In today’s world, where it’s almost second nature to take our phones everywhere—even to the bathroom—there’s a surprising rise in interest for digital detox retreats, with people even shelling out thousands to participate.
Around the holidays, a notable 27% of adults express a desire to cut back on their doom scrolling habits, as reported by the 2025 Hilton Trends Report and initially mentioned by BBC.
Furthermore, data from a global luxury home rental service indicates that around 17% of vacationers are actively seeking trips designed to help them unplug completely. They’re really searching for a way to, maybe, toss those devices aside. As noted by Plum Guide, this trend is noticeable.
“We used to mark properties with Wi-Fi; now we’re introducing a ‘no Wi-Fi’ tag,” a representative from Cool Places, a UK travel booking site, told the BBC.
At the Grand Velas Resort in Mexico, guests can take part in a dedicated digital detox program. Upon arrival, they’ll find their rooms intentionally free of screens—replacing TVs with board games, and storing devices in safes managed by concierges. Check out more details on the resort website.
This setup allows visitors to engage in activities like snorkeling and biking, but it comes at a price—rooms typically run into the several thousand dollars per night.
If traveling abroad feels a bit excessive, there are local options like the Urban Cowboy Lodge in the Catskills, just a few hours from NYC. Here, guests can also lock away their devices for a few days. It might seem intimidating, but many say it’s ultimately rewarding.
Dunford has collaborated with the University of Greenwich and the University of East Anglia to explore how people behave when they’re totally disconnected. Unsurprisingly, the initial phase involves an adjustment period as they acclimate to life without technology.
“Guests often struggle in the first 24 hours,” Dunford shared. “However, after 48 hours, they start to settle in and engage in activities. By the end of a three-day stay—or longer—they can decide whether to unlock their phones or keep them away.”
“Honestly, by the third day, I was reluctant to dig into that lockbox to retrieve my phone. It was kind of daunting,” recounted a participant in a story about their detox experience.
They added, “I tried to extend my break from the digital world for as long as I could, but when I finally got to the car, I had to buckle down and rely on Google Maps to find my way home.”
