If you're like us, you made 'traveling more' your number one New Year's resolution. You vowed to get out of your comfort zone, explore the unknown and immerse yourself in the new. We also propose to you a second resolution, a little late, but nonetheless important. We propose that you put down your phone, get off Instagram and stop snapping long enough to unplug and enjoy the tangible. Obviously, this is easier said than done so we've compiled this guide for when you're in need of a gal pal getaway, bachelorette party or good old-fashioned bonding sesh with your girls by your side. Make 2017 the year of getting out and doing more.
These are the places that make your childhood dream adventure come to life, your spine tingle and challenge yourself to grow. Leaving the modern world behind is sounding pretty appealing right about now, isn't it? Commence the data detox now.
By: Heather Ash | Venue: Hideout
Sure, this place is luxe, it's beautiful and it's world renown, but it also lays the perfect foundation to put your cellular device away for a few days and take in the splendor around you. Grab your girls and hike up to Horseshoe Bend, explore the natural archways of Zion National Park and discover the rich cultural heritage of the Navajo.
Before we talk about what you can do here, let's talk about what you can't. Which is nothing. Besides being nestled amongst a rainforest and glaciers alike, you and your best gal pals can try stand up paddleboarding past waterfalls, host beachside champagne-filled picnics and have a bonfire while floating over a lake. This place is serious magic.
Alright, this place is completely other-worldly. The crater like lakes, massive glaciers and jagged mountains will transport you straight to another planet. Don't be fooled, Remota may skip the TVs and wifi but there's no skimping on luxury here. The exploration potential is endless so your girl gang definitely won't be bored. Plus, it's Patagonia. Enough said.
If there was one spot made for a secluded, phone-free girls trip, this is the place. Hidden in the jungles of Kauai, The Palmwood is a 6 room guesthouse on a mission to restore life to simpler times: food is bought only in-season and local, furniture is artisan made and the best view is the 360° forest surrounding the property. The understated luxury will have you and your girls saying, "when can we move in?"
Yogis, hikers and adventurers alike can find refuge at this sanctuary located in the last surviving Himalayan Buddhist kingdom. A luxury oasis for those seeking spiritual pilgrimage and peace, this special spot is a serious once-in-a-lifetime experience. Grab your best girls because you'll be bunking in one of their unique lodges that embodies the Bhutan culture and seriously stunning surroundings.
Alright ladies, get ready to live out your Camp Walden Parent Trap dream at this "no-frills, back-to-bascis establishment, with no modern conveniences." Taking a scene straight from the movie, you'll partake in lakeside activities, camping, bonfires and a two story treehouse cabin. It's a step back in time in the best kind of way.
Disclaimer: This place does offer cell coverage and wifi but it's not guaranteed to work due to the extremely remote location. This luxury lodge has all the creature comforts of a resort but don't fret, it's sits right in the middle of the Serengeti surrounded only by plains. Your lady crew will have the safari adventure of a lifetime all while still being able to retire to your plush suite.
If your galpals are up for one heck of an adventure, then this island off the eastern coast of Africa can provide it. Bordering a fully protected (and rare!) coral reef, this reserve is eco-minded and exploration ready. The lodges will have you feeling one-with-nature before you can even remember to miss your Insta feed. Snorkel, wander and check out the historical buildings all while living the tropical life you've always dreamed of.
La la ladies, this is the ultimate sci-fi adventure getaway to geek out over. You can stay 4,600 feet in the air at this former Apollo mission research center. 19 of you and yours can sleep at this observatory with nighttime telescope tours and revel in the rich astronomy history. A quick cable car ride transports you to and from for the most far out trip ever.
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Dreamy is right, this Hawaiian hideaway is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. Your girl gang will be welcomed to this abode with shades of gold, a swinging outdoor bed and floor-to-ceiling windows all while being completely surrounded by jungle. This is one data detox you'll be excited to partake in.
Live like an ancient Mongolian nomad at this lodge aiming to reduce their footprint on earth. Camp out in the Gobi Desert, learn to live the Ger way and find local luxuries like fine cashmeres and handmade goods. Your desert dreams with your girls by your side will come true at this sparkling gem.
The name of this place says it all. Quite literally hidden in the rice fields of Bali and situated under a volcano, Hideout is a vacay worthy of your toughest bucket list standards. Surrounded by jungle, filled with hammocks and all the tiki vibes, your gaggle of girls will be hard pressed to find a more secluded, tropical paradise.
These suspended pods over Peru's Sacred Valley provide the ultimate adrenaline seeker's paradise. Sleep attached to the side of a mountain with your bestie for the most amazing sunrise experience ever. You better believe you won't be getting any bars up here so if you're one to take things to new 'heights,' this is for you.
Tulum has garnered the reputation of being a top phone-free destination... and we're digging it. It's nothing but sand, sea and your squad. Take a day trip to the Mayan ruins, swim in the natural cenotes and of course, tacos. Bunk up at this ocean front villa for the ultimate unplugged recharge.
Is there a more swoon-worthy way to go off-the-grid than where the jungle meets the beach? Your crew will stay in one of these eco-treehouses that are ergonomically shaped for maximum ocean breezes. Also worried about what you'll nosh on? Vegetarian, vegan and organic menus are at your disposal for a healthy, sustainable getaway.
This place will tempt you take your phone out and post a photo of famous Mount Everest but have no fear, you won't have a signal. This remote, 12 room hotel has some of the most iconic vistas in the world that call on all girl gangs who love hiking, crisp air and cold temperatures.
Glamping? Check. Claw foot tubs? Check. Environmentally responsible? Check. Yellowstone Under Canvas is your go-to if your squad is looking to slow down, roast some s'mores and stargaze. Allow yourself to let go and relax at this luxurious camp with nothing but open fields around you.
It's official, boozy, adult-only sleep-away camp is here and it's everything you could wish for. We're talking redwood forests, wine country, teepees and the cutest cabins you've ever seen. Your girl gang will be in good company as your fellow campers have included Google, Linkedin, music festivals and wellness retreats.
Tucked 100 miles back from any road, this secluded lodge sits in the largest national park in North America. Adventure is the idea behind this spot that describes itself as "simply the basecamp in a place where adventure is not dictated by itineraries." Soar over endless forests by bush plane, lunch inside the largest glacier on earth and walk through fields of arctic flowers for the ultimate bonding sesh with your crew.
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This coastal community was built to assimilate with nature, read: back away from the 'gram slowly. Completely surrounded by jungle, this is one retreat where you and your BFF's can recharge. Plus, it's a famed surfing spot so the people watching is top notch. One stop isn't enough? Check out our Guide to Nicaragua for even more goodies to visit.
Not up for a transcontinental vacay? Head to to this private island that only feels like a world away. Surround you and your ladies with ancient Spanish moss, jungle plant life and coastal views dotted with cabins to round out your stay. Disconnecting has never been easier with the seed-to-table meals you'll receive each day along with complimentary beer and wine. Vacation mode, activated.
Imagine your squad arriving by camel to your white canvas tents, lit by lanterns and surrounded only by sand dunes. This place exists and is the ultimate desert dweller getaway. A beautiful camp in an even more beautiful setting makes unplugging with the gals not only easy, but necessary. Eat and live like a local for the most authentic adventure of your life.
This desert oasis may have a rep for luxurious wellness and celeb sightings but don't discount it as too plugged in. Designed to blend with the surrounding area, Miraval is your go-to for relaxation and restoration with your girls. Yoga, meditation, adventure courses and hikes are part of daily life here for ultimate bonding with your squad.
Ladies, for those of you want to go off the grid but don't want to rough it, we hear you. This private Fijian island is completely surrounded by protected coral reef (hello, best snorkeling ever) and that famed dreamy aqua water. This resort may be totally decked out but it still sits in one of the most secluded corners of the world.
Located 62 miles from the coast of Auckland, this part time getaway is totally off the electricity grid. Yep, no lights, TV, wifi and other modern conveniences. If your lady friends are serious about this off-the-grid business, then this architectural award winning spot is for you. Designed around making meals together, bringing the outside in and enjoying shared spaces, this stunning property is a getaway treat.
We don't need to tell you that this award winning eco lodge is nothing short of amazing but we will tell you that this isolated, seaside safari setup is just feet away from the Ningaloo Reef – a protected reef on Australia's western coast teeming with marine and wild life. With so much to see on land and in water, you can bet on a TV and wifi free zone to enjoy with your bests by your side.
Alright girls, dust off those hiking boots because we're headed deep in the forests of Oregon. Rustic cabins, a boathouse serving as a (boozy) mess hall and a main lodge mean this lakeside retreat will bring out the inner Troop Beverly Hills camper in you. A classic disconnected getaway, your galpals will be kept busy with the bevy of woodsy activities for all the #CampVibes.
You'd be hard pressed to find a retreat more focused on healing, wellness and detoxing from modern life. Reset and recharge is the name of the game at this stunning property where you're biggest concern is yoga or massage. Your galpals can find zen together while data detoxing at the same time. Warning: Heading back to modern civilization may be a chore.
Canada is the jam for wilderness getaways and activities so it's no wonder that this remote hideaway proudly serves the mantra of "disconnect to reconnect." With just about every outdoorsy activity on their roster, your fellow females will be kept busy in the best kind of way. Plus, camping out in one of the most beautiful corners of the earth isn't half bad either.
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We all know Aspen as a popular luxury destination, but we've uncovered a collection of 34 backcountry huts perfect your unplugged getaway. You may be close to town but you won't feel like it. Pop some popcorn, turn on the fireplace and throw on a horror flick knowing you aren't actually in the middle of nowhere.
So, you want to feel one with nature and really test your survival skills? Well, we (kind of) have the solution. These clear bubble huts let you live just close enough to nature without leaving your squad totally exposed. With main camp amenities to ease roughing it lifestyle, this is one adventure for your most daring girls.
How's this for off-the-grid? These mobile cabins travel via snowmobile to wherever you can imagine. For larger groups, your squad can rent multiple cabins and choose where you park it all together. Northern light viewing, snowmobiling and tiny living await you at this Finnish escape.
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