In a hyper-connected world, the truest luxury is logging off. For travelers from the UAE seeking to exchange the glow of screens for the warmth of sunrise, these 15 slow-luxury sanctuaries redefine wellness.
Each retreat celebrates stillness, sensory connection, and sustainability—from Rwanda’s misty rainforests to the turquoise calm of the Bahamas.
Whether you’re looking for a remote island escape, a forest retreat, or a mountainside hideaway, these destinations prove that digital detox is the new indulgence.
1. One&Only Nyungwe House, Rwanda
Tucked into an emerald enclave in southwest Rwanda, One&Only Nyungwe House offers 22 modern, treehouse-style rooms pressed against the canopy of Nyungwe National Park. Here, you’ll trade phone notifications for the chatter of chimpanzees and hundreds of bird species. Join local farmers in hand-picking tea leaves or lose yourself in jungle trails before falling asleep to the hum of nature’s night symphony.
2. Sage Lodge, Livingston, Montana, USA
Just north of Yellowstone National Park, Sage Lodge spans 1,200 acres of rustic luxury. Mornings might include llama treks, afternoons whitewater rafting, or creative pursuits like candle making and plein-air painting. In the evenings, trade screen time for stargazing and conversation.
3. Tiamo Resort, Out Islands, Bahamas
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this barefoot-chic retreat with 11 villas encourages deep disconnection. No TVs. No work desks. Just sand, sea, and serenity. Canoe over coral reefs or lounge by the pool with a book.
4. Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort, British Columbia, Canada
Set deep within the Great Bear Rainforest, Nimmo Bay is about as remote as luxury gets. Arrive by floatplane, then fill days with heli-hiking, fly fishing, yoga by rivers, and gourmet dinners under starlight.
5. Six Senses Bhutan
At 7,700 feet above sea level, Six Senses Bhutan is a Himalayan sanctuary for renewal. Practice forest bathing, meditation in dzongs, and hot-stone bathing in outdoor tubs. In this landlocked retreat, serenity reigns.
6. ORIGINS Lodge, Costa Rica
Suspended between jungle canopy and sky, ORIGINS Lodge offers yoga, horseback riding, kayaking, private hot tubs, and sanctuary from digital intrusion.
7. Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
A secluded private island retreat with 40 suites (no children under 10), Lizard Island invites you to replace WiFi with wellness. Morning yoga, snorkel over coral gardens, spa rituals, and nature walks define the pace.
8. Manna, Arcadia, Greece
Set high in the Peloponnese region, Manna’s 32 minimalist rooms, lily pond, cave pool, and Zen vibe encourage disconnection. Spend days foraging, stargazing, doing yoga on the deck, or strolling through nearby mountain villages.
9. Amanoi, Ninh Thuan, Vietnam
Overlooking Vinh Hy Bay and bordering Nui Chua National Park, Amanoi blends jungle and sea. Villas feel like private homes. Days include kayaking, snorkeling, spa programs, and mindful exploration.
10. The Point Resort, Adirondacks, New York, USA
Once a private Rockefeller retreat, The Point offers 11 rooms across historic log buildings, dinners by candlelight, lake kayaking, and no TVs in most suites. Public spaces encourage unplugged conversation.
11. Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia
Luxury jungle glamping on the edge of the Cardamom Mountains, Shinta Mani Wild invites guests to zip in, forage, meditate, and unwind in nature’s rhythm.
12. Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti, Italy
An alpine wellness retreat nestled in the Dolomites, Lefay combines mountain vistas, spa therapies, and slow-paced luxury.
13. The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia
Where rainforest meets the Andaman Sea, The Datai is a masterclass in eco-luxury — holistic treatments, wildlife, sea breezes, all in a digital-light environment.
14. The Brando, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
A carbon-neutral tropical sanctuary, The Brando offers sustainable luxury, coral reef exploration, yoga on the beach, and mindful marine conservation.
15. Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman
Just a short distance from the UAE, this cliffside resort at ~2,000 m in the Al Hajar Mountains offers sunrise yoga, mountain treks, and spa rituals inspired by local rosewater traditions.
