Why digital detox breaks are the next big thing in hospitality

In a world where rest is increasingly elusive and waking hours are relentlessly pinged by alerts, emails and newsfeeds, a “quiet” revolution is taking place across the hospitality sector. As guests grow more digitally fatigued, the desire to disconnect in order to reconnect with themselves has sparked a shift in how hotels and retreat spaces design their experiences.

Enter the rise of the digital detox break – a new kind of escape that trades screen time for stillness, tech for trees, and connectivity for calm.

Once considered a niche or luxury wellness trend, digital detoxing is rapidly becoming a mainstream priority for travellers. According to a recent EY study, “38% of UK consumers are concerned about having too much screen time and are keen to have a digital detox.” 

That figure is only expected to grow, especially as hybrid work and remote lifestyles blur the lines between home, office, and holiday. For hoteliers, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity: how can properties respond to the cultural call for less tech – and more presence – without alienating guests or compromising modern comforts?

For some operators, the answer lies in complete transformation. For others, it’s about subtle shifts in experience design that invite guests to put their phones away and look inward. To understand how digital detoxing is being interpreted across the hospitality spectrum – from remote off-grid cabins to luxury spa hotels and regenerative retreat estates – Hotel Owner spoke to three pioneering properties: Unplugged, Broughton Sanctuary, and Careys Manor Hotel and SenSpa.

Unplugged’s minimalist solution

Founded in 2021, Unplugged offers minimalist cabins across the UK, purpose-built to help people disconnect from digital devices. The company has since then seen a rapid rise in demand.

“We’ve grown from a single cabin in 2021, to now having 36 cabins across the UK, with many more launching this year,” says Hector Hughes, co-founder of Unplugged. “We consistently reach 80-90% occupancy rates which shows clear demand in the UK. People are starting to feel the effects of being chronically online and we’ve seen more people look to disconnect from social media and emails.”

The idea for Unplugged was born from Hughes’ own burnout after working in a London tech start-up. “I sought a solution to help me switch off from being always on, so ended up going to a silent retreat in the Himalayas for 2 weeks. The most transformative part for me was giving up my phone for the entire time, which felt so liberating. I returned to the UK completely refreshed and had the idea of bringing this concept to life, but making it much easier than getting on a plane to the other side of the world.”

Designing an effective digital detox space requires more than just turning off Wi-Fi. “Intention is very important to build for guests ahead of their stay. They need to be prepared to go offline and excited for the challenge. Our digital detoxes are self-policed, so it’s easy for someone to just give in and pick up their phone, but if they’re fully bought in then they’re more willing to complete the digital detox.”

Unplugged cabins include a lockbox for phones, radios, books, maps, and a compass – simple tools to reorient guests toward the physical world. The aim is not just to eliminate tech but to offer a slower, more deliberate way of being.

But Hughes is clear: “For a successful digital detox, I believe you need to be fully dedicated to it. A hotel that has a lot of digital elements in their experience wouldn’t feel authentic to guests, plus if one portion of guests are tech-free but others are on their phones it can impact their experience of being offline.”

Broughton Sanctuary’s regenerative approach

At the other end of the spectrum lies Broughton Sanctuary in Yorkshire, the UK’s leading retreat centre. With more than 1,200 acres of rewilded land and a growing roster of transformational retreats, Broughton offers a deep dive into intentional living and inner transformation.

“At Broughton Sanctuary, our mission has always centred on helping people reconnect with their inner and outer natures,” says Roger Tempest, the estate’s custodian. “We believe that discovering a more intentional way of living is vital for true wellbeing and a life led with passion and purpose.”

While Broughton doesn’t brand itself strictly as a digital detox venue, many of its programmes encourage guests to step away from their devices. “We see disconnection from tech as a starting point, but not the ultimate destination,” says Tempest.

Activities like forest bathing, wild swimming, and hiking The Odyssey Trail are designed to ground guests in their surroundings. Retreats incorporate guided meditation, silence, and biophilic design to cultivate calm. “We also avoid overstimulating environments, instead opting for calming interiors designed with natural materials,” Tempest explains.

The focus is on giving guests space for deep reset and reflection. “Profound Rest is a part-silent retreat created to give the nervous system a deep reset and open space for life’s bigger questions, a chance to step back from daily noise and engage in real inner work.”

While some guests arrive looking to ditch their phones, the sanctuary provides something richer to fill that gap. “When guests are moved by a fire ceremony, a guided nature walk, or a deep meditation session, their focus shifts inward.”

Tempest believes the real challenge is not getting guests to give up tech, but managing expectations. “People often arrive carrying a lot of stress and exhaustion and it can take time to truly decompress. Creating a space that feels both safe and transformative requires careful facilitation and deep thoughtfulness.”

Careys Manor’s spa-based detox

At Careys Manor in the New Forest, the digital detox is approached more gently. The spa hotel introduced the Unplugged: Digital Detox Spa Break to help guests reset without pressure or strict rules.

“There are numerous studies that reveal a negative correlation between digital device use and sleep quality,” says Gemma Gilbert, Director of Marketing for Careys Manor. “We decided to create a break that would help our guests reset.”

Each guest receives a phone amnesty box at check-in, and phones are banned in the spa. The break also includes a 30-minute spa treatment, a mindfulness-based forest therapy guide, and a take-home gift box with items like kombucha, gratitude journals, and calming balms.

“Relaxation was front and centre of mind when creating this break. We didn’t want to be too dictatorial in terms of how much they use their phones and with that, cause additional stress. The amnesty box is there for the guest to use as much as they want. Agreeing even a clear hour away from your phone is beneficial and provides a starting point for forming new habits.”

Unlike Hughes and Tempest, Gilbert says Careys Manor faced few challenges rolling out the initiative. “As a brand, wellness is in our DNA and evolving our offering for today’s guests is what we enjoy most.”

She believes the trend has staying power. “The rise of digital technology and the way in which it pervades our everyday existence, whether at home or at work, is only increasing. Hospitality businesses are in the perfect position to provide experiences that remind us of the importance of real connection to each other, to ourselves and to nature.”

What hotels can learn

Each of these leaders agrees on one key point: digital detoxing is more than a gimmick – it’s a genuine need with long-term relevance.

Hughes advises hotels to be authentic in their approach. “Build a brand that offers a unique experience in one way or another. Build something that can stand on its own feet outside of third party apps like Airbnb.”

At the same time, Tempest encourages hotels to embrace a broader vision of wellness. “I think it begins with treating wellness not as an afterthought, but as a guiding philosophy. At Broughton Sanctuary, there’s less of a focus on taking technology away and more of an emphasis on offering something more fulfilling in its place.”

Gilbert advises hoteliers to stay connected to their guest values. “Understand your guest and what they value, but don’t be afraid to educate too. Be original and create experiences that align with your brand. Work with likeminded partners to leverage expertise and tap into new audiences.”

Whether a cabin, a rewilded estate, or a luxury spa, the takeaway is the same: guests are craving rest – not just physical, but digital. As Hughes puts it, “The more tech-free spaces, the better, in my opinion. Give people spaces to disconnect if they want to, but stay true to it and enforce it. It won’t have any impact if you just put a sign up to tick a box.”