A growing trend in high-end travel, ‘calmcations’ offer a chance for stressed-out travelers to disconnect and recharge

As the world becomes increasingly chaotic, luxury resorts are responding to the growing demand for a tranquil escape from reality. Dubbed “calmcations,” these high-end getaways offer a range of experiences designed to help guests unwind and avoid the dreaded feeling of returning home still feeling stressed. With the rise of digital overload, social media addiction, and constant connectivity, travelers are seeking refuge in serene environments that allow them to disconnect and recharge.

From yoga classes in the Swiss Alps to digital detox cabins in the UK, these resorts are catering to travelers seeking a break from the constant noise of modern life. At Greydon House in Nantucket, guests can opt for the Silent Travel package, which includes curated books, art supplies, and a journal complete with prompts. The package is designed to encourage mindfulness and creativity, allowing guests to tap into their inner selves and disconnect from the outside world. Meanwhile, L’Auberge de Sedona in Arizona offers forest bathing amidst the stunning red rocks, while Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland hosts outdoor yoga classes in the crisp Alpine air.

Even iconic attractions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Walt Disney World are getting in on the trend, offering quiet hours and quiet rooms for neurodivergent visitors. Some resorts are taking the concept of quiet travel to an extreme, such as the Eremito Hotel in Italy’s Umbrian Valley, which is TV-free, internet-free, and features communal dinners in silence. The hotel’s focus on simplicity and tranquility is reflected in its minimalist design, with rooms adorned with candles, flowers, and natural materials.

For those seeking a more bespoke experience, resorts like Sensei Lanai on the Hawaiian island of Lanai offer personalized programs tailored to each guest’s needs. The resort’s Rest and Reset program, launched two years ago, has been designed to help guests establish a skill set to find and experience sustained rest. The program includes one-on-one sessions with a mindset guide, as well as activities such as sensory eating, mindful movement, and sleep analysis. Guests can choose from a range of activities, including meditation, yoga, and breathwork, to help them relax and recharge.

One traveler who has experienced the benefits of a calmcation is ELLE editor, who recently spent a week at Sensei Lanai. During her stay, she completed sessions on sensory eating, mindful movement, and sleep analysis, and reported a significant improvement in her sleep quality and overall sense of well-being. “I was pleasantly surprised to learn I sleep better and longer than I’d feared,” she said. “I’ve never been too much of a ‘woo-woo’ wellness person, but it was hard to ignore the hard data staring me in the face—just 60 seconds of deep breathing had had a noticeable calming effect on my whole body.”

The benefits of a calmcation are clear, and luxury resorts are responding to the growing demand for a tranquil escape from reality. Whether it’s a digital detox cabin or a high-end wellness program, these resorts are offering travelers a chance to disconnect and recharge in style. As one resort manager noted, “Time is the topmost luxury for our clientele. People who come here are very busy in their regular life, and when they get away, they would like to truly disconnect in this almost surreal world we have created.”

Key Features of Calmcations:

Digital detox cabins and quiet rooms

Yoga and meditation classes

Sensory eating and mindful movement activities

Sleep analysis and sleep-improvement programs

One-on-one sessions with mindset guides

Personalized wellness programs tailored to each guest’s needs

Simple, tranquil environments designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation

Opportunities for guests to disconnect from technology and reconnect with themselves and nature.