The Rise of Digital Detox Retreats (And Why It Makes Total Sense)

Posted by Nick Mathews on June 5, 2025 at 12:00

I came across an article recently from the BBC called “The unstoppable rise of digital detox retreats”, and it honestly put into words something I’ve been feeling for a long time.

More and more people are paying money — sometimes a lot of it — just to unplug. These retreats are showing up all over the place: cabins in the woods, minimalist off-grid camps, even luxury resorts. The one thing they have in common? No phones, no Wi-Fi, no notifications. Just space to breathe, reconnect, and be human again.

And it’s not just a trendy escape. The people who go to these retreats often describe them as life-changing. Better sleep. Clearer thinking. Real conversations. A chance to feel like themselves again — not some scattered, screen-addicted version of themselves.

I get it. I think most of us do. The constant buzz of digital life wears us down in ways we don’t always notice until we finally step away. That’s part of why I’ve been dreaming up a Livin Means retreat — something that gives people a reset. Not just a vacation, but a chance to practice presence, real connection, and simple living in a way that sticks with you.

This isn’t about hating technology. I love tech when it serves the right purpose. But when the balance tips and we start serving it… that’s when it’s time to take a step back.

So yeah, the rise of these digital detox retreats? Totally makes sense. People are craving something real — and I think it’s time to build something that offers it.