‘Disconnected travel’ is a term that has been thrown around the tourism industry a lot recently, with some experts even calling it the hottest trend of 2019.
An adversary of spending life trapped in the digital rat race within the blue-white glow of an assortment of phone, computer, tablet and TV screens; disconnected travel is all about slowing down, unplugging from technology and its endless distractions, and living in the moment.
It advocates focusing on what matters – meeting different people from different cultures, laughing often, connecting with nature, and truly enjoying the beauty of the people, wildlife, scenery and food that surrounds you.
To escape, to truly get away, sounds like an elusive pleasure… but that’s exactly what you experience at these disconnected destinations.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu – Embudhoo Island
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is a beach-chic resort in the Maldives that promises a relaxing and disconnected experience at Embudhoo, a nearby deserted, white-sand island that is available exclusively to resort guests.
There’s the option to head over via speed boat for a private picnic, with nothing to interrupt other than blue skies, turquoise water and the soft call of birds from within the island’s untamed rainforest vegetation.
For those who want to unplug from modern life entirely and spend an evening under the stars, there’s one solitary villa on the island that is equipped with the essentials for a comfortable night. A wholesome reminder that sometimes less is more.

Embudhoo Island
Toberua Island Resort
Toberua Island Resort is Fiji’s original private island resort, where for 50 years, the philosophy has been to escape every worry in the world, relax and soak up tropical tranquility.
A laidback oasis set in the middle of a lapis lazuli sea, this island paradise is lush with palm trees, frangipani and hibiscus blooms, and is home to 16 traditional Fijian-style beachfront bures.
With no tourists to interrupt the reverie, and long, lazy days full of swimming, snorkelling, sunbaking and dining under the stars, it is the ideal destination for a digital detox.

Fiji’s First Private Island
Nihi Sumba
The guiding philosophy at the world’s number one resort, Nihi Sumba, is: “this is not an escape from everyday life. It is the return to a life well lived.”
Located on the little-known Indonesian island of Sumba, well off the tourist radar, this luxury property prioritises reconnecting with earth and community, exploring, adventuring and indulging in some quality ‘you’ time.
All activities on offer immerse you in the raw beauty of the natural surrounds, as well as the island’s magnificently preserved ancient culture. Spend your days horseback riding on the beach, surfing private breaks, or indulging in a Spa Safari. Nihi Sumba also offers signature experiences, including picnics under a waterfall and butterfly treks.

The Edge of Wildness
Bawah Reserve
Hands down the best destination in the world for travellers looking to pull the plug on modern society, Bawah Reserve is an archipelago of islands boasting 13 beaches; stunning coral reefs; ancient, untouched forests; and crystal-clear lagoons.
Accessible only by private seaplane, the resort’s location in a far-flung corner of Indonesia, coupled with its deliberate lack of Wi-Fi, provides guests with the blissful sense of being marooned (in five-star luxury) at the edge of the earth.
Here, disconnection is effortlessly attainable. Choose between heavenly treatments at Aura Wellness that will leave you feeling energised, relaxed and renewed; exploring the primary and secondary forest trails that criss-cross the interior of the island; and discovering the kaleidoscopic local marine life.

Anambas Archipelago
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