The Joy of Missing Out; ‘JOMO’ Travel Destinations That Celebrate Disconnection
As digital fatigue sets in, more travellers are looking for opportunities to step away from their screens and re-engage with the here and now. The ‘Joy of Missing Out’ or ‘JOMO’ marks a shift in mindset, where logging off from social media is seen not as a loss, but as a welcome escape. From the remote Welsh countryside to the tranquil wilds of the Republic of the Congo, these retreats offer a chance to slow down, switch off, and foster a deeper connection to a place far from the distractions of everyday life.
Grove of Narberth: A Stay Designed Around the Joy of Missing Out
Located in rural Wales, Grove of Narberth is a country house hotel that aligns with the growing trend of ‘JOMO’, the joy of missing out. With no pressure to stay online, the hotel offers guests the space to unplug and focus on the experience at hand. Surrounded by forest and countryside, the property is well placed for nature-focused travel. Guests can explore woodland trails, take advantage of the bookable e-bikes provided by the hotel to ride through quiet country roads and towns, or simply enjoy the slower pace of life within the gorgeous kitchen gardens.
The hotel also offers a range of bookable guest experiences that tie into this idea of presence and connection — from guided garden tours to tours with VIP Wales and seasonal events featured on the hotel’s website. The interiors are warm and welcoming, with lounge areas, garden views, and two restaurants: Fernery and Artisan Room that both prioritise fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s a setting that supports presence over pressure and is ideal for travellers looking to take a step back from digital life and spend time outdoors, at ease, and off the clock.
HOW: Stays at Grove of Narberth start from £260. To book or enquire about packages or events please contact the reservations team or visit https://grovenarberth.co.uk/experiences-and-escapes.
Slow Time in Snowdonia: A North Wales Escape at Penmaenuchaf
North Wales is a region of awe-inspiring landscapes, ancient castles and charming coastal towns. Snowdonia National Park, with its majestic peaks and sparkling lakes, is the jewel of the region. Escape the hustle and bustle of popular tourist spots and be fully present in the raw beauty of the surrounding nature. From towering Mount Snowdon to the enchanting Swallow Falls, there’s no shortage of breathtaking sights to explore.
Penmaenuchaf, nestled within this picturesque setting, offers an ideal retreat for those embracing the joy of missing out. This elegant country house, steeped in history, boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountains and gardens. Combining traditional charm with contemporary luxury, the hotel encourages guests to disconnect from their devices and reconnect with the landscape. Guests can lace up their hiking boots for an adventure up Mount Snowdon or take a leisurely stroll through the peaceful trails of Coed y Brenin Forest. For those seeking cultural experiences, nearby towns such as Betws-y-Coed and Conwy offer quaint shops, art galleries and historic landmarks. The hotel’s newly refurbished bar offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with various cosy nooks for guests to unwind — enjoying a light bite, a cocktail, or a quiet moment with a good book. Outdoors or indoors, Penmaenuchaf invites you to slow down, switch off and savour the moment.
HOW: Stays at Penmaenuchaf start from £230. For more information or to book, please visit https://penmaenuchaf.co.uk/
Disconnect to Reconnect: ‘JOMO’ with White Desert in Antarctica
Antarctica offers one of the most remote and undisturbed environments on the planet and White Desert’s Whichaway Camp provides a rare opportunity to experience it in a way that prioritises rest, reflection and disconnection. The newly launched Wellness Dome at Whichaway overlooks a frozen lake and glacier, designed as a quiet space for movement, stillness or solitude. Guests are encouraged to switch off completely - with no phone signal, they are able to engage with the extraordinary natural surroundings, whether through guided hikes, time in the on-site sauna, or quiet observation of the landscape.
For those seeking a higher-spec base, Echo Camp is designed for exclusive-use groups of up to 12. With interiors inspired by space exploration and a focus on ultra-luxury, it combines privacy with access to White Desert’s full programme of activities. These include ice climbing, abseiling, skiing, fat biking, and guided visits to Antarctica’s interior, including the South Pole and Emperor Penguin colony at Atka Bay. Both camps operate with strong environmental principles - White Desert has been carbon neutral since 2007 and is currently pioneering the use of sustainable aviation fuel in Antarctica.
HOW: Prices start at $71,500 per person for a 6-day tour and includes return flights & transfers from Cape Town to Antarctica, all accommodation, food & beverages and activities around camp.
Escape the Everyday at Prestonfield House
Tucked beneath the iconic Arthur’s Seat and set within 20 acres of private parkland, Prestonfield House offers a special chance to embrace the pleasure in unplugging from everyday life. This five-star retreat, just minutes from Edinburgh’s city centre, invites guests to switch off from the outside world and reconnect with nature, beauty, and stillness.
Surrounded by manicured gardens, grazing Highland cows, and striking peacocks, Prestonfield House is a place where the pace of life gently slows. Guests can hike the neighbouring Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through the estate’s serene grounds. Whether it’s quiet reflection among the greenery or watching the sunset over the city skyline, there’s no need to scroll; everything guests need is right here. Inside, opulence awaits. From individually styled rooms to indulgent dining at the acclaimed Rhubarb restaurant, or an intimate rendezvous in the luxurious Salon Priveé, the experience is both grand and grounding. At Prestonfield House, switching off feels effortless, and outsiders will be the ones missing out.
HOW: Room rates for Prestonfield House start from £375 per room, per night and includes breakfast. For more information, please visit https://www.prestonfield.com/
Switch Off and Slow Down at Ellenborough Park
Ellenborough Park is a secluded luxury retreat where guests can fully embrace the pleasure in taking a pause. This lovingly restored 15th-century manor house combines historical grandeur with contemporary comfort, offering 61 uniquely designed rooms and suites, set within 90 acres of lush grounds, it is the perfect destination to embrace the joys of peace and quiet.
Situated at the gateway to the Cotswold Way, Ellenborough Park invites guests to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. Whether it’s gentle strolls through wildflower meadows, invigorating hikes up nearby Cleeve Hill, or peaceful moments spent in the serene spa garden, every experience encourages presence and calm. The Spa Garden Retreat is a tranquil haven designed for digital detox, where guests can unwind amid lush greenery, soothing water features, and calming spaces. It offers a perfect sanctuary to relax before or after indulgent treatments in the spa, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in stillness and rejuvenation. It also features the newly launched Japanese Head Spa, for the ultimate relaxation experience and the chance for guests to truly switch off for an hour.
HOW: Room rates at Ellenborough Park start from £269 per night for a double room on a B&B basis. For more information, please visit https://ellenboroughpark.com/. The Japanese Head Spa is priced at £115 per session. For more information, please visit https://ellenboroughpark.com/offer/japanese-head-spa/
A Tranquil Escape to the Picturesque Cumbrian Countryside at Farlam Hall
Farlam Hall, a luxurious 18-bedroom Relais & Châteaux and PoB Hotel known for its world-class hospitality and Michelin-starred dining, is the ideal destination to switch off from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Surrounded by stunning British countryside, the hotel provides the chance for guests to reconnect with nature, with the North Pennines Mountain range and Hadrian’s Wall just a short drive away. Additionally, Farlam Hall offers a truly unique stargazing experience which, as studies have shown, promotes mental well-being by reducing stress and improving sleep, making it a true retreat for the soul.
The hotel’s must-try “Let’s go Walking” package promotes self-guided walks around the charming Cumbrian countryside, with a delicious packed lunch prepared by the hotel’s talented chefs. All ingredients are thoughtfully sourced from the hotel’s own on-site kitchen garden, ensuring every meal is as nourishing as possible - leaving guests feeling good from the inside. Back at the property, guests can continue to enjoy the hotel’s wellness offerings with a GAIA Skincare treatment at The Sycamore Retreat, launched in April 2025, a healing environment which embraces natural and holistic principles.
HOW: Farlam Hall’s Lets go Walking package is priced from £938 per couple. Midweek room rates start at £340 per night and weekend room rates £390 on a B&B basis. For more information please visit https://farlamhall.com/ / 016977 46234
Escape to Secluded Scottish Hotel, Glenapp Castle, for a Digital Detox
Glenapp Castle is a 21-bedroom majestic Relais & Châteaux Hotel tucked away on the breath-taking Ayrshire coast and is home to The Castle Penthouse Suite, the largest in Scotland. This stunning location offers the ideal getaway; a couple of nights of luxury, in a secluded Castle away from the everyday pressures of life, which can do wonders for one’s psyche. Guests can lose themselves within the Castle’s 110 acres of private estate, manicured gardens, and local woodland, or escape to the exquisite Scottish countryside for long romantic walks and beautiful views of Ailsa Craig and Northern Ireland.
Visitors at the hotel can choose from the 70+ indoor and outdoor activities to try, with wellness-focused experiences such as in-room treatments, digital detoxes and yoga all available. The team encourages visitors to explore the stunning Scottish landscape by partaking in activities such as cold-water swimming and wild swimming, which improve circulation and reduce stress levels. Whether taking a dip in a local Loch or taking the plunge into the wonderful Scottish seas, swimming in these natural bodies of water is the ultimate way to refresh, invigorate and get back in touch with nature. Alternatively, for those keen to remain outside and connected to nature then forest bathing is a must, where guests will venture deep into the woodland areas of the Glenapp Estate, experiencing guided meditation and mindfulness techniques which help to focus the senses.
HOW: Room rates for Glenapp Castle’s Garden View Suites start from £625 on a B&B basis. Forest Bathing is priced at £360 for 1-4 guests per half-day and Wild Swimming is priced at £320 for 1-4 guests. For more information please visit www.glenappcastle.com / 01465 831212.
Where Time Slows: The Effortless Elegance of Treville Positano
Treville Positano, an iconic oasis located on the Amalfi Coast overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, stands as one of the world’s leading and most distinguished hotels. With just 16 suites housed in six villas connected by secret stone passageways and flower-lined trails, each accommodation combines traditional elegance with modern luxury. Inviting guests to embrace a slower pace, guests can fully unwind without lifting a finger, from private plunge pools and cosy balconies to peaceful reading nooks, each suite invites guests to soak up the serenity of a secluded summer retreat, far from the noise of the outside world.
For those embracing the joy of staying put, there’s little reason to leave Treville. Maestro’s, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, serves up culinary delights inspired by ingredients from Treville’s own organic farm. Just steps away, Bianca Bar crafts innovative cocktails using herbs and botanicals grown on-site. Wellness seekers can indulge in La Traviata spa’s sea views, offering a range of rejuvenating treatments and massages, or take in the sea views from the property’s open-air gym. To complete the retreat, guests can dip straight into the ocean from On the Rocks, an exclusive haven of calm.
HOW: Prices start from £718 per night. For more information, please visit: https://villatreville.com
Escape to Kamba African Rainforest Experiences and Recharge with Forest Yoga and Baï Adventures
Kamba Africa offers intimate luxury lodges and adventurous expeditions in the welcoming and peaceful Republic of the Congo (ROC). The ROC is home to the second largest rainforest in the world, stunning landscapes, immense biodiversity and the critically endangered Western Lowland Gorilla. Kamba invites guests for the perfect blend of off-the-beaten-track luxury, immersive wildlife experiences, and restorative wellness, ideal for travellers looking to truly disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. As the only private operator granted concessions in the ROC’s National Parks, Kamba’s three lodges Ngaga Lodge, Lango Lodge, and Mboko Lodge in UNESCO-listed Odzala-Kokoua National Park blend seamlessly with the rainforest.
At Mboko Lodge, guests can benefit from rainforest-inspired massages from two locally-trained spa therapists, while the open deck spaces provide the ideal space for self-led group yoga sessions, immersed in the soothing sounds of the wilderness and overlooking the gentle flow of the Lékéni River. Guests can prepare to get wet exploring the streams and marshes of the forest on foot — one of the few places in Africa where visitors can do this. Kamba’s walks through and around Lango Baï provide eye-opening opportunities to encounter Water Buffalo, Forest Elephants and Bongos as guests literally immerse themselves in their habitats away from the distractions of modern day life.
HOW: Kamba African Rainforest Experiences offers a number of itineraries beginning with ‘Odzala Discovery’ for 7 nights, with 3 nights in Ngaga Lodge, 2 nights in Lango Lodge and 2 nights in Mboko Lodge from £11,902 per person. This is inclusive of scheduled to/from charter flights from Brazzaville to Odzala-Kokoua National Park, two Gorilla tracking permits, internal transfers, conservation, medevac and park fees, activities and food and drink.
Disconnect to Reconnect at Iniala Beach House
There’s no fear of missing out when everything travellers need is already here. Set along the tranquil shores of Phang Nga beach in Thailand, Iniala Beach House invites guests to forget the outside world and embrace the joy of missing out. Every element is designed to nourish mind, body, and spirit, creating a rare opportunity to disconnect completely, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Wellness lies at the heart of every guest experience. The Pearl Spa, with its mother-of-pearl interiors and Zen garden skylight, offers serene treatments for all guests. Those staying in the Lotus or Siamese Suites can also access The Golden Temple Bell Spa, an ethereal sanctuary inspired by mountain temples of northern Thailand, with herbal steam rituals and sacred design details. Beyond the spa, wellbeing activities continues with beach boot camps at sunrise, sunset yoga, Thai boxing, and paddleboarding, all encouraging guests to be fully present in their surroundings and forget the outside world's temptations. At Iniala Beach House, switching off feels natural. It’s not about what guests are missing; it’s about what they’re finally free to enjoy: stillness, connection, and a sense of total presence.
HOW: Room rates at Iniala Beach House Thailand start from $1,050 (£825) per night (Pool Residences) and Villas start from $3,500 (£2,750) per night. For more information, please visit https://www.inialathailand.com/
The Art of Switching off at The Xara Palace
For those craving a slower pace and a chance to truly switch off this summer, The Xara Palace offers a refreshing escape from the constant hum of connectivity. Found within the fortified walls of Mdina, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, this 17th-century palazzo invites guests to embrace a different kind of luxury: the joy of missing out. Here, guests would rather linger in stillness than scroll, preferring time spent wandering quiet cobbled streets, basking in golden hour light atop ancient bastions, and rediscovering the simple pleasures of travel.
With just 17 individually designed rooms and suites, each thoughtfully furnished with antiques, rich textiles, and sweeping island views, The Xara Palace blends charm with serene exclusivity. Culinary excellence completes the experience. For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the newly unveiled Palazzino Belvedere offers guests their very own hideaway, a stone's throw away from the main hotel. This most romantic and glorious retreat invites guests to truly immerse themselves in Malta's rich past. Enjoy refined seasonal dishes at the Michelin-starred de Mondion, or Mediterranean classics at Trattoria AD 1530, set al fresco in the picturesque piazza. Offering tranquillity, cultural richness, and impeccable service, The Xara Palace is a mindful alternative to Europe’s busier summer destinations, ideal for those craving a quiet moment away from it all.
HOW: Rooms at The Xara Palace start from €236 (£196) per night per room. For more information, please visit www.xarapalace.com.mt
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