Unplug, Unwind, Reconnect: Planning a Digital Detox Retreat with Intention

A digital detox getaway doesn’t mean retreating to a cabin in the woods or cutting off all contact. For many of us, that’s neither realistic nor necessary. What it does mean is giving yourself the permission to pause—intentionally, elegantly, and with grace.

Digital Detox Step by Step:

1. Pick a Place That Doesn’t Tempt You to Scroll

Choose a destination that naturally makes you want to look around instead of look down. It doesn’t have to be remote or fancy—just somewhere calming.

Look for:

Beach towns or lakeside cabins
Countryside B&Bs with walking trails
Cozy Airbnbs with books and board games
Places that offer activities like hiking, kayaking, or yoga

You Might Want to Consider These Places for Digital Detox

I have been to these places and highly recommend them, as they are truly amazing places to be!

1. Ubud, Bali (Indonesia)

A serene blend of rice fields, yoga studios, and jungle hideaways. Ubud is a haven for slow mornings, spa rituals, and mindful meals. Many boutique stays encourage limited tech use—but Wi-Fi is still around if you need it.

2. Byron Bay (Australia)

Laid-back and beachy with a strong wellness culture. Think: sunrise surfing, crystal shops, and farm-to-table cafés. Perfect for travelers who want a relaxed digital detox without feeling isolated.

3. Niseko (Japan)

Known for skiing in winter and forest bathing in summer. Niseko offers stunning nature, elegant ryokans (inns), and minimalist luxury that makes it easier to step back from screens.

4. The Cotswolds (England)

Rolling green hills, charming stone cottages, and cozy tea shops make the Cotswolds perfect for a “soft reset.” Pack a journal and a good book, and let the countryside work its magic.

5. Amalfi Coast (Italy)

If you’re going to unplug, why not do it with lemon trees, sea cliffs, and aperitivo at sunset? Stay in a small village like Ravello or Praiano and enjoy the la dolce vita—without Instagramming every bite.

Ready to go? Book Now!

2. Set a Few Simple Tech Rules (That You’ll Actually Keep)

You don’t need to swear off your phone entirely—just use it on your terms. Some ideas:

No phones during meals or the first hour after waking
Check texts/emails only once or twice a day
Airplane mode for large blocks of time
Keep social media apps off your home screen

You’re still reachable if needed—but you’re not glued to your screen.

3. Pack Like You’re Going Analog

Bring things to keep your hands (and mind) busy without a screen:

A journal or sketchpad
A paperback or two (something fun or inspiring)
A card game or travel puzzle
A small speaker for offline playlists or ambient sounds

🎒 Leave the laptop at home unless absolutely necessary.

I recommend reading this book by Dr. Sarah Vohra, a consultant psychiatrist and wellness expert. It’s called ‘The Mind Medic: Your 5 Senses Guide to Leading a Calmer, Happier Life’. Inside this book, you’ll find science-backed toolkit to reset your mental wellbeing.

Each page is filled with actionable advice you can incorporate into your life right now, even in the middle of a hectic schedule.

I’m forever grateful for the things I learnt from this book!

*This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I love and have used myself!

4. Fill Your Days with Offline Joy

Plan simple, screen-free pleasures:

Take long walks, ideally somewhere green or near water
Try a local coffee shop without posting about it
Practice slow living: cooking, reading, lounging without guilt
Have real conversations—with your partner, a new friend, or yourself
Practice 5 sense countdown.

📸 If you want to take photos, do—but edit and share them later.

5. Ease Back In Gently

The detox doesn’t have to end the minute you get home. To avoid that post-trip overwhelm:

Stay offline your first morning back
Tackle messages in chunks, not all at once
Keep one new habit from the trip (like no phones at dinner)

🧘‍♀️ A detox is a reset—not a punishment.

Final Takeaway: You Deserve a Break (Even if It’s a Small One)

You don’t need to disappear into the woods to feel refreshed. A few boundaries, a peaceful place, and some intentional screen-free time can do wonders.

Start small. Be flexible. And remember: you’re allowed to unplug without apologizing.

Have you ever tried a digital detox—your own way? Whether it was a full weekend offline or just setting boundaries with your phone, I’d love to hear how it went. What worked for you? What didn’t? Drop your thoughts, tips, or even your struggles in the comments below. Let’s swap stories—we might just inspire each other’s next reset.