With most adults (and children alike) now owning multiple digital devices, the sheer amount of ‘screen-time’ we are all getting has hit an all-time high. Nearly a quarter of the UK population spends upwards of 10 hours a day with their face just a few inches from a screen, living most of their waking day in the digital world. Even the travel sector has ‘suffered’ from this digital addiction, with wi-fi and charging stations becoming the standard in almost all hotels and properties around the world. Whilst, for the most part, this is a positive offering, allowing a more home-from-home experience and keeping you in touch with your lives back home, we must not forget to switch off whilst away and fully embrace the destination that surrounds us. If you are looking to escape and mute the rest of the world for a while, read our top destinations for a digital detox below.
Phinda Game Reserve, South Africa
Phinda Game Reserve is uniquely located in a coastal forest in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Comprising 17,500 hectares the land is made up of wetland, grassland, woodland, marshes, pans and mounts with forest around it; housing a wealth of ecosystems and diverse wildlife. Here you can spot the Big 5 as well as black rhino and cheetah; the only digital device you’ll need is your camera!
Phinda Rock Lodge is the perfect base for your African adventure. Embedded into the cliff face, high above the game reserve, its diverse wildlife will provide you with what feels like a new environment each time you venture out of the lodge. Each of the six luxury suites come with an en suite, outdoor shower and an incredible veranda with a plunge pool. Replace the television with nature’s very own entertainment with breath-taking panoramic views from every window during your stay.
Daniel Bay Villa, Antigua
Antigua is a Caribbean island home to no less than 365 beautiful white sand beaches; one for every day of the year! Whether you want your digital escape to be an action-filled break or a restful, relaxing haven, Antigua is the island where you can do as little or as much as you like during your stay. For the party-goers, Shirley Heights is the place to be each Sunday night; where it seems the entire island comes out to party, drink rum punch and dance to the sound of a steel band.
Experience the very best in privacy and exclusivity with a stay at Daniel Bay Villa. As the only villa available in Daniel Bay, this secluded haven delivers uninterrupted views of its surrounding crystal blue waters, the ideal backdrop for the abundance of water sports available. Although the development feels private and secluded, some of Antigua’s finest bars and restaurants are just a stones throw away for when you want to dip back into civilisation for an evening or two.
Laucala Island, Fiji
Fiji is the ideal destination for a real ‘castaway’ experience, but with all the modern-day comforts. Spend your time hopping between the 332 stunning islands that collectively form the nation of Fiji. The warm, clear waters and the activities they have to offer are certainly the main event during any visit, a true water baby’s heaven! Mainland Fiji to the tip of this archipelago takes just 2 hours when boarding your own private Catamaran; also providing the ultimate look-out the coral reefs you will see on route.
For your own piece of Fijan paradise, stay on Laucala Island and experience its unparalleled levels of luxury. Laucala’s landscape is made up of dramatic volcanic mountains which stand proud above the kaleidoscopic coral reefs in the waters below. Not only will you benefit from a break in your digital life, but you can relax further knowing that each of the villas have been built using sustainable fibres and wood as well as all produce being organically grown on the island farm; forming the ultimate sustainable island break.
Villa le Scale, Capri Italy
Known as Italy’s most glamourous resort, the tiny Mediterranean island of Capri has an abundance of elegant, stylish residences within the most stunning setting. Although small, there’s no shortage of sites to explore on the island; the famous Blue Grotto, harbour boat trips and strolls through the quaint streets of the old town should keep you plenty busy enough for your tech to remain a distant memory.
Once the home of the Barons Monti Della Corte, Villa le Scale is one of the few remaining 19th Century Caprian Villas, and one of very few luxury private villas on Capri of this size. It’s all white, elegant exterior sits within a beautiful terraced garden, just a few minutes from the main square in Anacapri. If you can’t find peace and escapism in one of the most exclusive properties on the island, then we’re not sure where you will!
Chewton Glen Treehouses, Hampshire UK
As more and more people choose to holiday closer to home, it seems like the UK quite literally has everything to offer practically on your own doorstep. In the heart of the New Forest, the Chewton Glen Treehouses perfectly combine top end contemporary design with their natural woodland surroundings, high up in the canopy. High above the hustle and bustle of everyday life, lookout across the beautiful forest from each window and enjoy the surreal feeling of isolation and privacy. Luxury remains at the forefront of your stay with spa treatments available from within your own treehouse and breakfast hampers delivered to your door each morning to ensure a truly relaxing, hassle-free stay in the famous English countryside.
