Luxury hotel brand Mandarin Oriental is launching a worldwide Digital Detox initiative at all of its spas, beginning 5 September.

The programme is designed to help guests find new ways to manage their relationships with technology and the stress that comes with a constantly connected digital lifestyle.

“Technology has brought us many great advances,” said Jeremy McCarthy, group director of spa and wellness. “But the expectations for instant communication and the increasing pace of change in the world can have a negative impact on our wellbeing.”

The Digital Detox initiative encourages guests to surrender their phones when they arrive at the spa, and also provides a range of more mindful activities in the relaxation rooms, including journaling, notecard writing, colouring and meditation.

Mandarin Oriental worked with US-based nonprofit medical practice Mayo Clinic – which also recently helped create a Healthy Living programme at Mandarin's Bodrum resort – to create a range of tips and guidelines to help establish personal boundaries on technology use and a digitally-balanced lifestyle.

A Digital Detox Retreat – which lasts for one hour and 20 minutes – focuses on grounding the body and mind through the power of human touch, and includes relaxation in an aromatic bath followed by a massage that concentrates on the head, eyes, neck, shoulders, hands and feet.

“The spa is one of the few places left in modern society where it is acceptable and even encouraged to disconnect from technology,” said McCarthy, who said that even disconnecting briefly can help people rest their minds and reconnect with themselves.

When guests leave the spa, their phone or device will be returned to them – newly cleaned and repackaged in a special “do not disturb” protective digital shielding – designed to keep the cell phone out of sight and out of mind and reduce temptation.

Last year, the spas at Mandarin Oriental offered a Silent Night event during the holiday season, where all spas fell completely silent for one night – meaning no music and no talking – which was designed to remind guests about the importance of taking time for reflection, introspection and silence. Mandarin plans to offer the event again this year at all its spas worldwide on 14 December.

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