The 12 Very Best Digital Detox Holidays to Refresh Your Mind

From island breaks to remote countryside, here are the most wonderful places to disconnect from your devices

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A bird's eye view of people walking on a pristine sandy beach on a digital detox holiday

Technology is a big part of our everyday lives. From using computers for work, to staying in touch with friends and family on social media, to watching Netflix on television…we’re seemingly glued to our screens. Luckily, there are ways to get away from your devices, even for a short time. A digital detox is a period of time where you refrain from using electronic devices like smartphones and computers - an opportunity to reduce stress and connect more with your surroundings. Here at Plum Guide, we know how important it is to take a break from our devices from time to time. There are some amazing places out there which are perfect for a digital detox, whether it’s the mountains, deserts, or beaches. Take a look at our expert guide to the best digital detox holidays in the world.

Lapland, Finland

A large area of snow with bare trees at sunset in Lapland, Finland

A large area of snow with bare trees at sunset in Lapland, Finland

Finland’s vast subarctic wilderness offers some of the best digital detox holidays in the world. Up north in Lapland, the town of Inari is the sort of place where you have no choice but to leave your gadgets behind and spend time outdoors. Explore the spectacular surrounding nature on a sled pulled by huskies, try your luck at ice fishing, enjoy cross-country skiing, or get the adrenaline going with a snowmobile ride over a frozen lake. As the spiritual and ancestral home of the Sámi people, a trip to Inari wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Siida, the fascinating museum of the Sámi - learn about the culture, folklore, and history of this ancient community.

Lyra's Hideaway, Plum Guide home in Lapland, Finland

Lyra's Hideaway, Plum Guide home in Lapland, Finland

Blue Mountains, Australia

An aerial view of the Blue Mountains at sunrise, Australia

An aerial view of the Blue Mountains at sunrise, Australia

As far as digital detox holidays go, nothing beats a mountain escape. The Blue Mountains are made up of sandstone formations and escarpments, canyons, plateaus, beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and lush rainforests - which are home to many varieties of native wild animal species. There’s something for every kind of explorer, whether you’re a thrill-seeker who wants to mountain bike or abseil, or someone looking for something a little more sedate in the form of bush walks, vineyards, and day spas. Don’t miss iconic sights like the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, and the Giant Stairway.

The Sage, Plum Guide home in Australia

The Sage, Plum Guide home in Australia

Burgundy, France

A collection of boats by Auxerre on the Yonne river, Burgundy, France

A collection of boats by Auxerre on the Yonne river, Burgundy, France

The historical region of Burgundy is the perfect place for those in search of a little joie de vivre away from the screens. This largely rural region is quintessential France - charming hilltop villages, sprawling vineyards, green farmland, lazy canals, and more than enough sensational food and wine to keep you happy. The regional capital of Dijon has attractive medieval and Renaissance architecture at every turn, but if you want to dodge the crowds completely, then we recommend cruising the bucolic countryside for serene views - stopping only for long, slow lunches accompanied by vintage wines.

Maison du Vin, Plum Guide home in Burgundy, France

Maison du Vin, Plum Guide home in Burgundy, France

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Laguna Salar de Talar with the Andes Mountain, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta Region, Chile

Laguna Salar de Talar with the Andes Mountain, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta Region, Chile

You’re unlikely to get any mobile signal in this remote part of the world, so you’ll have no choice but to disconnect. San Pedro de Atacama is one of the most breathtaking places on the planet, with rugged valleys, dazzling salt lakes, softly smoking volcanoes, and moon-like rock formations - such as Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon). Watch how bright blue water laps against glowing red rocks in Piedras Rojas, float in the salt plains at Laguna Baltinache, catch awe-inspiring visual displays at the El Tatio Geysers, and admire flamingos against the setting sun at Laguna Chaxa.

Andermatt, Switzerland

A view of snowy mountains in Andermatt, Switzerland

A view of snowy mountains in Andermatt, Switzerland

What sounds more appealing than breathing in the fresh mountain air in an idyllic village in the Swiss Alps? It’s always a good time to take a break from your devices and head to Andermatt, which offers a beautiful getaway year-round. In the summer, hike through emerald green valleys, swim in crisp mountain lakes, and take a scenic train ride through the impressive landscapes. In the winter, take to the slopes and hit the snow, or traverse the countryside with snowshoes and winter hiking boots. At the end of the day, cosy up around the fire with a steaming pot of fondue.

Steel & Spruce, Plum Guide home in Andermatt, Switzerland

Steel & Spruce, Plum Guide home in Andermatt, Switzerland

Gili Air, Indonesia

A small boat on clear blue water at a sandy beach, Gili Air, Indonesia

A small boat on clear blue water at a sandy beach, Gili Air, Indonesia

We’ll admit, with its calm, azure waters and tropical island allure, you may find it difficult not to Instagram every moment you spend in Gili Air. If you’re trying to escape the daily commute as much as being connected to the internet, this small island is the perfect place to do so - there are no motor vehicles here, just bicycles, electric bikes, and horse carts. Fill your days with water activities like snorkelling, diving, standup paddle-boarding, or exploring the rich marine life on a glass-bottom boat. Cycle around the island along narrow, bougainvillaea-filled streets, and through grassy meadows home to grazing cows - everything happens at a slower pace on Gili Air.

Polignano a Mare, Italy

An aerial view of the beach and town Polignano a Mare, Italy

An aerial view of the beach and town Polignano a Mare, Italy

Everyone is well aware that Italians know how to enjoy life, so what better place to slow down and refresh your mind than the small town of Polignano a Mare? Situated on Italy’s southern Adriatic coast, your days will be spent wandering the white-washed streets, sipping coffee in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, and cooling off in the turquoise waters of Cala Porto. Set sail along the coast and swim in hidden coves, or visit a local winery to taste exceptional wines, olive oil, and typical Pugliese food. We can’t think of anywhere more suited for a taste of la dolce vita.

Kindred Spirit, Plum Guide home in Puglia, Italy

Kindred Spirit, Plum Guide home in Puglia, Italy

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Two zebras walking through deep, grassy water in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Two zebras walking through deep, grassy water in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

It’s a known fact that being in green spaces provides stress relief, so we can’t think of anywhere more fitting for a digital detox than the Okavango Delta. One of the most incredible wilderness destinations in the world, this inland river delta is the place to experience wild Africa at its best. Hop in a traditional canoe and traverse the meandering channels, gliding past overgrown, palm-fringed islands, and sparkling lagoons. There’s plenty to explore on land too, where a game drive or a bush walk will bring you up close and personal with elephants, lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales, UK

An aerial view of the sunset over the hills at Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales, UK

An aerial view of the sunset over the hills at Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales, UK

When we’ve been sitting at our desks for too long, all we want is to do is get outdoors and stretch our legs - the Brecon Beacons National Park presents a wide range of activities amongst jaw-dropping nature. Walk to your heart’s content with over 2000 miles of public footpaths, or cycle through glorious countryside. Get on the lakes, reservoirs, and canals, and try out water sports like sailing, boating, windsurfing, kayaking, and canoeing - or challenge yourself with rock climbing and abseiling down rocky escarpments and old quarries. You’ll be so busy, you’ll forget all about your devices.

Argoed, Plum Guide home in Wales, UK

Argoed, Plum Guide home in Wales, UK

Pokhara, Nepal

A view of colourful boats on a lake, Pokhara, Nepal

A view of colourful boats on a lake, Pokhara, Nepal

With its fresh mountain air, tranquil beauty and marvellous backdrop of the snowy Himalayas, this lakeside city is the ideal spot to unplug from your devices and relax. Spend your days chilling by Phewa Lake, watching the boats bob on the water. If you’re into yoga, there are several yoga centres to help you feel completely zen. Despite its laid-back charm, Pokhara has a thriving adventure-sports industry, with some the best paragliding on the planet. If heights are a no-go, you can still feel a rush of adrenaline on the surrounding white-water rivers.

Paros, Greece

Blue restaurant chairs next to docked boats at the harbour in Naoussa, Paros, Greece

Blue restaurant chairs next to docked boats at the harbour in Naoussa, Paros, Greece

Once you set your eyes on Paros, it will be crystal clear exactly how to digital detox on holiday. You’ll know right away it's time to put down your electronic devices, say goodbye to social media, and say hello to the sand. Known for its remarkable beaches and picturesque villages, Paros doesn’t see the same crowds as Rhodes, Santorini, or Mykonos. This means you can get a more authentic experience when exploring villages like Lefkes, lounging on Kolymbithres Beach, or enjoying the views from the protected Paros Park - catch open-air events during the summer months.

Let the Waters Roar, Plum Guide home in Paros, Greece

Let the Waters Roar, Plum Guide home in Paros, Greece

Costa Rica

An aerial view of a rocky beach in Costa Rica

An aerial view of a rocky beach in Costa Rica

Pura vida is a way of life in Costa Rica, and if putting down your gadgets is your way of attempting a more ‘pure life’, then you’ve come to the right place. With coastlines on the Caribbean and the Pacific, there is an endless choice of beaches to swim, surf, and relax on. If you can peel yourself away from the sand, the country’s forest-covered mountains are home to all kinds of adventures. Despite its size, Costa Rica is home to a remarkable 28 national parks, where you can hike up volcanoes, trek through breathtaking cloud forests, swim under waterfalls, and spot a wide variety of wildlife.

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