A New Trend in Wellness

As Laura Hall of the BBC reported, the trend of digital detox retreats, where guests disconnect from their electronic devices, is on the rise. The experience not only provides a break from the distractions of the digital world but also appears to contribute to better mental health, making it a popular choice among travellers.

The desire to disconnect is becoming more prevalent in an increasingly connected world. The rise of digital detox retreats, which encourage guests to put away their electronic devices during their stay, is a testament to this trend. These retreats provide a much-needed break from the constant buzz of notifications, offering guests a chance to reconnect with themselves and their environment.

A Growing Trend

Offline travel is one of the notable trends of the year. According to the 2025 Hilton Trends Report, 27% of adults planning to travel intend to reduce their social media use during holidays. Furthermore, the global luxury home-rental platform Plum Guide has noted a 17% rise in searches for unplugged, tech-lite properties. The luxury Grand Velas Resorts in Mexico has even launched a Digital Detox Program with a “Detox Concierge” to collect all electronic devices on arrival.

This interest in digital detox is not limited to luxury travel. It is a trend available to everyone, requiring no additional cost and demanding only the willingness to give less attention to digital devices.

Reconsidering Tech’s Role in Travel

While technology has become integral to travel logistics, such as bookings and itineraries, its dominating presence in the holiday experience can feel counterproductive to the concept of relaxation and escape. A report by ‘It’s Time To Log Off’ reveals that the average person spends a day each week online, and 34% of people have checked Facebook in the last 10 minutes. A staggering 62% of adults reportedly “hate” the amount of time they spend on their phones.

Wellness Through Offline Travel

The demand for digital detox retreats has increased, with accommodations offering tech-free stays. Cool Places, a UK-based website that curates hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering accommodations, is among them. Acknowledging the growing interest in digital detox, the website is adding a ‘no Wi-Fi’ tag to its listings.

However, shifting from a hyperconnected lifestyle to a tech-free one does not come without challenges. According to research in collaboration with the University of Greenwich and the University of East Anglia, guests initially experience restlessness during a digital detox stay. Still, they gradually adjust and engage in other activities.

Creating Boundaries for Digital Freedom

Breaking away from digital addiction is a challenging task. A 2019 study on digital-free tourism found that travellers initially experience anxiety and frustration when disconnected from their devices. But these feelings give way to acceptance, enjoyment, and liberation over time.

The concept of digital detox retreats is not merely escaping technology but encouraging a shift in lifestyle. For instance, Samsú, an off-grid cabin business in the Irish countryside, provides a tech-free environment for guests to rediscover their creativity and mindfulness. Similarly, Unplugged, a group of tech-detox cabins in the UK and Spain, aims to make digital detoxing an aspirational experience rather than a forced necessity.

Looking Forward

The digital detox trend may be a reaction to our hyperconnected world, but it is also a glimpse into a potential future where being offline during holidays becomes the norm. Whether it’s a luxury resort offering a comprehensive Digital Detox Program or a simple cabin in the countryside with no wi-fi, the demand for digital detox retreats is rising. As more people recognize the benefits of disconnecting from the digital world, even if only temporarily, the trend of digital detox retreats is set to continue.

Discover more at BBC.