Nine Incredible Places to Take a Digital Detox

Unplug from the digital world in one of these incredible locations.

When it’s hard to remember a time when you used “social” to mean anything but social media, or when faces and books and the mere concept of liking things had nothing to do with the internet, it might be time to unplug, and taking a so-called digital detox is a pretty rejuvenating way to do so. After all, a dose of ocean, blue sky, and fresh air can remind you that there’s more to life than swiping right.
Truly get away from it all at these nine resorts specializing in phone-free fun. Though, don’t worry, you’ll be forgiven for Instagramming at least once—you’re only human.

amanyara

Amanyara, Turks & Caicos

The Amanyara resort in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos is a hyper-luxe way to check out from the world. Meditate near the reflection pond, unwind at the infinity pool tiled in black volcanic rock, wander the zen garden, or unwind at the sala in the dunes. The resort’s open-air villas are designed for restfulness, with quiet corners and sundecks. Head to the beach, which is just a few steps away along a private path, or grab a golf cart to explore the nearby jungle and nature reserve.

Soneva

Soneva Fushi Resort, Maldives

It’s not easy to get to paradise. First fly to the Maldives Malé Airport, and then jump on a seaplane for a 30-minute flight to Soneva Fushilocated in the Baa Atoll on Kunfunadhoo Island. The island’s villas, which are designed to blend in with the natural surroundings, feature pools, outdoor terraces, and incredible amenities. The pristine atoll is an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the resort has plenty of ways to get in touch with nature, including free diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, windsurfing, and SCUBA certification. There’s even an outdoor cinema.

French Leave

French Leave Resort, Eleuthera, Bahamas

Anyone who wants to check out for a few days should consider checking into the French Leave Resort. This eco-resort on the tranquil Caribbean island of Eleuthera is surrounded by 270 acres of gorgeous landscape and looks out over crowd-free pink-sand beaches. It’s the perfect place to watch the azure waves crash or the stars come out at night (the hotel is Dark Sky preserve!). Leave your cell phone behind and hit the waves snorkeling at the nearby coral reef, boating, kayaking, windsurfing, visiting the island’s nature preserve, or exploring the picturesque Cupid’s Cay.

Sumaq

Sumaq Machu Picchu, Peru

If you’re looking for the perfect place to reconnect with your family without the cell phones and video games, head to Sumaq Machu Picchu, which sits at the foot of the ancient Incan stronghold on the banks of the Vilcanota River in Aguas Calientes. The hotel not only offers easy access to the World Heritage Site, but also gives guests the opportunity to explore Peruvian culture, from the Incan-inspired spa to Peruvian cooking classes, to activities like the “Pachamanca” earth ritual. The hotel also offers Mini Chefs cooking lessons for children and a “Time for Andean Tales” a story hour that explores the lore of Peru.

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach, Nevis

It’s not easy to get to Nevis—it involves a flight and a boat—but the Caribbean island’s remote location makes it a true escape. Check into one of the beachfront villas that make up Paradise Beach Nevis and spend your days relaxing on white sand and splashing in turquoise waters. The resort offers butler, concierge, and private chef service, as well as in-room spa treatments. Enjoy your downtime by SCUBA diving, getting to know the island’s native wildlife—including Green Vervet monkeys, goats, and tropical birds—or simply kick back and do nothing.

chedi-club

The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, Ubud, Bali

Set in 12 acres of manicured gardens surrounded by rice fields in Ubud, Bali, the Chedi Club offers villas with private pools, as well as butler service, breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, a tennis court, a spa, and an amphitheater. Guests can also rent the entire resort, which can hold up to 40 guests.

fregate-island

Fregate Island, Seychelles

For the ultimate digital detox, head to a hotel that is best found via map coordinates. Fregate Island is part of the Seychelles archipelago, but its seven white-sand beaches and lush greenery are reserved exclusively for guests staying at the island’s sole resort. The property is made up of 16 teak-and-mahogany villas that blend into the natural surroundings. No more than 40 guests can stay on Fregate Island at a time, and the villas are arranged to ensure total privacy.

Karishma Bunglaow

Karisma Hotels & Resorts, Mexico

Take a tip from the birds and fly south for the winter, heading directly to Karisma Hotels and Resorts in Maroma Beach outside of Cancún. The hotel features Mexico’s first overwater bungalows, which feature 360-degree views, glass-bottom floors, private infinity pools, and direct access to the ocean—your feet don’t need to touch terra firma for days. When you do decide to head to dry land, the hotel has reserved special beach beds and made-to-order beach picnics to make the most of your time on Maroma’s white sand. Back in your bungalow, butler service, spa treatments, and in-suite breakfast service means reality stays at bay a little longer.

hayman-island

One&Only Hayman Island, Australia

Set on a speck of an island in the Coral Sea near Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the One&Only Hayman Island provides seclusion as well as unparalleled views of the Whitsundays and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. The resort also offers a spa, library, tennis and squash courts, and an infinity pool with views of Hook Island and Australia far, far off in the distance.