Promised to cut back your screen time as your new year’s resolution? Put down the phone, walk away from the laptop and retreat to these beautiful ‘unplugged’ destinations for a digital detox you’ll actually love.
Related article: 8 reasons to visit the Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands
As Insta-ready as the Solomon Islands are (think shockingly turquoise waters, jungle-topped isles and deserted sand banks), it’s all about leaving your tech behind and reconnecting in this spectacular destination.
While some resorts here boast internet connection, most of the accommodation options in the Solomons feel blissfully secluded from the rest of the world. No wonder Wills and Kate honeymooned here in 2012. Instead of burying yourselves in emails and notifications, discover the islands’ adventurous side and fill your stay with snorkelling, swimming, diving, island-hopping and surfing. And don’t miss visiting the local villages and just simply relaxing on the verandah of your own waterfront bungalow – who needs wifi anyway?
Molokai, Hawaii
If you’re not quite ready to ditch mobile and internet access, combine a romantic Hawaii getaway in its most beloved locales with an adventure on Molokai island. This breathtaking destination experiences very limited phone coverage and internet access, but you won’t want to be staring at a screen here anyway.
Home to incredible sights like Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Molokai is a natural playground for thrill-seekers, nature-lovers and romantics. Our advice? Don’t miss marvelling at the Halawa Valley’s sacred Hawaiian waterfall-dotted cathedral valley on an exhilarating hike or spotting iconic Diamond Head on the azure horizon at Papohaku Beach for an unforgettable getaway.
Milford Sound, New Zealand
For an island escape of another kind, head to spellbinding Milford Sound in New Zealand’s South Island. Blessed with scenery that will literally stop you in your tracks, this postcard-ready destination also experiences limited to no phone and internet coverage. And that’s exactly how it should be here, with Mother Nature commanding your attention everywhere you look – keep an eye out for soaring mountain peaks, glistening waters, forested cliffs, gushing waterfalls and sweet-faced fur seals.
One of the best ways to see this awe-inspiring destination is on a leisurely scenic cruise. A number of local groups run day and overnight options, offering couples a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s hard to go past. Prefer to stay on solid ground? You won’t need a GPS (and satellite coverage) to easily explore Milford Sound’s marvellous Routeburn Track, just good walking shoes and a love of adventure.
American Samoa
Off the coast of Samoa, American Samoa covers seven dreamy South Pacific islands and atolls, all with very limited internet and phone coverage.
A paradise for intrepid travellers, this tropical oasis also doesn’t feature any big-name hotels or high-end retailers. Instead, you’ll be treated to experiences like mountaintop yoga, snorkelling pristine lagoons, visiting fascinating WWII sites and sunbathing on palm-fringed beaches. Sounds heavenly to us!
Lady Elliot Island, Australia
Looking to get away for a weekend or a short break? A cherished spot for generations of travellers, Queensland’s Lady Elliot Island makes for a fabulous getaway. Known for its location in the Great Barrier Reef’s highly protected ‘Green Zone’, this wonderful spot swaps phone and internet coverage for sensational wildlife. And with over 1,200 species of marine life here for you to discover, it’s a trade we’d happily make.
Unsurprisingly, snorkelling and diving are must-do experiences here – look out for manta rays and turtles. There are also excellent walking trails to explore, plus gorgeous white sand for relaxing on – it’s the simple things in life…
Time for a romantic getaway? Find plenty of inspiration with our ‘short breaks’ articles…
Image credits: Rob Suisted, Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau, www.gohawaii.com, Will Patino, www.americansamoa.travel and Tourism & Events Queensland
