Digital Detox: Helping Guests Unplug and Relax this Summer Season

Digital Detox: Helping Guests Unplug and Relax this Summer Season

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 22, 2024

In our hyper-connected world, the allure of a digital detox is becoming increasingly compelling. As summer approaches, many hotels and resorts are seizing the opportunity to offer guests a chance to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with nature, family, and themselves. These digital detox packages are designed not only to provide a break from the constant barrage of emails, notifications, and social media but also to foster a deeper connection with the environment and personal well-being.

The Concept of Digital Detox

A digital detox involves refraining from using electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. The goal is to reduce stress, improve mental health, and enhance the quality of life by disconnecting from the digital world and reconnecting with the physical one. For many, the incessant need to stay connected has led to burnout, anxiety, and a sense of constant distraction. Hotels and resorts that offer digital detox packages aim to combat these issues by providing an environment that encourages relaxation and mindfulness.

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The Rise of Digital Detox Packages

The trend of digital detox vacations has been on the rise as people seek refuge from their demanding digital lives. Leading the charge are luxury hotels and resorts that offer bespoke packages tailored to help guests disconnect. These packages often include a mix of activities designed to engage guests physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Activities Promoting Mindfulness and Well-being

Central to these detox packages are activities that encourage mindfulness and present-moment awareness. These activities often emphasize the importance of being present and appreciating the natural world. Popular options include:-

Nature Walks and Hikes: Guided tours through scenic trails allow guests to immerse themselves in nature, promoting physical activity and a sense of tranquility.

Yoga and Meditation: These practices help guests center themselves, reduce stress, and improve mental clarity.

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Art and Craft Workshops: Engaging in creative activities like painting, pottery, or knitting can be therapeutic and foster a sense of accomplishment.

Culinary Experiences: Cooking classes and farm-to-table dining experiences not only educate but also connect guests with the local culture and cuisine. Wellness Treatments: Spa treatments, including massages and aromatherapy, offer deep relaxation and rejuvenation.

The Benefits of Digital Detox

The benefits of a digital detox are manifold. Physically, guests often report better sleep and less eye strain. Mentally, they experience reduced stress levels, improved mood, and a greater sense of well-being. The absence of constant notifications allows for uninterrupted thoughts and deeper, more meaningful conversations.

Socially, guests find that they connect more genuinely with those around them. Without the distraction of devices, there is more room for eye contact, active listening, and heartfelt interactions. Additionally, being in a serene, natural setting often leads to a greater appreciation for the environment and a desire to protect it.

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Encouraging Digital Detox: Tips for Hotels and Resorts

For hotels and resorts looking to implement digital detox packages, here are some tips:-

Create a Device-Free Environment: Encourage guests to hand over their devices at check-in and provide a secure place for storage.

Offer Engaging Alternatives: Design a variety of activities that cater to different interests and promote relaxation and engagement.

Educate Guests: Provide information on the benefits of a digital detox and how it can improve their stay.

Train Staff: Ensure that staff are supportive and knowledgeable about the digital detox concept, helping to foster a device-free culture.

Promote the Package: Use marketing channels to highlight the unique benefits of a digital detox vacation, attracting guests who are seeking respite from their digital lives.

Conclusion

As the demand for mindful travel experiences grows, digital detox packages offer a refreshing way for guests to disconnect from their screens and reconnect with what truly matters. By promoting such initiatives, hotels and resorts not only enhance the well-being of their guests but also contribute to a more balanced, mindful, and connected world. This summer, embracing a digital detox could be the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life, offering families and individuals a chance to recharge and create lasting memories.

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This exclusive article is written by Nisha Sharma, Operations Director – India at Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts for HospitalityNews.in


Urban Square Mall Brings Udaipur Together to Create 300-Foot Tricolour

Urban Square Mall Brings Udaipur Together to Create 300-Foot Tricolour

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2026

Urban Square Mall brought the people of Udaipur together for a unique Independence Day celebration, creating a 300-foot-wide Tricolour through the hand impressions of more than 10,000 people from across the city.

The community-led artwork was conceptualised and sketched by Urban Sketchers, led by renowned architect Sunil Ladha. Thousands of individual hand impressions came together to form one large Tricolour, turning the celebration into a shared expression of patriotism and community spirit.

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Measuring 300 feet in width and 15 feet in height, the artwork was divided into three 100-foot panels representing saffron, white and green. Each section was filled with the actual hand impressions of citizens, making the Tricolour a creation of the people of Udaipur.

The initiative saw participation from several community groups and organisations, including the Udaipur Pink Women Army led by Dr. Archana Shaktawat, BCI Tourism Group led by Shradhha Gattani and Mukesh Madhwani, Urban Sketchers, and schools including St. Matthew School, Prayas, Miranda and Royal Academy. Members of the Riverfront Nav Rattan community, RWAs such as Grace Crystal, customers and mall teams, along with social communities such as Let Us Hopp, also joined the initiative.

Adding to the meaning of the artwork, the mural featured visual references to iconic figures including Maharana Pratap, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, along with other freedom fighters. The artwork connected Udaipur's Mewar legacy with India's wider freedom movement, highlighting themes of courage, unity and national pride.

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Commenting on the initiative, Nandini Taneja, CEO, Bhumika Enterprises, said, “We are overwhelmed by the response and participation this initiative received from the people of Udaipur. What makes this Tricolour truly special is that it has been created by the hands of the community itself. More than 10,000 people came together, each leaving their own impression to create one powerful symbol of unity and patriotism. We thank every school, community, resident group, brand partner and individual who became a part of this celebration. At Urban Square Mall, we are proud to have provided a platform that brought the city together in such a meaningful and memorable way.”

The completed 300-foot Tricolour was displayed at Urban Square Mall, turning the destination into a vibrant Independence Day celebration and giving the people of Udaipur a shared symbol created by their own hands. The initiative captured a simple message: 10,000+ hands, one flag and one united spirit of India.


Godrej Home Lockers Teams Up With Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Ranveer Singh to Redefine Home Security

By Hariharan U

Published on March 21, 2026

Godrej has always stood for trust and protection in Indian homes, and its latest campaign makes that message impossible to miss. The Security Solutions Business of Godrej Enterprises Group has collaborated with the highly anticipated film Dhurandhar: The Revenge, featuring Ranveer Singh, to launch a co-branded digital campaign that puts Godrej home lockers squarely at the centre of the home security conversation.

The concept is a natural fit. Dhurandhar, as a word and as a character, carries weight: strength, resilience, and an unshakeable sense of dependability. Those are precisely the values Godrej has built its security portfolio around, and the collaboration uses the film's powerful narrative to bring that connection to life in a way that feels culturally relevant and immediately relatable.

A co-branded video featuring Ranveer Singh has been launched across digital platforms, blending cinematic storytelling with a strong product narrative that highlights the robustness and reliability of Godrej home lockers. The campaign is being amplified through YouTube, Connected TV, and Meta platforms, targeting audiences where the conversation about both entertainment and home safety is most active.

Pushkar Gokhale, Business Head of the Security Solutions Business at Godrej Enterprises Group, explained what drew the brand to this collaboration. "Dhurandhar: The Revenge as a concept represents strength, resilience, and dependability, values that are deeply embedded in our brand ethos. By collaborating with a cultural moment led by a dynamic personality like Ranveer Singh, we can bring alive the idea that true strength lies in securing what matters most. Our home lockers are designed to be that unwavering protector for Indian households."

The campaign arrives at a time when Indian consumers are increasingly thinking about both physical and digital safety at home. Godrej's Security Solutions Business has been responding to that shift with advanced home lockers that bring together modern technology and the kind of legacy trust that has been built over decades.

Positioning the product as the true Dhurandhar of the household is a smart and memorable way to make that case, and with Ranveer Singh delivering the message, the reach is guaranteed to be significant.


IHCL’s Gateway Brand Reaches 50-Hotel Milestone with Hyderabad Signing

IHCL’s Gateway Brand Reaches 50-Hotel Milestone with Hyderabad Signing

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 16, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a Gateway hotel in Somajiguda, Hyderabad. With this addition, the Gateway brand has reached a significant milestone of a 50-hotel portfolio. The upcoming property will be developed as a conversion project.

Speaking about the development, Ms Leah Tata, Vice President & Brand Leader, Gateway Hotels & Resorts, IHCL, said, “The re-imagined Gateway’s ethos is centred on the idea of creating a ‘Gateway to a Destination’, with hotels that are closely connected to the cultural fabric of the location. This strength of the brand has enabled it to rapidly scale to a 50-hotel portfolio, capturing the growth in business and leisure markets across metros cities, state capitals and commercial centres. With the addition of Gateway Hyderabad, the brand debuts in the city and we are delighted to partner with Mr. D. Siva Rama Raju and Mr. DVS. Soma Raju for this project.”

Located in the heart of Hyderabad, the 225-key Gateway Somajiguda, Hyderabad will offer a range of dining and recreational facilities. The hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a bar and a lounge. Leisure amenities will include a modern gym, health club, swimming pool and treatment rooms.

The property will also cater to meetings and events with extensive conference infrastructure. It will include 11 banquet halls, with the largest spanning approximately 10,000 square feet, supported by multiple meeting rooms, making it suitable for both corporate gatherings and social events.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr D. Siva Rama Raju and Mr DVS. Soma Raju said, “We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL for this project. We look forward to bringing a refreshed hospitality experience to Somajiguda.”

Somajiguda is one of Hyderabad’s prominent commercial and residential areas, known for its corporate offices, retail establishments, and healthcare institutions. Its central location makes it a strategic destination for business travellers as well as leisure visitors.

With the addition of this project, IHCL will have eight hotels in Telangana, including three currently under development, further strengthening its footprint in the region.

Mr D. Siva Rama Raju, an entrepreneur from Andhra Pradesh, began his professional journey in agriculture and civil contracting before establishing himself as a leading real estate developer and hotelier in Hyderabad. He is also recognised for his philanthropic and religious contributions.

Mr DVS. Soma Raju, an MBA graduate from the University of Dubuque in the United States, has gained hands-on hospitality experience both in the U.S. and India. He previously led the development and operations of a hotel in Hyderabad and later co-founded a large-scale 999-bed medical tourism project.

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