Could a retreat to an isolated, off-grid cabin, free from phones, provide relief for this young family amidst the chaos of the Christmas season?
It was at the M6 toll plaza that I recognized the extent of my dependence on my phone. A traditional paper poster announced: “No phone payments, card only.” I hadn’t used my physical bank card since before Covid. This led to a significant delay at the barrier as I hurried around to the car boot, frantically searching through bags to locate it.
I was en route to experience a three-night “digital detox” in an off-grid cabin nestled in the Cheshire countryside with my partner and our three-year-old. The goal was to escape the chaos of the Christmas season. Unplugged offers a variety of traditional, insulated cabins across the country, primarily catering to solo travelers or couples. However, based on visitor feedback, they expanded this particular cabin, Luna (located between the villages of Tarporley and Kelsall), by adding a single bed for a child.
Upon our arrival around 7 pm, the absence of my phone once again became evident. We had forgotten to bring head torches to illuminate the muddy path from the parking spot to the cabin. Determined to embrace an “analogue” approach, we navigated the trail by the light of the moon, dragging our luggage in the provided wheelbarrow.
Inside the cabin, with the fire ablaze (the sole source of warmth, crucial in temperatures plummeting to -2°C), and our son comfortably settled in the single bed discreetly positioned in a corner away from ours, we stashed our phones in the lockbox and sealed the key in an envelope to ward off temptation. In lieu of modern technology, the cabin was equipped with a Polaroid camera, a cassette player, an old Nokia phone (for calls only), and board games.
The cabin surpassed my expectations, being spacious, well-lit, and much larger than anticipated. It comfortably accommodated the three of us, featuring light wood walls, expansive picture windows, and blackout blinds. The generously sized double bed, well-equipped tiny kitchen, and bathroom with a surprisingly odor-free compost toilet and a shower boasting toasty warm water (a necessity in an unheated bathroom) all contributed to a pleasant stay.
Prior to arriving at Luna, I had a conversation with Hector Hughes, co-founder of Unplugged, who, having experienced burnout while working with tech start-ups, sought refuge in a Himalayan retreat. Convinced that everyone could benefit from a digital detox, he shared his insights. I couldn’t argue, especially when I found myself compelled to Google “how to turn off an iPhone,” much to the amusement of my android-loving partner.
Hector reflected on the evolution of Unplugged: “When we started, we only had one cabin and used to personally meet guests for check-in before driving off with their phones. Now, with 22 cabins across the UK, it’s impossible, though people say being able to lock them away is enough.”
I already found myself missing my phone. “Scrabble?” my partner suggested. Before long, I spelled out the word “b-o-r-e-d,” earning a triple word score.
I had a restless night, preoccupied with thoughts of the messages I might be missing, emails left unanswered, and the incredible Instagram images I would have posted. However, to my surprise – and that of our typically early-rising toddler – we all woke at 8 am. We spent a leisurely morning reigniting the fire, waiting for the kettle to boil, and observing the morning mist gently drifting over the hills.
“I’m going to take a photo of you,” my partner declared. “Where’s your phone?” I had to remind him that it would have to be a Polaroid. Though he might have been a bit annoyed, my son found joy in witnessing the image magically materialize on the blank paper.
We set off to explore Delamere Forest nearby, arriving later than planned as we relied on road signs rather than Google Maps. Upon reaching our destination, we were informed, “You’ll need to download the app to enjoy the Zog trail” – even outdoor play had been digitized. However, the £4 analog alternative, a Zog adventure pack featuring cardboard wings (attached with provided twine) and 3D glasses to decode secret messages on panels along the walking trail, turned out to be a hit with our son. Combined with the wooden Gruffalo carvings scattered throughout the forest, he remained thoroughly entertained. As for me, having only 10 shots on the Polaroid for the entire stay led me to contemplate each moment, savoring them more without rushing to capture an image.
