Traveling while Black: 5 perfect places around the world to escape and unplug this summer
Find a way to get off the grid.
Here are a number of places around the world where you can fully disconnect and recalibrate with your favorite drink and book in hand.
You know that dreaded feeling—the one that begins the moment you reach for your phone and your fingers begin scrolling through your inbox or social media feed. By the time your to-do-list for the week unfolds, you’re already traveling in your mind to a place where you can fully unplug, relax, and release …then you realize, it’s only Monday.
In our increasingly connected world, finding quiet moments to unplug has never been more critical, for both mental health and productivity. In fact, the phrase “digital detox” has even been added to the dictionary. More people are seeking a perfect turn down instead of turn up during their travels with on single goal to decompress.
READ MORE: Getting there is half the fun: 10 family friendly trips to enjoy by train this summer
Fortunately, there are a number of places around the world where you can fully disconnect and recalibrate with your favorite drink and book in hand. Here are a few options that should get you well on your way.
Petit St. Vincent — Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
You know those days when you are drowning in adulting and think about what it might be like to have your own island escape? Enter the glorious Petit St. Vincent, a 115-acre private island at the tip of the Grenadines on the flawless Caribbean ocean.
On this island paradise, you can spend the entire time in your oceanside private cottage, without a telephone, Wi-Fi or television. If you need someone, all you have to do is put a yellow flag outside your door and voilà — room service or transportation through the secluded property will be right on hand. There are also two yoga pavilions and a Balinese inspired spa.
Here, peace of mind is not sold separately.
The Villa at Saugerties — Hudson, New York
Husband and wife team Amanda Zaslow and Joe Moesley were so inspired by the Spanish countryside during their honeymoon that they decided to recreate that experience in upstate New York.
Located just two hours outside of New York City with the sweeping Catskill Mountains as its backdrop, The Villa at Saugerties is a charming bed and breakfast that is the perfect escape from frenetic city life. It’s situated on 3.6 pastoral acres shrouded by grand willows and lily ponds to chill out. The villa holds four detailed rooms containing Moroccan tiled bathrooms, deep soaking tubs to unwind and heated floors. Visitors can also enjoy private patios, wood burning fireplaces, and a 40-foot heated swimming pool.
On Saturdays, join the owners for a prix-fixe, four-course dinner at The Barn, their private residence. Here, you’ll enjoy locally sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients that are sure to nourish you.
Jicaro Island Luxury Lodge — Jicaro, Nicaragua
Check into a treehouse style casita on this mango filled islet in the middle of Lake Nicaragua. Located just a short boat ride from the colonial city of Granada, Jicaro feels miles away from any semblance of civilization. With just nine casitas on the grounds, it’s easy to immerse yourself in the natural elements of jungle life without disruption, which is part of the reason why it was named one of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World.
Jicaro Island Luxury Lodge hosts a wellness center for yoga classes and spa treatments right on the lake. An added bonus to escaping here is that you’ll also be supporting the local economy since the lodge only hires locals from the area, sources its produce from nearby farmers, and donates time and resources to a school just down the lake, called Padre Nello.
Rancho La Puerta — Baja, California
At the Rancho La Puerta resort in Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, the mantra is to silence technological clutter.
“We live in a fast-paced, chaotic environment where it’s rare that we’re not plugged in to some form of media, whether it’s our phones, televisions or computers,” is the message written on their website.
Rancho La Puerta offers visitors a way to truly unplug and refocus with 4,000 acres of land, over 50 daily fitness classes, guided meditation, farm-to-table meals and more. You will undoubtedly leave here with not only a few new self-care rituals, but also an energized state of mind.
Jakes Treasure Beach — Treasure Beach, Jamaica
Mix the laid back warmth of Jamaica with a location miles away from any hi-rise hotel or overpopulation of tourists and you’ll discover the gem that is Jakes Treasure Beach.
This eco-friendly, colorful boutique hotel is located in the sleepy fishing village of Treasure Beach, and is a design and ocean lover’s dream. The cottages don’t have Wi-Fi, televisions or telephones, though there is internet available should you need it in the lobby, but chances are, you wont.
After just a few hours after check-in, you’ll easily know the staff, taste one (or maybe two…it’s vacation after all) of the best rum punches of your life, and enjoy locally caught fish or pumpkin soup from a nearby garden.
Forget the techno filled clubs and 2-for-1 specials of Negril or Montego Bay. Everything at Jakes Treasure Beach says, it’s time to unplug and catch a vibe.
Kristin Braswell is an award-winning travel journalist and founder of CrushGlobal Travel Follow her adventures on Instagram, @crushglobal
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