Quietcations: Why Silence, Solitude, and Digital Detox Are the New Luxury Travel Trend
- Arushi Sakhuja
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
In a world filled with endless chatter, chaos, and the robotic hustle of everyday life, the only way to feel grounded is often through a quiet escape. While luxury vacations once meant crowded hotspots and high-energy destinations, the narrative is shifting. Today, people are seeking retreats that are quieter, cut off from constant noise, and deeply rooted in silence, nature, and introspection. For many, this is the rare luxury of genuine solitude.
While not everyone wants to completely disconnect—some will still post on social media—a growing segment of travellers are embracing what the industry now calls quietcations. These off-the-grid trips encourage switching off from devices, if not fully, then at least partially during the stay. Alexia Laine, Director at Courchevel Tourism, describes such vacations as “a form of travel focused on calm, reconnecting with oneself and nature, far beyond the traditional criteria of a relaxing vacation.” Group General Manager, Barnabas Wamoto of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge adds, “Unlike a typical holiday that may focus on sightseeing or fast-paced itineraries, a quietcation is about slowing down, cultivating presence, and restoring balance.”
For Magali Sulpice, Owner, Relais & Châteaux Auberge du Père Bise, the idea is deeply personal: “For me, a quietcation is about the desire to take a real break, to simply take my time. This approach is different from a traditional vacation in that it prioritises tranquillity and reconnecting with what's essential, rather than just collecting experiences.”
The Rise of Quietcations
In a highly digitalised world, silence is a hot commodity. Constant notifications, decision fatigue, and the pressure of performance have led to a growing desire for respite. According to Laine, quietcations are a direct response to this overload. “Choosing silence, nature, and introspection is also a way of reclaiming your own time, a way of reclaiming your well-being, your emotions, your body, and your mind.” Thus, from silent retreats and digital detox cabins to forest walks, yoga escapes, and spa getaways, these experiences are popping up across the globe.
Yet, with increasing demand, some destinations are already facing overtourism, transforming once-secret hideaways into crowded hubs. Wamoto notes the cultural shift: “More travellers are valuing solitude, peace, and meaning over crowded landmarks.” Laine describes quietcations as experiences where guests can physically isolate themselves without feeling lonely, where nature and thoughtfully designed accommodations invite stillness and self-reflection.
Destinations Embracing Quietcations
At Relais & Châteaux Auberge du Père Bise, the magic lies in its exceptional location—nestled between the lake and mountains in the heart of the Alps. Here, personalised service blends seamlessly with an eco-friendly spa and cuisine that celebrates local ingredients, creating a harmonious experience deeply attuned to nature. Guests remain closely connected to their surroundings while still enjoying modern comforts.
At JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, a quietcation is designed as a deeply intentional retreat—a sanctuary from noise, overstimulation, and the pressures of constant connectivity. Rooted in the JW Marriott ethos of nourishing the body, mind, and spirit, the experience emphasises holistic wellness through mindful rituals, connection with nature, and stillness that allows guests to reset and realign.
The Mara offers the rare luxury of uninterrupted horizons, immersive silence, and expansive space. “Guests come to us not to broadcast, but to breathe. At our lodge, we see guests arrive with a desire to unplug, not just from devices, but from expectations, stress, and overwhelm. The stillness of the Mara provides a kind of soul-level reset,” the team shares.
Its remote location overlooking the vast savannah naturally transports guests away from the demands of daily life. Wildlife can be spotted from private decks, phone connectivity is intentionally limited, and on-property experiences are crafted to encourage digital stillness. “It’s not just a break from routine, but a return to self. A shift from doing to simply being,” the team adds. From bead-making and archery to soaking in a jacuzzi or listening to silence under African skies, it’s a retreat that fosters connection with both self and nature.
Turning our focus to the pristine destination of the French Alps in Courchevel, nature is an ally of well-being. Here, a quietcation takes shape in secluded chalets, snowshoe walks at sunrise, or restorative spa rituals where calm, light, and natural beauty define the experience. As Laine explains, “This type of vacation offers an environment where you can physically isolate yourself without being alone.” In Courchevel, disconnection from devices comes naturally, with landscapes and thoughtful design inspiring inner peace. Ultimately, quietcations blend physical isolation, digital detox, and mental restoration.
The Consumers
While older generations may recall this lifestyle from their youth, millennials (25–40) are leading the quietcation movement—particularly professionals, creatives, and couples seeking time to pause, reflect, and reconnect. Caught in the corporate race or entrepreneurial grind, they are often at risk of burnout, yet more attuned to overall well-being and sustainability in both personal and professional life. Laine adds, “Generation Z follows suit with a desire for real experiences away from the digital noise.” Wamoto notes a strong response among well-travelled urban dwellers seeking wellness-focused, meaningful escapes. “We’re seeing the strongest response from well-travelled guests who are looking to slow down, disconnect, and immerse themselves in nature. These guests are drawn to experiences that offer emotional restoration over spectacle.”
Demand is also rising among urban professionals wanting to unwind, families hoping to pass on a new definition of luxury to their children—less material consumption, more shared stillness—and city dwellers escaping hyperconnected environments in places like Mumbai, Delhi, Paris, and London.
JW Marriott Masai Mara sees strong interest from North America, Europe, and the UAE, alongside growing regional demand within Africa.
Over the year, quietcations have become a new luxury defined by silence, minimalism, and emotional recharge rather than opulence. "Today, true luxury lies in presence, privacy, and peace. By intentionally removing excess, we create space for clarity, connection, and meaningful rest. Quietcations aren’t about the absence of comfort; they’re about the removal of what overwhelms, so guests can reconnect with what truly matters," concludes Wamoto.
Interestingly, this trend sits alongside the rise of sleep tourism—where rest itself becomes the central element of travel. With stress and sleep deprivation on the rise, it is gaining global popularity as travellers increasingly prioritise rest and relaxation over the hustle of conventional sightseeing and packed itineraries.