4 Digital Detox Vacations Around the World


Are you checking your Facebook, Instagram or Twitter accounts several times a day? Keeping your smartphone at the dinner table and near you in the bedroom? Here’s the bad news: You may be slightly obsessed. But the good news is: You’re not alone.  A Pew Internet Study found  67% of mobile users find themselves checking their phone for messages, alerts, or calls – even when they don’t notice their phone ringing or vibrating. Some 18% of cell owners say that they do this “frequently.” Thankfully hotels around the world are offering the perfect solution–digital detox vacation packages. Here a few destinations you should consider.

[Related: How To Live the Good Life: Watch 5 Inspirational TED Talks by Women]

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica
Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

The hotel encourages its guests to go without their phones for one day. Upon check-in, Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica provides “24 Things to Do Without Technology,” a booklet offering ideas for tech-free activities, such as learning the exciting sport of stand up paddle boarding; trying a Costa Rican coffee scrub treatment at the Spa; enjoying a pipa fria, coconut water fresh from the coconut by the pool; taking the Trail of Giants or environmental golf tour and planting their own native tree in Costa Rica. After your digital detox, your phone is returned with a new custom cover featuring one of the resort’s memorable vistas.

Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Hilton Head, S.C.
For those of us who need extra help staying off the grid, the Westin Hilton Head encourages guests to give up their car keys as part of the “Unplug Hilton Head” package. Plus, hotel staff can disable your TV, stash your cellphone and give you a spa credit.

You’ll also receive a Keyless Survival Kit that includes sunrise and sunset alerts, island walking and biking maps, flashlights and more.

The InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa
Natadola Bay, Fiji
One of the best ways to fall completely off the grid is to find an exotic, remote location. This breathtakingly beautiful five star resort encourages business travelers to turn away from technology and surrender to serenity. With the option to ditch your mobile phone and computer and give up Wi-Fi access at check-in, you can gain access to your own Butler to act as an executive assistant during your stay.

Take note: Guests who are caught catching up on work e-mails or making business calls after choosing to disconnect are susceptible to “pampering penalties” issued at the discretion of the butler. It’s all in good fun considering penalties range from spending an hour in the pool to enjoying cocktails and canapés at sunset that night.

Your butler is also available to relay any important messages that come via the hotel reception desk. Visit fiji.intercontinental.com to learn more.

The Westin Dublin
Dublin, Ireland

The Westin Dublin is a luxury five star hotel offering guest a phenomenal opportunity to escape from electronic chatter. Whether you’re looking to ditch your smartphone, laptop or camera gadget, you can store your electronic devices in a safe, in exchange for a “detox survival kit.”A detox survival kit features information on discovering the city of Dublin and a walking map,  a newspaper, a relaxing white tea candle, a board game and a tree planting kit to take home with you.

Have you ever taken a digital detox vacation? Share with me in the comments below.


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