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The Palazzo Versace is known for a great many things: it was put together by the world famous fashion brand, has a killer pool and a few great restaurants.
What it is not known for is taking away its guest’s digital devices and locking them away for 48-hours. And yet, that might be about to change.
Palazzo Versace Dubai has announced a Luxury Detox Retreat, including a ‘Digital Detox’ that sees guests willfully hand over their digital devices at check-in and spend the next two days minus gadgets.
The idea is sound – according to experts, we now spend upwards of nine hours a day using digital devices. And their increasing usage has led to negatives such as addiction and the rise of anxiety.
But does it work in practice?
Palazzo Versace Hotel: What’s the vibe?
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Check in goes smoothly, except that a large brown envelope is soon presented. That’s where all your devices go before locked away in a safe. Supposedly, that gives guests the chance to unwind without needing to worry about the latest WhatsApp or status update.
Minus your devices, you still get to enjoy the same Palazzo Versace. Atmosphere around each of the three pools is palpable, however minus a smartphone you won’t be able to capture it for the ‘gram.
Palazzo Versace Hotel: How’s the stay?
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Rooms are spacious, to say the least. And while they are usually kitted out with all manner of technology, this is a digital detox. Fortunately, the staff include an iPod Touch (which is security locked) that is permanently tuned to soothing meditation music.
Fortunately, you don’t need a laptop or tablet to enjoy the rooms. They come kitted out with designer accessories straight from the house of Versace, and include fantastic views over the swimming pool, and an absolutely huge bathroom (and tub).
Palazzo Versace Hotel: Food and drink?
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Part of the package is breakfast at Giardino’s, followed by lunch and dinner at either Vanitas – for high-end Italian cuisine – or Enigma, which serves up delicious Persian food.
Breakfast is pretty standard, and guests are served a load of fresh fruit and nutritious drinks to help feed your mind and body. And while guests could theoretically ‘go nuts’ on menus at both restaurants later in the day, both have healthy menus for those taking part in the detox.
Palazzo Versace Hotel: The detox
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While not having your devices is certainly the most interesting part of the trip (after a few hours minus a smartphone, you’ll forget you ever had one to begin with) the retreat actually includes a few other perks that supposedly settle both mind and body.
The first is a 45-minute personal consultation with a wellness expert, to discuss eating and exercise habits followed by a personal training session at the well kitted-out gym.
Then there’s a spa session, which features an interesting ‘tech detox’ using a wave bed that offers not just a soothing massage, but a wave of vibrations that are meant to help your body recover from the vigors of working behind a desk. The treatment also includes soothing music via headphones.
Palazzo Versace Hotel: The verdict?
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The Palazzo Versace is almost certainly one of the most luxurious properties in Dubai right now, and the only drawback of not having a digital device around while you’re there to enjoy it is the lack of photos you can take of the experience.
However, after two days of enjoying the hotel without a smartphone – you do truly feel that little bit more relaxed.
And you can read a little bit more about the actual experience of going 48-hours without technology here.
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