Why the digital detox is the best way to truly recharge on holiday: wellness retreats like Chiva-Som, Serenity Spa at Pine Cliffs Resort and Petit St Vincent Resort let you relax without technology

Aug 19 , 2023

Sometimes the best way to truly reset while on holiday is to digitally detox, taking a break from your phone, laptop or tablet. Photo: Shutterstock

In this fast-paced era, where screens and devices hold us captive, technology is woven into our daily lives, leaving us accosted by alert after alert. The remedy to this modern-age problem? Digital detox retreats, spas and centres designed to support a journey free from technological chains.

While not an entirely new concept, these havens of digital detoxification are now more popular than ever. While there, people set aside their digital devices to revitalise, gain fresh insights and re-examine their connection with technology in the modern world – 100 per cent tech-free.

Digital detox retreats are popular – especially among travellers who live in cities. Photo: Handout

As a general rule, digital detox retreats involve embarking on a short yet dedicated phase of disconnecting from devices, enabling you to embrace personal connections, ease stress, and fully immerse yourself in the tangible world surrounding you.

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Nowadays, there are hundreds of retreats around the world offering these kinds of experiences. Chanyapak Suwankantha, wellness director at Chiva-Som Hua Hin, explains how, in a world saturated with technology, the chance to detach ourselves from devices can provide us with deep health and wellness benefits.

“Unplugging allows for increased mindfulness, reduced stress, and improved sleep quality. It fosters genuine human connections, enabling individuals to be present at the moment and engage in meaningful interactions,” she says.

Chiva-Som is an award-winning luxury health resort in Hua Hin, Thailand. Photo: Handout

Chiva-Som, an award-winning luxury health resort nestled along the peaceful shores of Thailand, extends an invitation to embark on a personal journey to well-being, meticulously guided by a team of seasoned experts working with you to provide a harmonious fusion of health, body, mind and spirit.

“Disconnecting rejuvenates mental clarity, promotes relaxation, and empowers a balanced lifestyle,” Suwankantha says. “By stepping away from screens, one can rekindle their relationship with nature, enhancing physical well-being and fostering a deeper sense of inner peace.”

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What will you be doing instead of scrolling on your phone? Embarking on forest escapades crowned with hilltop meditation, wandering through flourishing organic gardens, experiencing the relaxing powers of oriental foot rituals and a wide variety of nature-first activities that effortlessly eclipse the urge for photographs.

The Serenity Spa at Pine Cliffs. Photo: Handout

Another popular detox destination is the Serenity Spa at Pine Cliffs Resort in Portugal, a wellness programme designed to combat burnout and stress while embracing the art of slowing down and rediscovering inner harmony.

From rejuvenating treatments to access to the Thermal Oasis, which is equipped with an herbal sauna, hydrotherapy pools, a jacuzzi, steam rooms and a salt sauna, this retreat immerses you into a secluded journey of deep relaxation, inviting you to embrace digital detachment by leaving your phone behind on a designated sleeping bag for two nights.

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Petit St Vincent Resort is a luxurious private island paradise. Photo: Handout

On the other side of the Atlantic and nestled in the Grenadines, Petit St Vincent Resort’s secluded sanctuary offers visitors dense hills and coral-filled beaches on an island that remains untouched by habitation – no vehicles, no telephones, TVs or Wi-fi in neither of their ocean view cottages and villas. This absence of modernity mirrors a tribute to authenticity, where privacy and slow-paced days fill up your agenda.

While some of these retreats make it mandatory to leave your tech devices behind, while others simply suggest it as part of a well-rounded experience, most would agree that enhancing your trip through a digital detox can make your stay much more nurturing.

Petit St Vincent Resort’s accommodations have no Wi-fi. Photo: Handout

“Detaching from tech devices enables participants to immerse themselves fully in the retreat’s offerings. It revitalises the mind, body and spirit, allowing individuals to truly engage with therapeutic activities, meditation and self-discovery sessions,” Suwankantha says. It encourages visitors to make the most of their experience by approaching it with an open heart and a willingness to embrace the present moment.

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“Embrace nature walks, connect with fellow participants, and savour the serenity. Engage in mindfulness practices, journaling and soulful reflection, enabling a deeper connection with oneself. By committing to a digital detox, participants unlock the retreat’s full potential, cultivating lasting inner harmony and renewed vitality.”

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Wellness

We’ve all become slaves to technology through work, social media and entertainment, but it’s important to realise that to truly unwind, one must leave behind the smartphones, tablets and laptops
Digital detox retreats, spas and centres are designed to assist this journey in a leisurely space, so disconnect from it all by indulging in these top technology-free spots around the world