We recently released the results of our 18th annual Vacation Deprivation study, which showed that people struggle to use vacation time and disconnect. In fact, around a quarter of American workers admit to checking their work email/voicemail at least once a day while on vacation.  

To help workers truly unplug, we identified 10 destinations/hotels where visitors are essentially FORCED to leave work and life behind (no wifi, ‘digital detox concierges, etc). The winter months are a great time to visit any and all of these destinations, so now’s the perfect time to start planning a trip.  

CasaSandra Boutique Hotel, Holbox Island, Mexico

Don’t join the tourists at Cancun, instead head two hours northwest to Isla Holbox and prepare to be transported straight to paradise. With no TV’s, phones, alarm clocks, and very limited WiFi, at CasaSandra you’re free to focus on the beautiful white beaches, exotic animals, daily yoga and delicious local food. 

Maya Tulum Resort, Tulum, Mexico

Ditch your electronics and slow down at the largest stretch of beach in Tulum. At the Maya Tulum Resort, you can explore Mexico’s Riviera’s crystal-clear water and restore your body with their healing Spa treatments.   

If you must post pictures of your stay here, you can book a cabana that has WiFi. But we highly recommend you put your phone away to fully immerse yourself in all the experiences that this resort has to offer. 

Nayara Springs, San Carlos, Costa Rica

Tucked away in the lush rainforest of Costa Rica is Nayara Springs, a luxury hotel that offers a three-day digital detox package. This adult only hotel asks you to hand over your devices but provides you with your own private pool, daily yoga/meditation classes, and massages. The seclusion and beauty of this location is therapeutic, that’s even without the daily classes. Trust us, you won’t be missing technology. 

Grand Velas Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico

If you want to withdraw from technology but don’t have the willpower to abstain, then the Grand Velas Resort's Mexico Digital Detox is the program for you. A ‘Detox Concierge’ collects your electronics when you check in, gives you a t-shirt that reads “We are digital detoxing”, and a bracelet that allows you free access to hotel activities like biking, snorkeling, and massages. Swapping your cell phone for massages and the Caribbean Sea sounds like a good trade to us.  

UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa, Trancoso Brazil

Just a 45-minute ride through the jungle from Porto Seguro will land you in tropical paradise. UXUA is a small beachside resort comprised of 11 casas filled with beautiful local art. You’ll be so enthralled by the lush garden, beautiful white sand beaches, and swimming pools full of healing crystals that you will have forgotten all about your phone. 

Casa Palopa, San Antonio Palopo, Guatemala

Unwind from the daily grind in the Guatemalan highlands at Casa Palopa. Give your eyes a break from staring at a screen and enjoy the views of Lake Atitlan located directly below the hotel and three volcanos on the skyline. You will be so busy taking cultural tours, exploring Lake Atitlan, and relaxing in the infinity edge pool that you won’t even feel the need to check your devices. 

Travaasa Hana, Hana, Maui

Right at the end of the Maui’s famous Road to Hana, the sprawling Travaasa Hana resort is the epitome of laid back luxury. While you won’t find TV’s in the rooms here, you will find a private lanai (a Hawaiian term for an enclosed balcony) with views of the Pacific Ocean that will take your breath away. WiFi is available but be brave and swap it out for everything from fishing, yoga and horseback riding to paddle-boarding, coastal walks and aquarobics. Seniors in the local community are invited to join any hotel activities free of charge, giving travelers the chance to learn all the secret beaches, food trucks and walking trails from the experts.  

Emerald Lake Lodge, Field, Canada BC

If you’re looking to get back to nature, Emerald Lake Lodge is the place to go. Tucked away in the middle of Yoho National Park without cell reception, you can fully immerse yourself in hiking, mountain biking, fishing and skiing in the winter. The scenery here will leave you feeling rejuvenated, and you won’t miss your digital life one bit.  

Bird Island Lodge, Seychelles

Perfect for couples or anyone looking to relax in paradise, Bird Island encourages visitors to focus on the beauty of its natural surroundings by eliminating modern day distractions such as TVs and phones. With miles of sandy white beaches and only 24 private beach bungalows, your days will be blissfully filled with snorkeling, birdwatching and pure zen.  

Wolgan Valley Resort, New South Wales, Australia

Nestled between two National Parks within the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains, Wolgan Valley Resort is an ideal escape from reality. Due to the remote location, there is no cell reception, allowing you to fully connect to the nature that surrounds you. With activities like horseback riding, archery, and mountain biking you won’t even have time to look at your phones.