This is the sixth part of our series “Tips for a sustainable weekend getaway”. Every three weeks, expect a new green idea on our blog!

Are you the kind of person who is always checking their phone? Always online, surrounded by your phone, laptop, and tablet at the same time? Probably. Because it is often only when the signs of digital stress start to show that you start to think about a digital detox. And you should always take them seriously. Countless studies have shown that stress (whether everyday, professional or digital) can lead to health problems. The HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu offers a special “radio silence” package for a digital detox weekend.

What are the benefits of Digital Detox?

A digital detox, a time when you consciously turn off all electronic devices, allows you to focus on the real world, calm down, and connect with your inner self.

The German health insurance company Techniker Krankenkasse, in collaboration with neuroscientist Dr. Volker Busch and TV doctor Dr. Johannes Wimmer, investigated the issue. The in-depth article identifies the following benefits of digital detox:

1. A break for the brain: Time to process impressions and information. If you don’t give your brain some breaks, it will become stressed.
2. Increased concentration: According to the neuroscientist, constant digital consumption, especially multiple media at the same time, can permanently reduce your ability to concentrate. A digital detox offers the opportunity to train your concentration by focusing on a single activity. In addition, yoga and mindfulness exercises will be offered at the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio during the Digital Detox Weekend.
3. Increasing sensory awareness (See, taste, feel, smell, hear)
4. Greater peace of mind
5. More time for your family
6. Better sleep quality
7. Improved mood

Provide compelling smartphone alternatives

What’s interesting, though, is that the only way to really benefit from a digital detox is to consciously choose alternative experiences instead. A scientific study from 2021 found that when people were asked to go one day without electronics in their daily lives, their satisfaction actually decreased, not increased.

To ensure that you enjoy your digital detox and actually reap the benefits mentioned above, try a weekend getaway where you plan to be unavailable from the start (you can tell anyone in advance who might be surprised) and reward yourself with beneficial activities.

HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu – An oasis of relaxation

The HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu is located in the small village of Balderschwang in the heart of the German Alps. Its location in the midst of nature is an ideal starting point for your detox weekend. The hotel has a holistic approach and emphasizes mindfulness, meditation, Ayurveda, yoga, and wellness.

Here is what your weekend of digital detox might look like

Saturday:

Travel by train to Fischen (Germany) or Bregenz (Austria) station in the morning. A hotel shuttle will pick you up at the station. (This service is available starting at 30 euros and you have to book it two days in advance). The imposing building of the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu will immediately catch your eye.

At check-in, it’s time to turn in your cell phone! (And of course other electronic devices such as laptops, smartwatches, etc.) Everything will be kept safe and returned to you along with a little surprise when you check out.

There’s no time to be sad because you’re off to lunch on the sundeck. Then head to your room and discover the little extras waiting for you: a hiking backpack, a yoga mat, a hot water bottle, a teddy bear, and a Lust for Life robe, ready for you to slip in and explore the spa area.

At the 4,500-square-foot Mountain Spring Spa, it’s time for a dip in the infinity pool, then into the shower and sauna. You may want to join sauna master Chris for an infusion?

In the evening, enjoy a multi-course dinner prepared by Chef Kristian Knölke. Afterward, enjoy a drink at the bar before retiring to your comfortable bed.

Sunday:

The sun will wake you in the morning – not your phone alarm. And there’s no phone to check messages and social media. So sleep in and wake up at your own pace – because breakfast is served until 11:30. Enjoy local organic ingredients, fruit, fresh waffles (sweet or savory) and more.

Then take a herbal walk in the garden with “herb witch” Sandra. Together you will gather herbs and make a delicious herbal salt to take home.

This is followed by another relaxing session at the spa before joining Esther for a mindful yoga session in the early evening.

In the evening, it’s time for a relaxing dinner. Here you can concentrate on tasting the food and enjoying the surrounding mountains. Menus always include a vegetarian option and a vegan menu is available upon request. If beef is your preference, local organic meat is available. (If you practice any form of Ayurveda, the chefs here are experts :-))

After 9 p.m., sample regional cheeses from the Allgäu and Bregenzerwald regions at the vinotheque before crawling back into bed for a good night’s sleep.

Monday:

Check-out is at 11 a.m., but you can (and should) visit the spa afterward before going to the train station to begin your journey home.

Of course, first, you get your phone back from the “radio silence” safe – and what’s the surprise? A delicious mountain cheese! After your small training of attentiveness and relaxation, you can enjoy the cheese at home – and maybe not even think about looking at your phone while eating it!

Save this article for the next time you feel the urge for a digital break.