Unplugged: Where to Digital Detox in the UK

Only accessible by ferry or chartered boat, the Isle of Mull is an ideal retreat away from the mainland. Reconnect with nature on the second largest island of the inner Hebrides, behind its nearby neighbour, the Isle of Skye. 

While there are plenty of peaks and remote, smaller islands to visit during your stay on Mull, we recommend avoiding the more strenuous hikes, like that of the Munro, Ben More. Instead, explore the waters. There are plenty of waterway explorations to keep you entertained. The marine wildlife in the area is unmatched, with everything from golden eagles to orca whales. Reconnect with nature in its purest form, on the sea. 

After exploring the island and reconnecting with the natural beauty surrounding you, take a trip to the spa for full-body rejuvenation. Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa has a newly renovated spa with beachfront access and trained therapists to ensure you get the treatment you need, not just the one you want.

Watch the tide come in and out as you sip on coffee or whisky to soak in the best of coastal Scotland with a renewed sense of lightness without being tethered to your electronic devices. 

Breathtaking landscapes look even better when you’re not looking at them through the lens of your phone. The Lake District has been renowned by artists and writers who have been inspired by tremendous landscapes for generations.

Nestle yourself into the aptly named Daffodil Hotel & Spa overlooking Grasmere Lake to get your creative ideas flowing without the hindrance of emails pinging in. Here, you can quickly walk into the quaint village of Grasmere, where you will find yourself surrounded by adorable tea rooms, world-famous gingerbread and plenty of history.

Perfect for any literature lover, there are plenty of walks for all types of outdoorists. Ideal for taking a picnic and watching the nearby flocks of sheep frolicking in the emerald grass or toasting to ditching your daily tech, let the fresh air clear your head. Walking in Grasmere will fill your idea tank to the top and leave you feeling refreshed and one with nature. 

Upon your return to the hotel, relax in the adults-only spa with an experiential pool and thermal experience, including a sauna and steam room. If you need a bit more pampering, booking a treatment is the perfect way to celebrate the success of disconnecting.

After a day, or even a week, spent disconnected in the lake district, you will surely find a newfound appreciation for art, poetry and literature. 

A hiker's dream, Glencoe is the ultimate retreat for the outdoor enthusiast. Just under 30 miles from the nearest city of Fort William, Glencoe Village is surrounded by tremendous peaks; there are eight nearby Munros and plenty of other smaller yet equally grand hills. 

Gentle paths such as the Lochan Trail provide relaxing walks for those less confident in the larger munros. Take in the fresh Scottish air and enjoy the views. Glencoe is the ideal place for budding photographers because of this gorgeous landscape, so why not try out a bigger lens than a cellphone?

It's not only the call of the hills that has brought visitors to the small village for years but there are plenty of other calling cards for outdoor lovers, including Scotland's first overhead ski lift, built in 1956. Whether you’re a beginner or a skiing pro, the Glencoe Mountain Resort features a good range of slopes, including the Plateau area, ideal for those new to the sport.

After your adventure, there's no better way to close off your digital detox than to return to a warm oak barrel sauna and bubbling hot tub. Let your thoughts of the outside world melt away with the heat of these thermal experiences in the Hidden Spa of the Glencoe Inn.