What are silent resorts? Inside the new luxury escapes for wellness and digital detox
Discover five silent retreats where slow travel and mindful experiences help guests reconnect with nature, simplicity, and inner peace
Why Silence is the Ultimate Luxury in Wellness Travel
In a world where everything is shared—from beachside sunbed selfies to meticulously curated aesthetic lunches—true luxury has taken on a new form: silence. Not metaphorical silence, but literal silence. The kind where the only notifications are the rustling of trees, the rhythm of your breath, or the distant call of a bird.
Once, we would tell time by the sun’s position in the sky, not by a glowing screen. We would play outdoors until the light faded, not until our phone’s battery died. Perhaps, freedom lies in returning to that simplicity, not out of nostalgia, but in pursuit of clarity, creativity, and peace of mind.
This is where silent resorts come into play. These unique wellness retreats are more than just destinations; they represent a state of mind. They are perfect for those seeking to unplug, rediscover the beauty of doing nothing, or reconnect with themselves through mindful experiences. Whether you’re after deep meditation, restorative nature immersion, or a stylish retreat from the digital noise, here are five places where silence speaks volumes.
Top Silent Resorts for Digital Detox & Wellness Travel in 2025
1. MindTravel Silent Retreat: Experiential Sound Therapy for Mindfulness
Music can relax, energise, or even heal, and the experiential music collective MindTravel taps into that power in truly unexpected ways. Imagine floating in the ocean (or your own bath) while fully immersed in a soundscape of your favourite tracks via underwater speakers. Or consider joining a silent walk at dawn through breathtaking landscapes.
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"This MindTravel experience was more than a concert—it was a moment of stillness," we read on @mindtravelmusic. And honestly? We felt it too.
And if you need further convincing, the Piano Experience offers live ambient piano sessions that help ground you in the moment. It’s a rare fusion of silent retreat and sensory exploration.
2. ÀNI Resorts: Luxury Wellness Retreats for Mind-Body Balance in Asia
ÀNI is less of a resort and more of a philosophy. With private retreats across Thailand, Sri Lanka and beyond, ÀNI focuses on total wellbeing. Their offerings range from holistic spa treatments to curated kid-friendly activities, all designed to balance the mind and body. Their approach is as effortless as it is intentional.
@slojourn Special moments just for you at ANI Sri Lanka ✨✨ #srilanka #aniprivateresorts #luxuryaccommodation #luxurytravel ♬ LATCH SLOWED DOWN
“Balance is the key ingredient in ÀNI’s holistic approach to physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing,” they explain. Whether that means attending a sunrise yoga class or simply doing absolutely nothing by the sea in the afternoon, the outcome is the same: serenity.
The best part? Every ÀNI location is set amidst expansive natural grounds, providing scenic spots perfect for meditation, breathwork, or simply being present—an embodiment of mindful travel and slow luxury.
3. Bürgenstock Alpine Spa: Exclusive Silent Retreat in Switzerland’s Mountains
Nestled in the heart of Central Switzerland, the Bürgenstock Resort overlooks Lake Lucerne and delivers a nature-centric experience like no other. Think panoramic spas, enchanting hiking paths, and alpine air so crisp it feels like a reset for your nervous system.
@sarah_bar_ The "City of Lights" Lucerne in Central Switzerland is home to the "Alpine Spa" at the Bürgenstock Hotels and Resorts. The luxury accommodations on the outskirts of the city offer everything the wellness heart desires. As a true highlight, the infinity pool towers 500 metres above Lake Lucerne and offers a breathtaking panorama over Lucerne. The effective lighting and small "fire bowls" complete the experience. You can also be pampered with a fascinating view in the indoor pool. The "Alpine Spa" lives up to the name of the "City of Light, Lucerne". 📍 @Bürgenstock Resort #bürgenstock #bürgenstockresort #bürgenstockhotel #bürgenstockresortswitzerland #alpinespa #switzerland🇨🇭 #lucerne #lucerne_switzerland #luxuryhotel #luxuryspa #switzerlandtourism #switzerlandtiktok🇨🇭 #fyp #fypp #infinitypool #lakelucerne #luxurytravel #luxurytravelplaces #traveltiktok #traveltok ♬ orijinal ses - J A V A D O F F ⚡
This car-free oasis spans over 10,000 square metres of spa facilities, featuring 12 restaurants and lounges, a golf course, and scenic trains that roll quietly through the mountains. It’s a peaceful bubble high above urban chaos—ideal for unplugging without sacrificing luxury. For those seeking a high-end slow travel experience, it stands out as one of the most extraordinary silent retreats in Europe.
4. Gaia House: Silent Meditation Retreats in the English Countryside
Gaia House isn’t a resort. It’s a sanctuary. Located in the Devon countryside, this Buddhist retreat centre offers silent meditation retreats for those craving true stillness and inner peace.
“Meditation retreats at Gaia House are held in silence,” reads their understated mission—and that’s exactly what you can expect. Guests follow a code of noble silence and engage in contemplative practices that open space for insight, compassion, and profound reconnection.
It’s not about escape; it’s about returning to the self. For those seeking mindful travel or disconnection retreats with depth, Gaia House provides a transformative experience.
5. Off-Grid Digital Detox Retreats in the UK and Catalunya with Unplugged Cabins
Part rustic hideaway, part digital detox, Unplugged is built on a simple yet radical idea: we all need time offline. You can choose one of their 20+ off-grid cabins, all reachable within a 1–2 hour drive or train and taxi ride from major UK cities, or opt for their unique digital detox cabin in Catalunya, just an hour from Barcelona. After arriving, you’ll lock your phone in a physical lockbox and embrace an analogue lifestyle.
@unplugged.rest We think a little reintroduction is in order 👋 We’re all about life offline. It might sound daunting at first, but trust us, freedom from notifications is liberating. Nestled in nature, our off-grid cabins are built for slowing down and reconnecting with nature. We’ll provide everything you need for your stay. All that’s left to do is lock away your phone and soak up the peace of living distraction-free. 📸 @Rebecca Hope #digitaldetox #offgridcabin #socialmediadetox ♬ original sound - Noah Kahan
They provide you with books, board games, a map (yes, a real one), a hot shower and everything else you need to slow down and recalibrate. In their words, “We believe the world would be happier and more productive if everyone went offline for a few days each year.”
Turns out, they might be onto something. Unplugged is an excellent example of off-grid retreats designed for rest, reflection, and digital freedom.
6. The Rise of Silent Travel: A Growing Wellness Movement
This is not just a fleeting trend; it’s a quiet revolution. In an overstimulated, hyperconnected world, the desire to log off—even for a weekend—is becoming essential, especially among younger generations. More travellers are choosing destinations not based on their Wi-Fi speed, but rather for their birdsong, mountain stillness or mindful solitude.
Whether the goal is to find creative space, restorative solitude, or a new form of luxury, these silent retreats provide more than just quiet—they offer reconnection, simplicity, and a deep sense of calm that is often overlooked in modern life.
Lucrezia Spina
Editor, Milan