If you’ve ever wanted to throw your phone away and run away to the woods you’re not alone. It’s something I have mentioned time and time again (especially over the last two years of the pandemic).
Being constantly connected and contactable can become overwhelming from time to time. And, if you’re anything like me, feeling the need to respond and reply to the world within a split second can also get a bit much.
Each time I’ve said “I want to quit the world and move alone to the woods” my boyfriend has politely reminded me that running away to the woods forevermore is just a tad dramatic (he’s right). But the concept of a unique off-grid escape (just for a few days) really appealed to me. After some research, I came across the amazing Unplugged Rest, which specialises in off-grid cabin escapes just a stone’s throw from London.
Who are Unplugged Rest?
Unplugged Rest was created by Hector and Ben, two ex tech start-up workers who were suffering from corporate burn-out (something I think a lot of us can relate to at the moment).
Upon leaving the tech world and after a trip to a silent retreat in the Himalayas, Hector left feeling inspired. Upon Hector’s return from the Himalayas, he reunited with Ben, where they both discussed the idea of a digital detox. Once the ideas got flowing, Unplugged Rest was born, and the rest, they say is history.
Unplugged Rest has been created with the hardworking and constantly connected in mind, by founders who have very much been there and done that. The basic concept of Unplugged Rest is that guests lock their phones away in a box for 3 days, replace this with an old school Nokia (for emergencies), disconnect from the online world and reconnect with nature and themselves
How much does it cost to stay at Unplugged Rest?
Cabin stays are for 3 nights and prices range between £390 for check-in on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday or £420 for check-in on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.
What amenities can I find at Unplugged Rest?
In the cabins you are provided with everything you need for an off-grid stay and digital detox:
- Loose-leaf English breakfast tea
- Loose-leaf Camomile tea
- Coffee beans from Dark Arts
- Salt & Pepper
- Olive oil
- Small fridge, 2-ring gas hob & sink
- Coffee grinder & filter
- Loose-leaf teapot
- Cutlery, wooden spoons, scissors, chef knives & chopping board
- Bottle opener, grater, peeler
- Plates, bowls, mugs, cups
- 2 Frying pans, lidded saucepan, colander
- Washing up liquid & scourers
- Tea towel
- Shower & off-grid toilet
- 2 Bath towels, 1 hand towel & shower mat
- Shampoo, body wash & hand wash
- Toilet rolls
- Wellies & umbrellas in the metal storage box at parking/drop off
- Trolley to help carry items also at storage box
- Picnic bench, parasol & 2 wooden lounger chairs
- Firepit & grill with BBQ tongs
- Phone lockbox with map, compass, torch inside
- Instant camera with 10-photo film (this is such a lovely touch)
- Firewood, kindling & firefighters for wood-fired stove
- Radio/cassette player with cassettes
- Board games & books
- Bed linen, pillows
NOTE: There are no plug sockets at the cabins, but you will be provided with x2 USB charging points.
**Taken from the Unplugged Rest website
What is there to do near Unplugged Rest?
Unplugged Rest has 8 different cabins spread across different locations that are just an hour or so outside of North and South London. Click here to check out the different locations.
The aim of the game at Unplugged Rest is to disconnect from the world for a few days. So, whether you want to hike around the local area (Unplugged Rest will provide you with a local area map) or chill out in the Cabin, light the wood burner, play games and read books (also provided) – it’s entirely up to you, as long as you leave relaxed and well-rested!
**Photos featured in this blog are from the Monty cabin.
An honest review of Unplugged Rest
I absolutely love Unplugged Rest’s vision and mission and really feel like they have executed it perfectly.
For someone like myself who works in the corporate world, and spends the rest of their time creating content, it can feel like the only time I don’t spend on the internet is when I am sleeping. Staying at Unplugged rest is a welcomed break and forces you to disconnect.
You can see that a lot of thought, time and effort has gone into creating these cabins and curating this experience, from the overall design to the amenities provided such as the games, books and my personal favourite, the polaroid camera.
It’s honestly hard to believe that these cabins are located so close to London as you will feel like you are miles away from the world, and have the choice of not interacting with any other humans.
You are provided with everything you need for a cosy cabin experience, come rain or shine. When it’s raining you pop the fire on and curl up with a good book and if the weather is in your favour then you can grab the local map and compass provided in your lockbox and head outside for a walk.
Whilst a 3-day digital detox may fly by and you might find yourself easily slipping back into old habits, Unplugged Rest will teach you a valuable lesson about the benefits of switching off and disconnecting. It’s something that we should all try to incorporate into our lives, and something I’m personally going to make more of a conscious effort to do.
Does Unplugged Rest sound like the perfect experience for you? If so feel free to book your stay here.
[Gifted Stay]
Looking for more unique places to stay in the UK? Well, check out more of my hotel reviews here.
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