The luxury hotel brand introduces a digital detox initiative at its spas worldwide Sept. 5. The programme helps travellers manage their relationship with technology. The initiative, which includes beneficial advice and activities and was developed in part with the Mayo Clinic, is available to every spa guest. “Technology has brought us many great advances. But the expectations for instant communication and the increasing pace of change in the world can have a negative impact on our wellbeing,” said Jeremy McCarthy, group director of spa and wellness, Mandarin Oriental. Participating guests hand over their phones upon arrival at the spa. While in spa relaxation rooms, guests are encouraged to make use of non-digital activities, such as journaling, colouring and meditation. Taking the initiative a step further, a full digital detox retreat is available. The one-hour, 20-minute experience includes an aromatic bath treatment with a massage concentrating 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. The Spas at Mandarin Oriental provide a perfect haven for people to escape from technology, even if only briefly, to rest their minds and reconnect with themselves,” added McCarthy.