3 FOR THE KIDS...
DIGITAL DETOX Need to take drastic action to keep the family off their phones? Try one of these far-flung locations, writes Grace Ellis.
1 Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Osa Peninsula is one of the most biologically diverse places in the world. Located in southwestern Costa Rica, animal-loving kids will be so infatuated by the vast amount of wildlife and lush rainforest that they won’t give their beloved phones a second thought. The Osa Peninsula is not only a safe haven for its inhabitants but also has a rich gold mining history — up until the 1980s, Osa Peninsula was one of Costa Rica’s largest gold-bearing regions. Technology-free activities include gold mine tours with opportunities to pan for your own piece of precious metal, hiking through Corcovado National Park, wildlife sanctuary encounters and scuba diving and snorkelling among humpback whales and manta rays. Activities for all ages provide endless entertainment away from the screens.
2 American Samoa, US Pacific Territory
Leave your phone at home as you won’t find cellphone service here — and if you do, you may as well forget about the outside world because American Samoa has the most expensive internet in America. Instead of worrying about emails and getting that Instagram-worthy picture, relax on one of the many beautiful beaches across five volcanic islands or explore the numerous cultural heritage highlights and kid-friendly hikes such as the historic World War II site at Blunts Point or the Turtle and Shark Cove on the island of Tutuila, home to one of the most famous legends in Samoan history. Although many versions of the story have circulated, the legend tells of a woman, Fonuea, and her granddaughter Salofa, who were neglected by their family during a famine in Savai’i and in anger, threw themselves off a rocky coast into the ocean. It is said they were magically changed into a turtle and a shark, swam all the way to the island of Tutuila and were later helped by the island’s high chief. In gratitude, Fonuea and Salofa remained in the water by a cliff in Vaitogi. This area has become the biggest tourist attraction of American Samoa because supposedly, the turtle and shark will appear on the surface of the water when a particular Samoan chant is recited. americansamoa.travel
3 Petit St. Vincent, Grenadine
This barefoot Caribbean private island paradise boasts no internet, phone nor even cars. Adventure around the island via golf cart and relish family bonding with activities such as snorkelling, windsurfing and hiking. If water sports aren’t your thing, hire a babysitter while you treat yourself to some time out at the hillside spa or find your zen with all-inclusive yoga practice. While visiting PSV may leave a gaping hole in your wallet, the homely villas and exquisite beaches will make you forget the material things in life. This destination is sure to leave the whole family feeling refreshed and revitalised — if you ever decide to leave. petitstvincent.com