Want to remember what life was like pre-smartphones? These stays will woo you away from your gadget, proving that unplugging doesn't have to be a sacrifice.
La Raia, Gavi
@la_raia
Few places elicit that "and now...breathe" moment quite like La Raia. Just an hour and half's drive from Turin, this secluded retreat offers that deep exhalation, with mind-stilling views of vineyards and sculpture-strewn paths, and 12 individual and exquisitely put-together suites. Rooms are deliberately low-fi in design, with nothing techier than the air-con and a whirlpool tub for soaking after a leg-wearying romp across the 455-acre estate. Elsewhere, it's all low-slung beams, abstract landscapes and lovingly restored antiques – plus a restaurant with stellar eco-credentials and tasting menus complemented by gavi and barbera produced on the biodynamic farm. Spend a few hours rallying on the tennis court, gliding through the sun-streaked pool or gazing at vats of maturing wine, and you'll start to wonder if Wi-Fi was just a strange dream you once had.
Gangtey Lodge, Gangtey Valley
@gangteylodge
(Image: Anthony Do)
Instead of charging your phone, charge your soul at Gangtey Lodge in Bhutan, with the pristine nature reserve of Phobjikha Valley as your 'garden'. Drink in panoramic views of the 17th-century monastery, traditional farmhouses and craggy mountains, densely forested with Himalayan blue pine. Gangtey Lodge's Wellbeing Retreat celebrates the Bhutanese 'five keys' to wellbeing: nature, spirituality, connection, community and rejuvenation. Explore historic trails through lush forests, passing crane nesting sites and open meadows. Join local monks in a shedra (monastic college)for guided meditation; back at the hotel, relax to the point of somnolence with hot-stone baths and bodywork massages.
Casa Palopó, Lake Atitlán
@casapalopo
Divide your admiration between shimmering Guatemala's Lake Atitlán and three majestic volcanoes at Casa Palopó, the country's first Relais & Châteaux hotel. With no TVs or digital distractions in bedrooms or communal areas, this 15-room hideaway puts the emphasis firmly on nature, culture and connection. Off-grid experiences include private sunrise yoga sessions on the helipad deck and Mayan-led shamanic blessing ritualsat sunset. Go paddleboarding or kayaking on the lake, take boat trips to nearby villages, hike across the volcanoes or the Rostro Maya trail, or enjoy meditation or painting on the terrace. Guests can also volunteer to paint homes in a neighbouring village.
Capella Ubud
@capellaubud
For a proper factory reset, be cocooned by emerald rainforest at Capella Ubud in Bali, Bill Bensley's architectural tribute to the European settlers of the 1800s. Those settlers hadn't heard of 'minimal intervention', but Bill has – and he used this spirit to preserve the local flora and fauna, leaving trees and local plants untouched. With just 22 one-bedroom tents and one two-bedroom lodge, the camp is anything but crowded. Drive through active black lava fields on the slope of Mount Batur for breakfast overlooking the lunar-like landscape, cycle across neon-green rice terraces or uncover Balinese culture via temple visits and water purification rituals at Wos River Temple.
Tiamo Resorts, South Andros Island
@tiamoresort
Hop on a boat or seaplane for Tiamo, on South Andros Island in the Bahamas. Your reward comes in the form of 11 sustainably built villas and two rooms, powered by solar energy. Stake out your favourite patch of the private beach or swap your phone for a good, old-fashioned book (remember them?) from the library, best read in a poolside lounge chair, rum cocktail in hand. Maximise the resort's position on the South Bight with aquatic adventures such as water-skiing and wakeboarding. Dive into the spectacular offshore reef, go snorkelling or paddleboarding, set off in a transparent canoe, or try reef fishing on the 'Tongue of the Ocean'.
Suján Sher Bagh, Ranthambore
@thesujanlife
Two words sure to make you put your phone down: Bengal tigers. Up-close encounters with nature's iconic striped predator are entirely possible at Suján Sher Bagh in India, which rubs shoulders with Ranthambore National Park. Twice-daily guided safaris are punctuated by cooling dips in the shaded swimming pool and Indian campfire dinners, accompanied by stirring stories. Inspired by 1920s safaris, the camp's elegant tents feature tiger-centric decor and private verandas overlooking wild jungle grasses. Channel your inner explorer and pen postcards to the folks back home (tiger brags optional) at your writing desk.
The Lodge at Blue Sky, Utah
@blueskyauberge
Enfolded within Utah's epic Wasatch mountain range, The Lodge at Blue Sky promotes 'ReWilding Wellbeing', harnessing 4,000 acres of meadows, groves and alpine trails. Unwind with massages, meditation and quiet reflection at the Nest, or discover vibrational healing at the creekside Edge Sanctuary. Other wholesome pursuits include aerial yoga and gasp-inducing cold plunges. Indigenous traditions are honoured at the Sweat Lodge, whose healing rituals were developed in partnership with Shoshone Chief Darren Parry. Gather beside a crackling fire for storytelling and sage blessings, be soothed by equine therapy, or go biking, hiking or honey tasting.
Six Senses La Sagesse
@sixsenseslasagesse
Over in Grenada, Six Senses La Sagesse takes digital detoxes seriously, as its four-tier programme attests. Level one is Unplugged Meals, with phones secured in Yondr boxes and conversation cards prompting meaningful convos. Level two, Unplugged Moments, is a guided, phone-free adventure: chocolate making with local farmers, perhaps. Take it up a notch with Level 3: Unplugged Rooms, enjoying in-room board games, bedtime storybooks and creative activities. Hardcore phone-addicts: level four, Unplugged Experiences, features meditation, yoga nidra and Alchemy Bar sessions for three-seven phone-free nights.
Discover more fantastic restaurants, bars and hotels with 50 Best Discovery, and start planning your next adventure.
