and physical well-being. The resort’s holistic approach encompasses a range of treatments and therapies that support the digital detox experience. The spa encompasses 70 treatment rooms, offering a comprehensive range of therapies that blend traditional Thai healing with modern wellness practices. Signature treatments include the Chiva-Som Spa Haven Body Cocoons, such as the Cleansing Cocoon, which utilises a deep cleansing coffee scrub to exfoliate the skin and stimulate circulation, aiding in the removal of toxins. Another option, the Revitalising Cocoon, combines a zesty Thai herbal body scrub with an oil massage to relieve pain and polish the skin. The Siam Ritual Cocoon features an active herbal scrub with sea salt, followed by a nourishing wrap with aloe vera and rejuvenating body moisturiser to soothe sensitive skin.
Blackberry Mountain, Tennessee, US
Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, the Relais & Châteaux resort Blackberry Mountain is designed for guests seeking a digital detox in a natural setting. Spanning 5,200 acres, over half of the property is dedicated to conservation, providing an environment conducive to relaxation and disconnection from digital distractions. The resort offers sumptuous but rustic accommodation, including stone cottages, chic treehouses, and mountain homes, all constructed with local materials to blend with the natural surroundings. Each unit is equipped with amenities that encourage guests to unwind without relying on technology. Throughout the stay, there is a plethora of wellness activities including forest bathing, yoga, sound bathing, and aerial yoga sessions.
Guests are also encouraged to engage in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and climbing, which are facilitated by the resort’s extensive trail system and natural features. The on-site spa, Nest, adds to the experience, offering treatments focused on healing and recovery, such as fascia sculpting and assisted stretching. Culinary offerings at the property focus on seasonal menus that champion healthy ingredients, all served with panoramic mountain views. Blackberry Mountain’s approach to luxury is centred on providing an environment where guests can disconnect from digital devices and reconnect with nature and personal well-being. The resort’s emphasis on conservation, wellness, and outdoor activities makes it the ideal destination for those seeking a retreat from the demands of modern digital life.
Gili Lankanfushi, the Maldives
Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives is a delightful five-star retreat with a digital detox ethos, which they call their “No News, No Shoes” philosophy. Guests are encouraged to disconnect from technology and avoid distractions such as news and social media. This approach is designed to foster a more mindful, relaxing experience, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings.”No News, No Shoes” underpins the entire guest experience, promoting simplicity, tranquillity, and a deeper connection with nature. Personal butler service is provided, with each guest assigned someone to help assist to facilitate a seamless digital detox. Whether arranging activities or ensuring guests’ comfort, the butlers play a key role in maintaining the resort’s serene atmosphere.
The focus on disconnection supports a broader commitment to wellbeing. Guests are encouraged to embrace outdoor activities such as snorkelling, helping them engage with the natural environment rather than digital devices. While high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort, the property actively encourages disconnection, helping to strike a balance that may appeal to those looking to dip their toes in to try a digital detox. Providing guests the opportunity to step away from daily pressures and return to a simpler, more mindful way of living.
