We live in a time of complete technological dependence. We spend on average 3 hours a day glued to mobile devices, and those under 25 spend 4.5 hours a day. If you fancy returning to the days before internet or mobiles, then check out these six hotels for a complete digital detox to start the new year.
Royal Hideaway Sancti Petri
This exclusive oasis on the coast of Cadiz offers a ‘digital detox’ break from 3 to 7 days to break away from your from digital devices. All devices are confiscated at reception when you arrive. Part of the treatment is a 45-minute massage designed to work on your hands, wrists and arms, which are the parts of your body most affected when using smartphone and tablets. The program is completed with sports activities and meditation.
Eremito
It’s called Eremito ‘Hotelito de l’Alma’ , and the name says it all. Located in a small village about one hour from Orvieto in the heart of Tuscany (Italy), the idea here is to make your stay an almost monastic retreat. There’s no TV or Wi-Fi, but there is a spa area, meditation classes, yoga, chromotherapy, etc. and it all comes accompanied by Gregorian chants. Food is vegetarian, and dinner is served in silence each evening. Individual rooms start at €179 per night.
Palm Island Resort
This paradise lies in the middle of the Caribbean without telephone, TV, or internet. However, in return, you have five outstanding beaches, a lake and bicycles to enjoy your exclusive version of ‘Blue Summer’. A one week stay costs around €3000. More information is available on their website.
Vincci Rumaykiyya
The Vincci Hotel chain is one of the most passionate about digital detox, which it offers in hotels like Vincci Rumaykiyya, in the Sierra Nevada at 2400m above sea level. Once you arrive at the hotel, you’re greeted with a depurative juice and after you have to hand over your laptop, tablet, mobile, etc. to start your detox experience. For €165 a night for a room, you get half board with access to the jacuzzi and sauna. The hotel also offers optional extras like sports activities, relaxation and beauty treatments.
Camp Grounded
This is a camp for adults in California and its motto is ‘disconnect to reconnect’. They strip you of all your gadgets and turn you into a boy scout with only a multiuse penknife to keep you entertained during your stay. It costs €600 for a weekend stay, and you can sign up here.
Lizard Island Resort
There’s no Wi-Fi or mobile phone coverage on this spectacular resort on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Get ready to enjoy the resort, the magnificent views, picnics in the most wonderful spots, tennis and snorkelling lessons, great food… and forget that you’re now broke: a night at this exclusive resort will set you back €1269 (with all meals and drinks included). Here’s their website.
