With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, travelers may be considering how they can prioritize personal time and self-care. For those who love jet-setting, it will likely mean planning their next getaway.
Particularly for mental health breaks, prioritizing a digital detox and stepping away from your devices can be grounding, restorative, and very necessary. These destinations are perfect for being present, unplugged, and loving every minute of it.
5 Amazing Destinations For A Digital Detox
Noord, Aruba
With the nickname “One Happy Island,” there are many reasons why Aruba is the perfect place to enjoy a digital detox. The small but mighty gem is safe, easy to get around, and has an abundance of natural beauty. Instead of being consumed by your devices, opt for sunbathing, street strolling, spa treatments, and enjoying some of the Caribbean’s best beaches. To preoccupy your mind with a phone-free adventure, hike in Arikok National Park, volunteer in a beach cleanup, or take a relaxing drive around the island. You could also do a street art tour of San Nicolas, a sunset cruise, or a curated meditation experience.
If you’ve been spending too much time bed rotting and doomscrolling, even a few of Aruba’s over 300 sunny days a year will be rewarding. Ditch the phone and let the island’s relaxed, sunny atmosphere be a salve for the soul. Noord is an amazing base from which to explore the rest of the country.
Where To Stay: Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino
Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a long-time favorite for wellness getaways and mental health breaks. This is a versatile destination for a digital detox, as there are many ways to focus on relaxation and restoration through activities such as yoga, nature bathing, and beach fun. Costa Rica is also known for being a place where visitors can focus on clean, farm-to-table, or plant-based eating.
As a place to unplug, the Papagayo Peninsula is a destination that’ll beautifully realign your senses as you take a break from your devices. While there, listen to the sounds of the surrounding mangrove forest, see the acres of lush greenery, and nourish your body with fresh foods. Also, feel the sand beneath your feet at Culebra Bay and take your time to smell the local flora. Be ready for the ultimate reset.
Where To Stay: El Mangroove, an Autograph Collection
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
This destination can be described in three words: laidback, lakeside, luxury.
Lake Atitlán is known for its stunning beauty and meaningfulness in Mayan spirituality. It’s located in the Sierra Madre mountains and surrounded by three volcanoes and multiple villages. As a digital detox destination, prioritize spending your time soaking up the sunshine, swimming, kayaking, fishing, hiking, or doing yoga. If you enjoy animals, opt for horseback riding or bird-watching. For mindfully fostering your mind-body connection while being unplugged, this is a great location.
Where To Stay: Casa Prana Resort Hotel Atitlán Guatemala
Big Sky, Montana, USA
If you’re in the United States and want a domestic digital-detox destination, Big Sky is a year-round spot where you won’t miss your screens. With proximity to Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky is a place where outdoorsy types can easily access both “hard” and “soft” adventure. Instead of scrolling on your phone, you can get into skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, ziplining, whitewater rafting, hiking, and more.
Where To Stay: Montage Big Sky
São Vicente, Cape Verde
Off West Africa’s coast, Cape Verde is one of the most unique digital detox destinations that you can choose. Limiting your screen time will be easy while you’re busy island-hopping, relaxing on pristine beaches, and learning about local Afro-Portuguese culture. Other things you can do to make memories during your phone-free experience are kitesurfing, food tours, and getting up close and personal with lemon sharks.
Where To Stay: Casa da Djedja
