Disconnect from your devices this new year with Digital Detox Asia, a new gadget-free wellness retreat that focuses on relaxation and rejuvenation
IT does not seem like society’s infatuation with electronics, and smart devices will come to an end anytime soon. Things like social media tend to dominate our lives unknowingly, and finding an escape from the small lectronics and networks we tote around with us can be an impossible endeavour. There is an escape in sight to help us break free from this suffocating hold, however, if only for a weekend, a Digital Detox Asia: new wellness and digital detox retreat in Khao Yai.
Digital Detox Asia
In the hyper-connected world we live in, human interaction is often forfeited as we check our social media upwards of hundreds of times a day. Digital Detox Asia hopes to change and reacquaint us to the world we live in.
Digital Detox Asia
In the hyper-connected world we live in, human interaction is often forfeited as we check our social media upwards of hundreds of times a day. Digital Detox Asia hopes to change and reacquaint us to the world we live in.
“As a society, we are obsessedwith our devices, and as such, we are losing our ability to connect deeply and meaningfully with each other. Our attention spans are becoming shorter, and a lot of the time, we are experiencing reality through a screen,” Nathaniel Simha, one of the three founders of Digital Detox Asia, said.
Co-founders John Bailey and Att Rungrojkitiyos had similar beliefs, and together the three created the premium wellness retreat in Khao Yai known as Digital Detox Asia. The location of the detox is but a few hours’ drive from the capital, making it a convenient getaway from the city. “It’s an wonderful experience which will give you a feeling of inner-freedom and connection to consciousness, creativity and a community that you haven’t felt for a long time,” Nathaniel said. “You’ll leave feeling refreshed, inspired and ready to create healthy new lifestyle habits.”
Co-founders John Bailey and Att Rungrojkitiyos had similar beliefs, and together the three created the premium wellness retreat in Khao Yai known as Digital Detox Asia. The location of the detox is but a few hours’ drive from the capital, making it a convenient getaway from the city. “It’s an wonderful experience which will give you a feeling of inner-freedom and connection to consciousness, creativity and a community that you haven’t felt for a long time,” Nathaniel said. “You’ll leave feeling refreshed, inspired and ready to create healthy new lifestyle habits.”
| The need for new and healthy habits is dire as more and more studies are exposing the adverse effects using electronic devices frequently can have on us. According to data Apple collected, we touch our phones upwards of 80 times a day. Using electronics in such abundance can lead to physical problems and can result in things like lack of sleep. A disrupted sleep cycle can cause weight gain, as can merely looking at your phone, as bright light reduces levels of melatonin (which regulates sleep) and decreases leptin, a hormone that makes you feel full, according to UCLA Chancellor Gene Block. It also increases ghrelin, which makes you feel hungry. Regularly checking your electronics and the networks on them is not conducive to good mental health, either. The average person spends hours (1.72 to be exact) on their social networks in a single day, whether they are catching up with old friends, Facebook stalking new ones or scrolling through feeds of people they sometimes do not even know. |  |
  | This constant exposure undoubtedly takes a toll on our well-being, and one 2016 study by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that people who frequently used social media were 2.7 times more likely to be depressed than those who did not check it repeatedly. This constant exposure to technology may be the norm, but Digital Detox Asia hopes that participants will see that healthy digital detox practices are skills they can implement into their own daily lives afterwards and are not as difficult (or unenjoyable) as one may initially assume them to be. Upon arrival to Digital Detox Asia, visitors will hand over their devices to the well-equipped staff and officially be electronic free. Then, throughout the 48-hour retreat, visitors will partake in some activities that are designed to help participants reconnect and find enjoyment without the use of an electronic. Participants can partake in things like yoga, meditation, art and writing workshops, team-building activities, outdoor games, music creating sessions, reflective thinking activities, campfire hangouts and, of course, participants are given plenty of time to relax. |
In addition to all of these tranquil and mind-stimulating activities, partakers also get to indulge in a delicious and nutritious menu throughout the entirety of the retreat. Staying true to the wellness theme, the dishes are all tasty and healthy finds, and vegan food is available upon request, as well.
“We’ve created a healthy menu full of fruits, vegetables and other delicious options,” Nathaniel said. “We include eggs and milk for people who want them.”
Anyone can participate in Digital Detox Asia, as the resort accommodates corporate groups, schools and individuals. Nathaniel said he recommends the retreat to anyone who considers themselves part of the modern digital age and understands the importance of taking a short break from the digital world, as well.
“We’ve created a healthy menu full of fruits, vegetables and other delicious options,” Nathaniel said. “We include eggs and milk for people who want them.”
Anyone can participate in Digital Detox Asia, as the resort accommodates corporate groups, schools and individuals. Nathaniel said he recommends the retreat to anyone who considers themselves part of the modern digital age and understands the importance of taking a short break from the digital world, as well.
| The detox partnered with Bonanza Resort in Khao Yai, which is equipped with 16 pristine and private cabins that are both comfortable and accommodating. The resort has some facilities participants can take advantage of during their stay,and its prime location is undoubtedly what makes this retreat a memorable one. The mountainous terrain of Khao Yai acts as the retreat’s backdrop, and silence is a real luxury at Digital Detox Asia. Visitors will find it easy to step away from the digital, daily grind once they are nestled amongst the natural setting. The three entrepreneurs plan to continue to build future digital detox retreats around the world once the Khao Yai location grows in success. “I feel satisfied, as I had been seeking a large new project to get involved in for a year or so before starting this,” Nathaniel said. “I feel excited about our future success.” Whether you are a digital zombie or need a short, weekend escape from the city, Digital Detox Asia is the wellness retreat to frequent. Participants will not only return to Bangkok feeling refreshed but also with a new outlook on both their wellbeing and their devices they once held so near and dear, as well. |  |
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