Kicking that smartphone addiction to the curb is so much easier in relaxing tech-free destinations.
SINGAPORE – When your smartphone is not by your side, the whole world feels like its crashing down around you. You never forget your gadgets, and if you do, you’ll dash home for them. Something’s amiss if you’re not checking your social news feed for the past hour, and you constantly find yourself replying to that “one last important email”. Let’s face it; we’re all a little guilty of being too consumed in our tech-world that we often miss out on what’s going on around us. Sometimes, we just need to detach ourselves from our gadgets and take a well-deserved break.
ZUJI has come up with five destinations that will take you off the beaten track and back to basics. It’s time to lock away your smartphones and tablets, and breathe in the fresh gadget-free air.
1. Mandala Spa & Villas – Boracay, Philippines
Located on the tranquil island paradise of Boracay, Mandala Spa & Villas provides the perfect opportunity to calm your senses. Guests can soften the blow of not having their gadgets with them by enjoying relaxing massages, meditation and yoga activities. If you want to take it a step further, Mandala Spa & Villas offers guests the option of accommodation in a Digital Detox Villa which is void of a TV, WiFi and iPod. Find out more about Mandala Spa & Villas on ZUJI.
2. Moganshan House 23 – Moganshan, China
Do you get those irresistible and uncontrollable urges to find out the latest news on Facebook? Do you do it more than 5 times a day? Perhaps it’s time to banish the addiction and go cold turkey in China where Facebook access is restricted. Three hours away from Shanghai is Moganshan – a peaceful, mountainous region near Hangzhou, Zhejiang – which boasts lush forests of bamboo crossed with hiking trails, perfect for bike rides through the trees and afternoon walks. Find cheap flights from Singapore to Hangzhou on ZUJI.
3. Chiva Som – Hua Hin, Thailand
If you are someone who needs enforced discipline before you’re willing to relinquish your device, Chiva Som retreat in Hua Hin, Thailand is for you. Located in this increasingly fashionable seaside resort city, Chiva Som has a strict ‘no mobile phones outside of guest rooms’ policy, and any rule-breakers will be promptly disciplined. Adding to the tranquil surroundings is the retreat’s no-children policy, ideal for those looking forward to a peaceful, holistic and rejuvenating digital detox. Book your flights from Singapore to Bangkok. Hua Hin is just a bus ride away.
4. Overland Track – Tasmania, Australia
If the lure of even the possibility of WiFi is too much to bear, we recommend trekking away from all temptations.? Embrace the outdoors and give yourself a digital and physical detox as you hike through the heart of Tasmania’s beautiful wilderness on this famous 65-kilometre trek from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair. Take in the stunning sights of stony peaks, gorges, forests and lakes – we bet you won’t miss your gadgets! This entire trek calls for serious well-prepared hikers who need to book in advance with Tasmania’s Parks & Wildlife Service. However, if you’re interested in a shorter expedition, day walks to Waterfall Valley, Ossa, Pelion West and other scenic locations are also on offer. Start your detox adventure planning in Tasmania here.
5. Serenity at Kanam Estate – Kerala
In one of the most remote parts of South India, Serenity in Kerala is a place that is cut off from the rest of the world. Secluded amidst rolling green hills, the hotel resides on an old rubber plantation and consists of only five basic rooms. Completely deprived of internet and most other technology linking you to the outside world, guests are forced to get back to basics and completely unwind – which can be done in a hammock by the hotel’s pool, or by trekking the surrounding Indian countryside by foot, bike, oxcart, or even an elephant! Start your search for a perfect place in Kerala on ZUJI today.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
