Time for a DIGITAL DETOX?

Determined to switch off, writer Ella Dove tried going tech-free on a weekend break

- ELLA DOVE

Like many of us, I struggle to switch off from screens. After a full day working on a laptop, I unwind by watching TV, before getting into bed and scrolling through social media, going to sleep far too late as a result. Yet when I wake up, inevitably tired, what's the first thing I do? You've got it - I reach for my phone. And so the cycle continues.

So when I heard about Unplugged and its digital detox cabins, I was naturally intrigued. Founders Hector and Ben set up the company in 2020 after suffering burn-out themselves. Now, they're on a mission 'to help the always-on switch off'. They have 30 cabins and counting, all conveniently located just one or two hours outside major UK cities. Many are dog-friendly, and all are secluded and surrounded by nature, designed to help guests unwind during their three-night stay. It sounded like just what I needed.

Plus, the benefits of going 'off-grid' are proven - from reducing stress and anxiety to sharpening focus, improving sleep quality and boosting our moods. The question was, could I manage three days without my phone? Well, I was about to find out.

My husband, George and I stayed with our cavapoo at dog-friendly Loki, on the edge of the New Forest. The cabin was set behind a stable yard, surrounded by fields and grazing horses. 'Beautiful,' George and I agreed.

Inside, the space was compact but very well designed, with clever storage solutions such as a high king-sized bed with luggage storage space beneath it and a table that tucked neatly into the bench beside it when not in use. The kitchen was made up of a two-ring gas hob, sink, fridge and a whistling kettle. It was perfect for what we needed.