In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven society, disconnecting from the digital world is becoming increasingly important. The rise of digital detox retreats reflects a growing desire among travellers to escape the constant buzz of notifications and the pressures of being chronically online.
Destinations like Eremito, a former monastery nestled in the peaceful hills of Umbria, Italy, where guests are immersed in an environment free of Wi-Fi, phone signals, and televisions. Here, you trade your digital distractions for silence, stillness, and the gentle soundtrack of nature.
Many visitors report a profound sense of calm and mental clarity, often feeling reluctant to return to their devices after just a few days in this tech-free sanctuary. The absence of digital interruptions creates a calm state that many people find surprisingly refreshing.
The 2025 Hilton Trends Report reveals that 27% of travellers plan to limit social media use while on vacation, while the luxury rental platform Plum Guide has seen a 17% jump in searches for tech-free accommodations.
Even upscale resorts like Grand Velas in Mexico now feature dedicated “Digital Detox” programs, complete with a concierge who collects guests’ electronic devices upon arrival. This suggests a strong interest in travel experiences that offer a genuine break from the digital world, and the concept itself doesn’t require much; it just requires the willingness to unplug.
While technology plays a vital role in organizing travel through online bookings, check-ins, and digital maps, it often becomes overwhelming when it dominates the vacation itself. Constant scrolling and social media checking can interfere with truly relaxing and being present.
A UK-based wellness platform, It’s Time To Log Off, reports that people spend the equivalent of a full day each week online, and 62% of adults express dissatisfaction with how much time is devoted to their phones.
This growing dissatisfaction is leading to changes in the travel industry. Martin Dunford, founder and CEO of Cool Places, a UK-based travel site, notes a shift in traveller priorities. Their platform lists over 30 digital detox-friendly spots, from eco-yurts in Cornwall to remote boathouses in the Lake District.
Research by the University of Greenwich found that while many guests initially struggle with disconnection, they often feel more present, relaxed, and engaged in offline activities by the second day. The benefits of these retreats go beyond simple breaks from screens. For many, digital detoxing fosters emotional renewal and deeper social connections.
Couples frequently report that tech-free time enhances their relationships, allowing for more meaningful conversations and undivided attention. This suggests that being forced to disconnect, even temporarily, can lead to a better sense of well-being. Some might ask why travelers need to book a retreat to unplug instead of just turning off their devices at home. But in reality, digital habits are deeply ingrained. It becomes difficult to truly step away without physical separation from screens or a structured environment that removes the option to use them. Research from 2019 found that people often need an external boundary to help overcome initial discomfort and reach a state of enjoyment and peace. The motivation behind these retreats usually stems from personal experiences with digital burnout.
Former Facebook employee Rosanna Irwin founded Samsú, a series of off-grid cabins in Ireland, inspired by her burnout and transformative tech-free weekend on the Danish island of Samsø. These cabins intentionally exclude internet access, offering board games, books, and a serene setting to encourage mindful presence. Similarly, Unplugged, co-founded by Hector Hughes after a 10-day phone-free retreat in the Himalayas, operates minimalist solar-powered cabins in the UK and Spain. These retreats focus on resetting the nervous system through short tech detox getaways surrounded by nature and promoting creativity and mindfulness. Other digital detox options are popping up worldwide. The Offline Club offers multi-day retreats and phone-free events in Europe to encourage in-person connection. Swallowtail Hill in East Sussex hosts outdoor, off-grid family experiences, replacing screens with nature and storytelling. Colombia’s Morromico Lodge blends eco-tourism with digital disconnection, and the Global Retreat Company also curates screen-free getaways, from yoga retreats to no-phone surf camps across the globe.
As the digital detox trend grows, it raises important questions about the future of travel and daily life. Experts like Dunford believe these getaways may eventually become the norm rather than the exception. With growing concerns over screen time’s impact on sleep, stress, and mental health, more people are seeking vacations that restore balance through intentional disconnection. The popularity of such retreats reflects a cultural shift toward valuing presence, mental clarity, and real-world connection over constant connectivity.
For anyone looking to reclaim their mental space and recharge, a digital detox retreat may be precisely what the wellness doctor ordered.
