Gone are the days when a holiday was a haven of peace. Today, the ceaseless beeping of BlackBerries and mobile phones is as irritatingly commonplace poolside as speedos. According to a recent survey, of the 25% of us who even get around to taking our full holiday entitlement, a third check emails, phone in to offices and, worst of all, keep mobiles on at all times.
It all adds up to a good reason to head to the Terelj Hotel in Mongolia the nearest BlackBerry coverage is 1,200km away in Beijing. The five-star hotel is surrounded by "the vast, sweeping vistas" of the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, says Cond Nast Traveller, and doesn't skimp on luxury, having a spa and numerous suites. And if you really want to get away from it all as if being in Mongolia isn't enough you can also stay overnight in one of the hotel's wilderness yurts.
Doubles cost from $274. For more information, visit www.slh.com/terelj, or call 0800-525 48000.
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If you'd like your peace closer to home, try the Fabriken Furillen hotel on the Swedish island of Gotland. The hotel is a BlackBerry-friendly zone, but also offers "hermits' cabins" a brief cycle ride from the hotel, to which guests are encouraged not to take mobiles. Each cabin is "essentially a shed in woodland next to the Baltic Sea", says Oliver Bennett in The Daily Telegraph. They have no electricity or running water, but "inside, it was rather lovely, with tea lights, artfully placed pebbles and grey sheepskin rugs".
The first night in the cabin costs £464. It's £42 for the second night, £4.50 for the third night and 50p for the fourth. All prices include breakfast in the hotel. Call 00 46 498 223 040, or visit www.furillen.nu to learn more.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in Uganda offers a chance to escape the office while also getting up close and personal with some of the world's most endangered animals. BlackBerry coverage "comes and goes" in the area around the hotel. So turn the machines off and enjoy a stay in one of the hotel's "classy but cosy" cottages, says Cond Nast Traveller. There is plenty to keep you occupied here, from volcano-walking to exploring the neighbouring Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Rates start at $400 per person per night. Find out more by visiting www.wildplacesafrica.com, or calling 0844-800 4661.
No electricity means no choice on BlackBerries at the Auberge Tangaro in Morocco. Situated just outside the seaside resort of Essaouira, this hotel lays on the romance with candle light. It's the perfect place for those looking for "serious escapism", says The Guardian.
Double rooms from €66 for half board. Call 00 2120 24 784 784, or visit www.auberge-tangaro.com.
Three other isolated get-aways
Hotelito Desconocido
This Mexican hotel uses solar energy during the day and is lit by over 1,000 candles at night. Seven nights with flights from £1,595pp. www.southamericanexperience.co.uk; 0845-277 3366.
Fiji Islands Resort
Set up by the son of the renowned diver Jacques Cousteau, this hotel has no televisions or telephones. Doubles cost from around £250. www.fijiresort.com; 00 1 415 788 5794.
Robinson Crusoe experience
Bond Tours has self-catering in Croatia with no electricity. Water comes from a well and you travel around by kayak. A week, including flights, costs from £499pp. www.bondtours.com; 01372-745300.
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