Digital detox: internet-free relaxation in the Zemplén Mountains

Today, more than ever, we are connected to our digital devices: we are bombarded by a never-ending stream of news on our smartphones, laptops, and other digital devices. We are always one click away from information, whether we are sending or receiving it. But the question is, will we ever find time for real relaxation under these conditions?

Many of us think this dedicated leisure time will be a well-deserved holiday, but many studies show that we can't completely let go of work and social media while on holiday: we check our emails, we may even reply to a few urgent messages. However, all this can have a noticeable negative psychological impact: sleep problems, lethargy, anxiety and, in extreme cases, depression.

Digital detox is a period during which an individual consciously refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones or computers and instead focuses on social interaction in the physical world or on introspection. Getting away from digital communication (even for just a few hours) refreshes and calms us, allowing us to be more productive in our human relationships and at work. This break gives us a chance to reconnect with ourselves, relax, and return to the digital world recharged and more balanced (because we need to return, no doubt about it).

A digital detox holiday gives you the chance to do all this for longer, so that you can fully relax and enjoy the sights and scenery uninterrupted. One of our country's favourite destinations is the Zemplén Mountains, where all the conditions are there for those who want to escape to nature: the perfect place to get away from the online world. The beautiful natural surroundings, the mountain atmosphere, the weak (sometimes zero) phone signal all encourage us to leave the phone at home and put on our boots and explore the area. One of the best ways to escape modern technology is to deliberately choose a hotel without WI-FI. The “Kőkapu Vadászkastély és Hotel & Apartments” (Stone Gate Hunting Castle and Hotel & Apartments) in Zemplén aims to offer exactly this experience: no WI-FI, no phone signal, but all the more silence. Nestled in a beautiful, leafy valley, it offers rooms equipped with all the comforts of everyday life for guests looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Their motto, "where the silence begins", could not be more descriptive: an indescribable silence and tranquillity surround the area, with only the sound of birdsong and a trickling stream. In addition to relaxation, there are many activities for visitors. The picturesque lake, with the hunting lodge on its shores, is a great place for boating or fishing for those who like active recreation, but bicycles can also be hired for those who prefer to explore the countryside on two wheels. The hotel's restaurant offers a genuine regional cuisine, prepared by local chefs according to a seasonal tradition. If you've never travelled without your phone or laptop, it's time to try what the experience has to offer! Try switching off your devices on a weekend getaway, and who knows, you might not even notice you're missing them as you breathe in the wonderfully clean mountain air.