I Visited the Maldives’ New ‘No-Phone’ Resort—And It Changed How I Travel

I’ll be honest: when I heard about Kudadoo Island Resort’s new “digital detox” policy, I rolled my eyes. Another gimmick. But then I read the details—phones forbidden in restaurants, by the pool, and on the beach. You can only use them in your villa or a designated “tech lounge.” I thought, fine, I’ll try it. I’m a journalist; I need my phone. But I went anyway, and I’m glad I did.

The First 24 Hours: Panic

Checking in, they gave me a locker for my phone. I felt actual anxiety. What if something happens at home? What if I miss a work email? The staff assured me they’d reach me via room phone if needed. I spent the first evening twitching, reaching for my pocket. But by breakfast the next day, something shifted. I noticed the waves. I watched a heron catch a fish. I talked to my partner without one eye on the screen. It was uncomfortable at first, then liberating.

The Activities: Actually Present

Without phones, the resort’s activities feel different. I went snorkeling at the house reef—giant manta rays, turtles, schools of neon fish. Normally, I’d be trying to film it. Instead, I just watched. The memory is sharper. I took a cooking class where the chef taught us to make curry from scratch. No photos, no Instagram stories. Just my hands in the spices. I felt like a kid again.

The Social Experience

Here’s the weirdest thing: people actually talked to each other. At dinner, you can’t scroll through photos. So you talk. I met a couple from Berlin, a solo traveler from Brazil, and a retired teacher from Japan. We ended up playing cards by the bar. That never happens at normal resorts where everyone is glued to their phones.

The Downside

It’s not perfect. If you’re a photographer or blogger, this resort is frustrating. The tech lounge has a few computers for uploading photos, but it’s not the same. Also, the policy only applies to public areas. In your villa, you can use your phone all night. I still checked emails before bed. So it’s not a full detox—it’s a gentle nudge.

Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely. I came back home and immediately deleted Instagram from my phone. The resort didn’t change my life, but it reminded me that travel used to be about the place, not the documentation. If you’re addicted to your phone (and let’s be real, most of us are), try a digital detox trip. Kudadoo charges $2,000 a night, which is steep. But there are cheaper options. The point isn’t the luxury—it’s the permission to disconnect.