It seems like travelers today (especially millennials!) are glued to their phones 24/7. Everyone's trying to get the best Instagram pic when on vacation, and not really living in the moment. Here are some properties that offer incentives for guests to give up their cell phones for part of their stay, and even some hotels that have completely eliminated TVs and hotel phones from the rooms. This way guests can have a digital detox and enjoy their trip without constantly checking their phones for updates or turning on the TV.
Disconnect in St. Lucia
When planning a digital detox vacation, nothing brings you back to your center like nature and outdoor activities. Sister properties Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet in St. Lucia have plenty of both to offer year-round. With uninterrupted views of the famed Pitons surrounded by striking blue waters of Soufriere Bay, the resort blends harmoniously with the Caribbean environment and acts as a natural extension of St. Lucia. Travelers might be surprised by what they won’t find - keeping with the overall resort experience, there are no televisions, radios, or telephones - making it the ultimate place to unwind and disconnect. Zen seekers can laze the day away in a private beach hut with the resorts daily beach experience offering minted cool spray, towel service, fruit kebabs, and sorbet. Those looking to get a bit more active can dive and explore Anse Chastanet Reef, home to more than 150 different species of fish and boasting one of the most scenic and ecologically rich locations in the Caribbean. To up the ante, opt for a one-on-one consultation with the resorts very own Wellness Guru, Nelson Chako, to learn about mindful living post-vacation. Treat yourself to a day spa, climb the famed Pitons, or laze with a good book on the beach, it’s up to you.
Digital Detox in the Guatemalan Jungle at Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel, Museum & Spa
Located in the charming town of Flores, not far from the magnificent Tikal, Uaxactún and Yaxhá ruins,Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel boasts 19 bungalow suites that hover over the Quexil Lagoon, where guests can take in unobstructed views of sunrises and sunsets from their private decks, where the only neighbors are native species and nature. With a plethora of activities to inspire a health & wellness lifestyle, visitors can leave digital distractions behind and work up a sweat trekking through the wilderness, hiking the historical ruins and kayaking the Quexil Lagoon. The adventurous and curious can enjoy ATV tours through the jungle and take part in boat excursions to nearby Monkey Island, where everyone can get up close and personal with friendly spider monkeys. For the culinary inclined, indulgence without guilt is found at in-house fine dining restaurant, Shultun, which offers eclectic international cuisine that features carefully crafted dishes made with fresh, local ingredients as well as fresh fruit juices and snacks.
Mountains and rainforest and hot springs…oh my! Digitally disconnect in one of the world’s most biodiverse destinations
Spread across 900 acres of rainforest near the base of Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano,Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa features thermal springs and cascading waterfalls naturally heated by the volcano’s magma and spa where treatments are rendered to the sounds of rushing streams and local wildlife. Guest room touches like skylit showers and floor-to-cieling views of lush vegetation encourage travelers to immerse themselves in nature and forget about digital distractions. Guests will want to keep electronics away from the resort’s steaming hot springs - naturally! - the water is rich in minerals such as calcium, lithium and silica, known for various health benefits including reduced stress and better sleep. Ditch your iPad when enjoying local adventure activities like zip-lining through the canopy at 60+ mph and whitewater rafting on class IV and V rapids. Last, but not least, turn your Smartphone on silent when indulging in tropical cocktails served in private cabanas at the resort’s adults-only Shangri-La Gardens —the most exclusive area of the springs where water temperatures are hottest. As if that’s not enough to help travelers unwind, a nightly incense turn down amenity helps guests find their zen and reflect on a day filled with adventures.
Unplug with a view at Casa Palopó
Perched on the shore of Lake Atitlán, Casa Palopó is a beautiful private home turned luxury boutique hotel that offers breathtaking views of the lake and its three magnificent volcanoes as a serene backdrop for a much needed high-end digital detox. Sitting a few steps up the hill in one of the lake’s 12 villages, the hotel provides a peaceful getaway with a rich dose of culture. At this quaint 15-room property, guests can avoid the usual overcrowded hotel hallways and enjoy bliss at all times — as views of nature surround every corner the charming hotel. There’s plenty of options to nourish the mind, body and soul, including daily yoga sessions on the hotel’s helipad that overlook the volcanoes or traditional Mayan Shaman blessings for life cleansing experience.
Ditch the Phone at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Check-in, and unplug. At the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, guests are encouraged to enjoy a vacation without being tethered to their cell phones with its new Digital Detox option. Upon arrival, travelers can opt to leave their cell phones with the front desk in a secure, safety deposit box and enjoy their stay without constant pop-up alerts, buzzes and email dings going off. After surrendering their cell phones, guests are gifted a disposable camera so that they're still able to snap those special vacation memories, giving them more time to enjoy the views and live in the moment, and spend less time spent flipping through filters. If guests are able to make it the majority of the way through their stay without requesting to have their phone back, then they're gifted Marriott Bonvoy points to use for a future vacation. For guests staying two nights, if they can give up their phone for at least 24 hours, they'll receive 5,000 Bonvoy points. For those staying three-four nights, if they can last at least 48 hours without requesting to have their phone back, they'll receive 5,500 Bonvoy points. Those staying five-six nights and can go at least 72 hours without their phones receive 6,000 Bonvoy points, and for stays seven nights plus, if they make it at least 96 hours without their phone they'll be rewarded 6,500 Bonvoy points. With two pools, toes-in-the-sand dining, UTV desert tours and sandy shores with endless palapas, it's time to spend more time checking out the views than checking for emails. For more information, visit www.arubamarriott.com.
