The Places To Bookmark For A Digital Detox Holiday
42 Acres, Somerset
For a full switch-off session in one of the most stunning rural settings in the West Country, head to 42 Acres in Somerset. The regenerative organic farm operates as a nature reserve and retreat centre where guests can pamper themselves and relish the restorative benefits of nature. The farm runs on 100% renewable energy and grows its own vegetables. You can book a women’s-only retreat, an ‘emotional detox’, or simply enjoy yoga, meditation and mindfulness lessons on request. Inside the property, communal areas, such as the library and snug, are bright and airy and the bedrooms are simple yet stylish. Outside, guests can explore 700 acres of ancient woodland, go wild swimming in the lake, or take a bike ride around the local area. The nearby town of Frome is worth a visit too, as is Mells, a quaint country village.
From £450 per retreat.
Visit 42Acres.com
Unplugged Cabin, Essex
Just over an hour’s drive from London, Unplugged Cabin offers visitors a three-day retreat in their stylish countryside pod. Created specifically for busy city workers and those looking for a total escape, the site offers a tech-free three-night stay on the grounds where you’ll hand over your devices to enjoy the ultimate digital detox. The cabin is compact, but has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a cosy bedroom area, small kitchenette and a rainfall shower. On arrival, you’ll receive a digital-free welcome box containing a polaroid camera, a custom map to help you explore the surrounding countryside, and postcards to keep in touch with the outside world. The rolling hills and vast forest nearby have a number of good walking routes, and there are some lovely pubs nearby, too.
From £130 per night.
Visit Unplugged.Rest
Inhabit Hotel, London
Tucked away in a leafy corner in Paddington, Inhabit Hotel London is ideal for those looking for some respite without leaving the city. Guests can book an experience package to enjoy a range of wellness activities, including meditation and vinyasa yoga, or simply check in for a night to get away from the hustle and bustle. The hotel has 88 rooms designed for a good night’s sleep with eclectic, yet simple Scandi-inspired interiors – think minimalist furnishings and bright décor – while the hotel’s noise-free library is great place to relax in the evening. Food is at the heart of Inhabit London, with guests treated to healthy breakfasts, organic drinks and light, nutritious meals. You can also help yourself to delicious healthy snacks from the hotel pantry, all of which have been supplied from small local businesses and organic suppliers.
From £149 per night.
Visit InhabitHotels.com
Guardswell Farm, Perthshire, Scotland
Head to the beautiful Scottish county of Perthshire to stay at Guardswell for a unique rural escape. Located on a 150-acre farm between Abernyte and Kinnaird, the property has panoramic views from the River Tay towards Glencarse – a remote yet beautiful location. Leave your technology at home to fully immersive yourself in farm life and explore the surrounding countryside. This secret getaway – favoured by those in the know – has a range of accommodation options to choose from, but one of our favourites is The Infield which has a super king mezzanine bed, woodburning stove and a stargazing window. The Kailyard, which also sleeps two, is another great option but has no electricity, so you’ll need to arrive prepared for an ‘immersive shepherd hut experience.’
From £130 per night.
Visit Guardswell.co.uk
Catkins Huts, Dorset
Catskins Huts in Dorset have everything you need for a weekend away. The new huts – of which there are two to choose from – have just opened to visitors and benefit from some seriously beautiful scenery. Both overlook a wild swimming lake and have been created with couples in mind. For a romantic trip, guests can use the alfresco baths and stargaze at night from the floor to ceiling windows. Inside the huts, expect bright and airy interiors, soft coloured furnishings and a comfortable master bedroom with all the luxuries you’d expect from a plush hotel. There’s no Wi-Fi on site, so prepare to be totally off grid for the duration of your trip.
From £150 per night.
Visit KipHideaways.com
Daylesford Farm, Gloucestershire
Head to Daylesford Farm in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds for a luxury stay. Set in over 2,500 acres of rolling countryside, the farm has a selection of converted stone cottages just a short walk away from the farm shop and wellness spa. For a couple’s retreat, book the beautiful Egg Store cottage, complete with its own garden and terrace, but if you’re travelling in a group, opt for the Potting Shed which sleeps up to six and has a stunning open-plan living area. Guests can take a cookery class at the on-site school or relax at the on-site Bamford Wellness Spa. Every stay also includes complimentary yoga and a welcome pack complete with treats from the farm. The cottages are a short drive away from Blenheim Palace and the botanical gardens in Oxford, both of which are worth a visit (when possible) if you want to explore the surrounding area.
From £150 per night.
Visit Daylesford.com
Honeystone House, Northumberland
Fusing chic designer interiors and home-from-home comforts, Honeystone House is a great option for an off-grid family holiday. Located near the quaint village of Humshaugh in Northumberland, the honey-coloured stone property sleeps up to 12 with six bedrooms and five bathrooms. Inside, the house has been beautifully renovated, with contemporary details and stylish furnishings. Guests can relax in the communal areas, have some time alone in one of the many reading nooks, and explore the nine-acre garden. North Tyne valley, a lush woodland area, is a short walk away, as is Brunton Turret – remains that formed a key part of Hadrian’s Wall. There are plenty of local restaurants and pubs to visit too, but the kitchen at Honeystone is too good not to use.
Price available on request.
Visit CrabtreeAndCrabtree.com
Stargazers, Essex
For something a little quirkier, Stargazers cabin in Epping Forest is a great choice. Located on a 120-year-old working farm, the cabin is a romantic hideaway with beautiful countryside views. After exploring the forest and the nearby deer park, couples can relax in the outdoor bathtub and stargaze in the cabin through the sloping Perspex roof. During the summer, the outdoor patio is a lovely spot for al fresco dining or sunbathing, while the winter months can be spent tucked away indoors. The cabin also has a small kitchenette and bathroom so you can be self-sufficient during your stay, but you’ll be treated to a breakfast hamper in the morning.
From £150 per night.
Visit KipHideaways.com
Little Bear, West Sussex
Little Bear offers guests a luxury digital detox getaway. Set in acres of bluebell-swathed woodland, the log cabin is a unique hideaway in the West Sussex Weald Downlands – the ideal location for nature lovers. The cabin sleeps two people in a king-size bed and also has a separate shower room, and a mezzanine. Perfect for those who want to switch off without leaving home comforts behind, Little Bear has beautiful original wooden beams, plush furnishings, and an eco-wood-fired hot tub. With a few charming country pubs just a short walk away, you can explore the local area, before having a cosy evening in the cabin. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a welcome hamper that includes outdoor blankets, toasting marshmallows, red wine and kindling logs.
From £895 per short break.
Visit UniqueHomestays.com
Kyle House, Sutherland, Scottish Highlands
Head north to the Scottish Highlands for a digital detox at Kyle House. It’s on the small side but the property is ideal for a luxurious retreat for two or a romantic weekend away. Located at the Southern tip of the Kyle of Tongue, the house is elevated in wild landscape and has stunning uninterrupted views along the length of the sea loch to the North. The house has a stylish bedroom for two, a generous lounge area with a reading seat and a small but well-equipped kitchen. After embracing a walk across the Highlands, guests can cosy up by the fire indoors and feel totally secluded in the remote setting. Lovers of the outdoors can head on a hike, visit one of the beaches or follow a mountain bike route in the hills. With plenty of activities on your doorstep, bookmark Kyle House for a long weekend.
From £1,260 per stay.
Visit FishAndPips.co.uk
UNIQUE HOMESTAYS
PASI AALTO
Looking for something a little further afield? Add these European properties to your list…
TypeO Loft, Sweden
Home to some of the most stylish holiday properties in Scandinavia, going to Sweden for a digital detox holiday is always a good idea. TypeO Loft, located in Skåne County, is a one-room bed and breakfast near a secluded nature reserve. The open-plan space has a living room, kitchen and bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, and the huge glass window façade has stunning rural views. It might seem small inside, but the high ceilings keep it light and airy. Guests can take a 10-minute drive to several sandy beaches nearby and explore the towns – be sure to get a feel for Stockholm’s minimalist architecture, which is full of Art Deco and traditional Nordic influences.
From €140 per night.
Visit WelcomeBeyond.com
Pella Roca Cabane & Spa, France
Home to sparkling wines, saffron and truffle oaks, Tarn-et-Garonne is a great choice for a digital detox thanks to its beautiful scenery and rich culture where visitors can explore the region and leave cosmopolitan life behind. This luxury cabin in the south of France is set on a tree-surrounded terrace in the countryside. Inside, there’s a stylish bedroom with an en-suite and a small kitchenette, while a luxury hot tub awaits outside. During the summer months, guests can take a swim in the pool, dine alfresco on the outdoor terrace, visit the nearby vineyards and explore the surrounding towns – Saint Cirq Lapopie, Montpezat and Toulouse are all within driving distance.
From £194 per night.
Visit CanopyAndStars.co.uk
The Arctic Hideaway, Norway
If you’re in need of a remote location where you can get a bit of work done, or pursue some hobbies, head to the Arctic Hideaway in Norway. The group of cabins can be reached in an hour by boat from Bodø where you’ll be transported to a totally remote destination. There are no shops or local amenities in the area, but guests will be taken care of with traditional Norwegian meals. There are 12 buildings to choose from, as well as a collection of communal cabins including the ‘Immersion Room’ which has panoramic views of the stunning scenery. Guests can head on a boat trip, climb Sandhornet mountain, or even take an artistic workshop with the resident artist. The Arctic Hideaway offers guests a unique chance to leave their normal lives behind and explore the beauty of the Norwegian archipelago islands in a totally unique experience.
Price available on request.
Visit TheArcticHideaway.com
*DISCLAIMER: Travel restrictions are changing daily, so please check the latest government advice before you book anything. Visit Gov.uk for more information.
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INSPIRATION CREDITS: Guardswell.co.uk
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