Digital Detox: Helping Guests Unplug and Relax this Summer Season

Digital Detox: Helping Guests Unplug and Relax this Summer Season

Shreenidhi Jagannathan

Published on May 20, 2024

This summer, Nisha Sharma, Operations Director – India at Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, delves into the growing trend of digital detox vacations. In her insightful article, "Digital Detox: Helping Guests Unplug and Relax this Summer Season," Sharma explores how hotels and resorts are offering innovative packages to help guests disconnect from their devices and reconnect with what truly matters. Read on to learn how stepping away from your screens can lead to a more balanced, rejuvenated, and fulfilling summer experience.

Read the full article below.

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.

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.
  • ·         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.

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.


Vivek Shukla Redefines Loyalty Through Purpose-Driven Hospitality

Vivek Shukla Redefines Loyalty Through Purpose-Driven Hospitality

Vivek Shukla

Published on September 1, 2025

In today’s world of hospitality, where loyalty programs are often defined by free nights, discounts, and upgrades, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group has chosen a different path, one that blends guest rewards with social good. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, Vivek Shukla, CEO of the Group, offered rare insights into how luxury and purpose can converge to create a new standard for the industry.

With more than 35 years in luxury hospitality and two decades shaping The LaLiT’s vision, Shukla is widely known for his people-first approach and strategic foresight. His leadership during the pandemic, marked by initiatives that supported frontline workers and vulnerable communities, underscored his conviction that hospitality is about much more than service, it is about responsibility.

This ethos is at the heart of the Group’s new loyalty program. Unlike traditional models, this initiative empowers guests to transform everyday indulgences into acts of giving. Partnering with Points for Good, The LaLiT allows loyalty members to channel their points towards diverse causes ranging from child education and sustainability to LGBTQIA+ empowerment. Shukla describes it as a shift “from transactional exchanges to purposeful, meaningful connections”.

The innovation lies in embedding impact seamlessly into daily guest interactions. Shukla believes that over time, members will begin to associate loyalty not only with luxury but also with generosity and social change. “When routine stays or meals become part of something greater, it fosters a culture of care and giving back”, he says.

Perhaps most compelling is the vision behind it: small contributions from thousands of guests, collectively sparking a wave of impact across India. By aligning hospitality with social responsibility, The LaLiT is rewriting the future of loyalty, one that is not just about repeat business but about emotional connection and shared purpose.

Our conversation with Vivek Shukla was both inspiring and thought-provoking, challenging the industry to see loyalty in a whole new light. For the complete interview and exclusive insights, dive into the Hospitalitynews Magazine September Edition- available now on our website and in print. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative dialogue shaping the future of hospitality.


Exclusive Insights with Dr. Anshu Jalora on AI-Powered Pricing

Exclusive Insights with Dr. Anshu Jalora on AI-Powered Pricing

Dr Anshu Jalora

Published on September 1, 2025

In an era where unpredictability has become the only constant in travel and hospitality, few voices carry the weight of experience, foresight, and innovation like Dr. Anshu Jalora, Founder and Managing Director of Sciative Solutions. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, Dr. Jalora shared sharp insights on how technology, behavioral economics, and AI-driven pricing are rewriting the rules of hotel revenue management.

With over 23 years of global expertise, stints at Starbucks, Overstock.com, and PROS Revenue Management, and a patent in pricing software, Dr. Jalora is not only a leader but a pioneer. His ability to bridge the precision of academia with the dynamism of the hospitality market makes his perspectives especially compelling.

When asked about this year’s unexpected monsoon surge in travel demand, Dr. Jalora explained how AI-powered systems like ZettaRMS can detect weather shifts, booking pace, and competitor rates in real time allowing hotels not just to react, but to stay ahead of market waves. The difference, he notes, lies in “explainability,” enabling revenue managers to understand why pricing shifts occur while preserving guest trust.

What followed was a fascinating look into the speed of pricing decisions. With ZettaRMS updating rates every 15 minutes, Dr. Jalora emphasized how short-lived surges can now be monetized with precision, often lifting ADRs by 4–5% in ways static pricing could never achieve. His revelations about post-pandemic booking patterns in India last-minute clusters, OTA user behaviors, and the surprising profitability of “shoulder nights” offered a rare, data-driven lens into the evolving market.

From tackling OTA leakage with parity checks to preparing hotels for the unpredictable, Dr. Jalora stressed one recurring theme: context-specific pricing is the future. The hotels that adapt in real time will not only safeguard revenues but thrive in an increasingly volatile market.

It was a truly insightful conversation with Dr. Jalora, one that promises to reshape how we think about pricing in hospitality.

Want More? You can explore the full in-depth interview and exclusive coverage in the September edition of Hospitalitynews magazine, available both on our website and as a beautifully curated print magazine. Don’t miss your chance to engage with the future of hospitality, one conversation at a time.


Scoops of a Dream: Shaariq Akhtar on Yura’s Artisanal Journey

Scoops of a Dream: Shaariq Akhtar on Yura’s Artisanal Journey

Shaariq Akhtar

Published on September 1, 2025

At the heart of ITC Grand Chola, one of Chennai’s most iconic star hotels, a frozen dream has been delighting the city. Yura, the artisanal gelato and sorbet destination, has quickly become a favourite among dessert lovers for its blend of nostalgia, innovation, and culinary artistry. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, Shaariq Akhtar, General Manager of ITC Grand Chola, shared insights into Yura’s journey, its inspirations, and the philosophy behind its one-of-a-kind creations.

Shaariq describes Yura as more than just gelato. For him, it is the realisation of “a beautiful dream”, a place where childhood memories and sensory indulgence meet. This philosophy is at the heart of Yura’s handcrafted flavours, whether it’s the ethereal balance of Miso Caramel, the gold-touched elegance of Idukki Vanilla, or the playful indulgence of Filter Kaapi and Rose & Paan. Each flavour tells a story, designed to surprise and comfort at the same time.

What makes Yura stand apart is its ability to balance bold creativity with the warmth of familiarity. In a country where traditional sweets are deeply loved, Yura offers reinterpretations that spark nostalgia in a new form. Whether it’s Aam Papad Gelato or French Raspberry Sorbet, the intent remains the same, to bring people closer to cherished memories, now served in scoops of artisanal perfection.

Shaariq also spoke about the painstaking process of creating new flavours, from the very first spark of inspiration to the final tasting session. Each step is guided by the idea that every scoop should stir emotions and leave behind an unforgettable experience. Sustainability too lies at the core, with Yura relying on mindful sourcing and renewable energy, ensuring that indulgence remains both luxurious and responsible.

Our conversation with Shaariq revealed that Yura is more than a frozen treat, it’s an experience of comfort, wonder, and artistry. Every scoop tells a story, waiting to be discovered.

It was truly a delightful conversation with him, and to read the complete interview, you can check out the September edition of Hospitalitynews Magazine on our website or grab your physical copy today.