As our lives become more intertwined with technology, many travelers are seeking opportunities to unplug and reconnect with nature, themselves, and their surroundings. This growing desire for tech-free experiences has prompted several hotels and resorts to offer unique packages and amenities designed to help guests disconnect from their devices and immerse themselves in their destinations. Below, we explore how three of our RHC clients are capitalizing on this phenomenon.
One notable example of this trend can be found at Greydon House, the Roman and Williams-designed hotel on Nantucket. The property has observed a significant increase in off-season bookings in recent years, as travelers seek quieter, more affordable getaways outside the busy summer months. To cater to this demand, Greydon House has introduced an innovative Long Stay Package for the winter season.
This package, available from November 1 to April 1, encourages guests to fully disconnect by offering the option to check their phones at the front desk for the duration of their stay. By removing the constant temptation of digital devices, visitors can truly immerse themselves in the tranquil winter atmosphere of Nantucket.
Other hotels are taking different approaches to help guests unplug and rejuvenate. Wildflower Farms, an Auberge Resorts Collection property in Gardiner, New York, offers a nature-centric escape just 90 minutes from New York City. The resort’s 140-acre landscape is designed to provide meaningful encounters with nature at every turn and features orchards and heirloom gardens, a variety of farm animals, and meadows of native flowers.
The 65 freestanding cabins and cottages at Wildflower Farms blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and private patio lounge areas that invite guests to immerse themselves in the landscape. To further encourage exploration and disconnection from technology, each room is equipped with “adventurer’s essentials”:
- A physical map of the property’s three-mile walking trail
- Gardening gloves and mini shears for collecting wildflowers
- Binoculars for birdwatching
- A leather-bound journal for reflections and sketches
- A Barebones Forest Lantern for nighttime adventures
These thoughtful amenities encourage guests to engage with their surroundings and rediscover the simple pleasures of outdoor activities and quiet contemplation.
While some properties focus on complete digital detoxes, others are finding ways to use technology to enhance wellness and relaxation. Limelight Hotels, whose properties are scattered throughout Colorado and Idaho, have partnered with Therabody to offer guests cutting-edge wellness technology. Visitors to Limelight Hotels can reserve complimentary Therabody products for in-room use, including:
- TheraGun: A percussive therapy device that enhances muscle recovery, releases stress and tension, and soothes discomfort
- RecoveryAir Jet Boots: Pneumatic compression boots that help recharge tired legs
This approach demonstrates that technology, when used mindfully, can contribute to relaxation and recovery during a vacation.
As the desire for tech-free experiences continues to grow, we can expect to see more hotels and resorts offering innovative ways for guests to disconnect. From phone-free packages to nature-immersive accommodations and wellness-focused amenities, the hospitality industry is adapting to meet the needs of travelers seeking respite from the digital world.
These unplugged experiences not only provide a break from the constant notifications and screen time but also allow travelers to forge deeper connections with their destinations, travel companions, and themselves– a “trend” that will never go out of style.
