As a freelance journalist, I¡¯m always working. I respond to my editors¡¯ emails at odd hours of the day so as to not miss out on any good projects. I¡¯m always on my phone, either checking emails, WhatsApp messages, or both. Even when I¡¯m travelling, I always carry my laptop for last-minute edits. For this reason, I¡¯ve often felt overwhelmed, stressed, and, frankly, burned out.
A couple of years ago, after one such bout, I decided to prioritise my health and take a digital detox gateway for a few days in the Himalayas. I left my laptop at home in Mumbai, and I turned off my cell phone. At first, I felt that I had made the wrong decision and began regretting it. But after a few hours in the mountains, everything made sense. I began to relax and enjoy the quiet. After that vacation, I returned to Mumbai refreshed and bursting with creativity. Since then, I have made it a point to take a digital detox vacation every few years. I plan it around a holiday such as Diwali or Christmas, so that work is slow as well.
If you¡¯ve been in the same boat and are searching for a way to unwind and recharge, consider taking a digital detox getaway. It can help you relax and focus on the present moment by giving you a break from all the digital noise.
If you¡¯re looking for a last-minute digital detox getaway and don¡¯t know where to start, you¡¯re in the right place. Here¡¯s our guide to the 7 best hotels in India for the perfect digital detox vacation. Bookmark this guide for the upcoming holidays, and thank us later.?
????????Nestled in Mussoorie¡¯s lush green hills, this hotel offers unobstructed mountain views and impeccable service. The hotel is named after the 35 acres of walnut groves it is set amid. Guests can partake in several outdoor activities, such as nature walks, guided hikes, and yoga sessions, in Uttarakhand¡¯s spectacular outdoors. The property¡¯s greenhouse is a beautiful space, home to a wide range of plants and flowers, and an excellent place to soak in the natural beauty of the Himalayas. Furthermore, the property¡¯s guest rooms are equipped with digital detox boxes. These purposeful boxes encourage guests to temporarily stow away their phones and live in the present moment.?
¡°JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa stands as an ideal sanctuary for those in pursuit of a digital detox,¡± said Anoop Pandey, General Manager, JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa. ¡°Its tranquil setting, array of outdoor activities, restricted connectivity, and innovative features such as Digital Detox Boxes create a perfect haven for individuals seeking refuge from the digital clamour, providing an opportunity to reconnect with themselves amidst the natural beauty that surrounds the retreat.¡±?
Prices:??23,500 onwards
Surrounded by palm trees and the Alleppey backwaters, Amal Tamara is a wellness centre ??nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake. At the property, each guest is offered personalised wellness programmes, which include an array of Ayurvedic treatments, dietary adjustments, and wellness activities, including yoga and meditation. While a digital detox is not mandatory, the centre restricts device usage to guest rooms.?
According to Dr. Reji Raj, General Manager and Senior Ayurvedic Consultant of Amal Tamara, ¡°At Amal Tamara, we encourage our guests to engage in a digital detox practice. In our experience, this greatly helps reduce anxiety and allows guests to connect with themselves, each other, and nature. In particular, mindful eating is an essential component of Amal Tamara¡¯s digital detox activities. Our guests savour each bite without distraction and appreciate the health benefits of their food.¡±
Prices:??31,500 onwards for 7 nights
Nestled in the majestic Aravalis, this exclusive hotel¡¯s estate comprises two restored palaces and temples. The property is home to a 30,000-square-foot spa and fitness centre and 48 opulent suites offering unobstructed vistas of the surrounding natural landscape. The expansive suites are furnished with gorgeous furnishings and state-of-the-art amenities. The hotel offers various experiences to keep you occupied during your digital detox. These include the Aravalli Sunset Experience, the Heritage and Rewilding Walk, and Tiger Safaris in Ranthambore. Moreover, Six Senses Fort Barwara¡¯s ¡°Mind Your Brain Wellness Program¡± is also well-loved. This programme includes meditation and yoga sessions, hikes, and massages. And thanks to the prices, you can be assured of complete seclusion.
Prices:??86,000 onwards
Gokarna¡¯s beaches are still underrated when compared to Goa¡¯s offerings. SwaSwara is a luxurious wellness retreat located on Gokarna¡¯s serene Om Beach. The beach property is home to 24 Konkan villas, which were built using local materials such as laterite and coconut thatch. The ¡°Swa Well-being¡± programme is perfect for a digital detox. It includes a combination of various mind and body techniques, such as yoga and meditation, and interactive Ayurvedic cooking workshops.?
¡°While we continue to encourage guests to digitally detox while they holiday at SwaSwara, taking into account the requirements of new-age clientele, we provide WiFi access in the guest villas. Our guests now have the choice to connect to the WiFi or not, and we are happy to state that the majority opt not to!¡± said Mini Chandran, Head of Strategic Alliances and Product Development, CGH Earth Wellness.
Prices:??25,700 onwards
Meaning ¡°peaceful garden¡± in Sanskrit, this hotel¡¯s natural surroundings are among the most verdant in the region. Amanbagh¡¯s Shanti Experience and Detox and Cleansing Experience are very popular. The three-night Shanti Experience enables guests to enjoy more space and seclusion with a complimentary room upgrade, a half-day excursion to Bhangarh Fort, traditional champi, guided sunrise walks, and yoga sessions.?
¡°Among a tranquil garden oasis in the Aravalli Hills, Amanbagh is a peaceful and private sanctuary. The hotel¡¯s holistic wellness offering, led by expert wellness therapists, tackles every aspect of health, from movement and nutrition to fitness and spiritual awareness. Drawing on India¡¯s ancient healing philosophies, our varied experiences aim to restore mind-body connection, relieve tension, and help guests welcome peace into their lives,¡± added Harry Fernandes, Regional Director, India and Sri Lanka, Aman.?
Prices:??95,830 onwards
Located atop a picturesque hill, Atmantan overlooks the tranquil Mulshi Lake. This well-known property¡¯s certified experts provide guests with a ¡°wellness formula,¡± keeping their abilities and needs in mind. The hotel¡¯s customised programmes tackle a range of health issues, including disease management, cleansing and detox, stress management, sleep improvement, and mental wellness. The property offers custom diet plans to suit the individual needs of its guests. These plans are based on the principles of Ayurveda, macrobiotics, and the Mediterranean diet and help boost overall health.
¡°The entire resort in its 42 acres is a ¡®no-phone¡¯ zone, and we only provide guests with wi-fi in their rooms. The Wellness Pavilion also has no network so as to prevent people from staying on their gadgets and encouraging them to look around at the stunning views, landscape, and each other!¡± says Sharmilee Kapur, co-founder of Atmantan Wellness Centre.
Prices:??18,200 onwards for a minimum of 7 nights?
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas, is a high-end hotel that offers awe-inspiring vistas of the mountains and the surrounding valley. The hotel¡¯s expert team curates bespoke wellness programmes based on the guests¡¯ needs.?
¡°At The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas, we understand the importance of disconnecting from the digital world to reconnect with oneself and nature. Our hotel offers a unique opportunity for guests to unwind and rejuvenate in the tranquil environment of the Himalayas. We encourage our guests to put away their screens, step outside, and embrace the natural beauty and serenity that surrounds us. Whether it¡¯s taking part in yoga and meditation sessions with expert instructors or simply exploring the breathtaking landscapes, our resort provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the digital age,¡± concludes Amardeep Singh, General Manager, The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas.??
Prices:??40,000 onwards
A digital detox getaway is a great way to recharge and refocus on your health and wellbeing. Consider taking a digital detox getaway every few months or years, and you will feel the difference in the quality of your life.