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In our opinion, when you go to the trouble of leaving the world behind, there's no point in taking it with you—or finding it waiting for you when you get there!
So are you ready to leave technology behind? We've rounded up this Top 7 list just for you. For more insight on any of these low-tech or no-tech getaways, or to book a reservation, get in touch with an expert agent at Hideaways Travel Services (800-843-4433). We'll get you headed toward your most restful vacation ever.
DISCONNECT & DECOMPRESS
#1. Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Costa Rica
You're perched 350 feet above the sea in your open-air bungalow—one of only 16 strung like pearls along three lofty ridges—surrounded by a spectacular slice of pristine rain forest. It's early morning and you've just had your wake-up call . . . only it wasn't the phone ringing (there is no phone!), it was the distinctive sound of howler monkeys chatting in the jungle canopy. And for the first time in a long while, you woke up with a smile.
Lapa Rios is a secluded eco-lodge that's rich in raw nature, eco-adventures, exceptional dining, and million-dollar views. This is a divine place to disconnect and decompress, with no phone or Internet access and even a no-music policy at dinner (rather, they ask you to soak in the sounds of the jungle at night). Don't you feel more relaxed just thinking about it?
Member-only perk: Waterfall luncheon (weather dependent) with min. stay of 3 nights.
OUT-OF-TOUCH, YET COMPLETELY IN TOUCH
#2. Lindblad Expeditions, Global Exploration Cruises
Now this is adventure travel with a capital "A." You're exploring the wondrous Galapagos Islands aboard the National Geographic Endeavor, and your expedition gear includes a glass-bottom boat and a Splash-Cam. You're enjoying surprises and adventures around every turn and over every wave, like getting eye-to-eye with sea lions, giant sea turtles, blue-footed boobies, and prehistoric-looking iguanas. You're feeling like a kid again and loving every second of it.
Lindblad Expeditions operates a small fleet of expedition vessels that are large enough to provide comfortable travel, yet small enough to reach more remote, exclusive locations. Each vessel has creature comforts like a library and/or lounge, open-air viewing areas, a casual dining room, thoughtfully designed suites or staterooms, and a crew that goes out of its way to ensure your safety and well-being. On-board experts are available to answer questions, and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft—available on most vessels—allows you to explore almost anywhere, from the rugged landscape of New Zealand to the White Continent of Antarctica and the Upper Amazon of Peru.
PRIVATE AND UNPLUGGED
#3. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida
Even your arrival here—just 28 miles east of Key West—is the stuff of dreams. You could have arrived by seaplane, which is exciting in itself, but you chose instead to transfer by private launch . . . . and you were delighted to find dolphins leading the way. After all, the whole point of visiting a private island resort is to disconnect geographically as well as spiritually, forcing you—in a really pleasant way—to slow down and smell the roses, or the salty sea as it sprays in your face and makes you feel more energized than you have in years!
Little Palm is an exquisite lodge that combines every wonderful little luxury (from exotic spa experiences to dining on the beach under star-filled skies) with a low-tech approach to relaxation. Here, you'll find a smattering of thatched-roof bungalows set on stilts and tucked here and there, mingling with the branches of surrounding foliage. These exceptionally private villas offer palm-framed ocean views, outdoor showers, king-size beds with gauzy netting, and tempting hammocks slung between shady palms. What you won't find are telephones or television to interrupt the mood—and trust us, you won't miss them!
Member-only perk: Welcome bottle of champagne, $25 breakfast credit per person each morning, and $100 resort credit.
Hideaways members can read Mike Thiel's report on romantic Little Palm Island and the Florida Keys. Not yet a member? Join now!
SUCCUMB TO SHANGRI-LA(AAH)
#4. Kupu Kupu Barong, Indonesia
You've just arrived and are a bit weary from travel. As you stroll to your villa, you notice you're walking on scattered flower petals. You rub your eyes—no, they're really there, exotically beautiful, deliciously scented, and the perfect introduction to your stay. With a rush of euphoria, you're now feeling quite renewed as you take in the mango trees, the manicured tropical gardens, and the simply spectacular views of river, hills, and rice paddies. You haven't even seen your villa yet, dipped into your private plunge pool, or indulged in the mini-tart that's delivered each evening, and you've already succumbed to this Shangri-La(aah).
Kupu Kupu Barong is a graceful hideaway with 27 private villas and few modern-world disturbances. Let its natural springs, rice terraces, and waterfalls lure you away from worldly stresses and breathe new life into your tired body. And allow its caring, friendly staff to raise your relaxation level to lofty, tree-canopy heights. Should you ask, your private butler (handy, but never intrusive) can arrange for a quiet, sunset dinner of French-influenced, Southeast Asian cuisine, served on the terrace overlooking the reflecting pool for a romantic indulgence you won't soon forget.
Member-only perk: Candlelight dinner for two at infinity pool.
HEAD (WAY OUT) WEST
#5. The Resort at Paws Up, Montana
Personally, little seems more absurd to you than a cowboy with a smart phone—horseback riding and cattle ranching are just made for solitude and communing with nature. So here you are, in Big Sky Country, at a resort that's part of a 37,000-acre working cattle ranch. You have your smart phone with you, it's true, but all you've used it for so far is snapping pictures and taking videos of experiences you never—ever—want to forget, like fishing for rainbow trout, rafting down the Blackfoot River, and saddling up to "bring home them doggies."
The Resort at Paws Up is a very polished escape offering luxe accommodations (including "glamping," their term for "glamorous camping"), elegant dining, excellent service, and all the facilities and activities you'd imagine in such a playground, like scenic wagon rides, as well as many you might not expect, like luscious spa experiences. And then there's the nightcap you can enjoy with the light show overhead in the amazing Montana night sky.
Member-only perk: $150 one-time activity credit.
Hideaways members can read Mike Thiel's report on "roughing it" at The Resort at Paw's Up. Not yet a member? Join now!
THE BARE BONES
#6. Hotelito Desconocido, Mexico
You just woke up to another day in paradise. You're feeling terrific . . . and a little bit hungry. So you roll to the side of your gauze-canopied bed (which is as romantic as it sounds) and signal for your morning room service by pulling a cord, which hoists a flag above your terrace. You grin, just as you do every morning when performing this ritual, enjoying every moment of your stay at a place where low-tech and luxurious go hand in hand.
Hotelito Desconocido is a beachfront resort south of Puerto Vallarta, and the poster child of what no-voltage, low-stress relaxation is all about. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more low-tech—and highly romantic—hideaway. Not only are there no telephones, televisions, or clock-radios in the guest bungalows, there's no electricity, either. Shady coconut palms and tropical breezes take the place of air conditioning. Outdoor bamboo showers are solar heated. Even the moon and stars play their part, adding subtle illumination to the hundreds of candles and torches that light the property at night. But this ban on technology doesn't mean Hotelito scrimps on luxury. You'll find thick cotton bath towels and ultra-soft linens, pampering service, delicious fresh cuisine, and a primitive-luxury spa offering massage, steam baths, and mud treatments.
Hideaways members can read member Sandy Ohlhausen's insight on unplugged Hotelito Desconocido. Not yet a member? Join now!
TAKE A TEMPTING TOUR
#7. Tauck, Global Tour Adventures
You've seen polar bears at the zoo and on television, but there's nothing like observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. You're enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with a "Polar Bear Adventure" hosted by Tauck World Discovery. Quite honestly, you never thought you were the tour-going type, but this experience has changed your attitude completely. You know you're having a most authentic, informative, and experience-rich vacation, with all the thoughtful details taken care of, from unforgettable storytelling sessions with fascinating locals to a thrilling dog-sled ride; plus, of course, you have now-personal knowledge of the endangered polar bear, which is truly priceless.
Tauck is a leader in guided travel, with a mission to make every vacation as enriching and inspiring as possible, with personal service, great value, and above all, exceptional experiences.
By no means is this a comprehensive round-up of all the techno-challenged hideaways we're familiar with—we also highly recommend Guana Island, Blancaneaux Lodge, and Turtle Inn, to name a few—but we hope we've given you a tantalizing glimpse of what's out there, beyond computer keyboards and the evening news.
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