Screens, teens and travel – could the secret to tempting kids off their smartphones lie in picking the right holiday destination?
The water is once place that is almost guaranteed to be phone free.
There’s nothing more disheartening than seeing families at a gorgeous restaurant abroad, sitting in silence with necks craned over their phones. But as anyone with teens knows, it’s no mean feat trying to tear them away from their screens – and adults are often just as guilty of clocking up hours on social media. The sinister side of smartphones is now well documented, with the government currently considering a ban on sales to under-16s as the harmful effects on mental health are becoming ever more apparent. For many families, holidays offer an ideal opportunity to go screen-free and take a break from technology, but how to do so without risking teenage tantrums? The key is tailoring a trip that keeps them engaged and active – it’s hard to grumble about missing your phone when you’re pedalling through vineyards, jumping into tropical waterfalls or wild swimming in a Scottish loch. Traditional fly-and-flop holidays can be trickier; too much temptation to lie back on a pool lounger and scroll through your socials. Instead, try one of these immersive escapes, with exciting experiences that teens will adore.
The unique Caribbean eco-hideaway
Unlike some of the larger all-inclusive resorts you’ll find elsewhere in the Caribbean, Tobago’s Castara Retreats delivers an authentic taste of island living that’s perfect for families looking for something more than just a beautiful beach (although you’ll find that here, too). For starters, accommodation is in breezy treehouse-style cottages, with more than a whiff of Robinson Crusoe to capture the imagination of even the most recalcitrant teen. Overlooking a half-moon bay of buttery sand, this boutique eco-resort is run by locals and closely linked to the neighbouring fishing village, where guests are encouraged to visit and mingle with the residents. Kids can help fishermen hauling in their seine nets, or pop to the village bakery for coconut cakes from the open-air clay oven. The resort offers guided eco-snorkelling trips in the bay, where a resident family of rays can often be spotted, or there are daily yoga classes in the gorgeous open-sided studio, cooled by sea breezes. Then there’s Castara’s own waterfall for wild dips amid the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere (keep eyes peeled for exotic birdlife). Wonderfully laidback and welcoming, Castara is all about reconnecting with nature and immersing yourself in local life – the perfect place for teens to unplug and discover new experiences in an idyllic tropical setting. http://www.castararetreats.com
The soul-stirring Scottish escape
Rural hideaways can sometimes be a hard sell when it comes taking teens on holiday, but even wellie-haters will fall for the sheer beauty of Atholl Estates in the Scottish Highlands. Its 145,000 acres are a knockout: heather-tufted moorland, shimmering lochs, craggy peaks and ancient woodland. With over 50 miles of way-marked walking and cycling trails, it’s hard to get bored, and nature-lovers will find abundant wildlife such as beavers, otters and red squirrels. As well as glorious hiking and cycling, there is wild swimming in pristine lochs, guided foraging walks to discover edible bounty and the history-steeped Blair Castle. Choose from a range of swish accommodation dotted across the estate. For older teens who enjoy a bit of independence from their parents, the estate’s two shepherd huts, Curlew and Lapwing, are ideal. Set 20 metres apart in a scenic spot surrounded by meadows and fields, each can sleep two guests and are glamping heaven. They come with underfloor heating, hot showers and log-burning stoves, while an outdoor firepit with wooden armchairs is perfect for family evenings spent star-gazing and listening to hooting owls. Another lovely option is charming Clachan cottage, fully renovated in 2021 and supremely stylish, with a handy recreational space for ping pong or yoga. Families travelling together can hire out the neighbouring Clachan farmhouse and annex, too – ideal if you have kids who balk at the idea of a holiday without friends in tow. www.atholl-estates.co.uk
The dreamy French château with activities galore
At first glance, Château Capitoul might not seem like an obvious choice for a trip with teens. After all, they’re not quite old enough to appreciate the fine wines from the estate’s glorious vineyards. However, this fairy-tale castle in the South of France’s sun-drenched Languedoc is one of those rare finds that manages to tick the boxes for all ages, with plenty of fresh-air adventures to keep teens away from their screens. If you can drag them away from the hotel’s sleek infinity pool, there are activities galore in this unspoiled pocket of Southern France. Close by, sweeping beaches offer all manner of watersports, with the coastline’s golden sands and glittering lagoons the perfect setting for wind-surfing lessons, paddle-boarding sessions or even the chance to try a thrilling ‘Wing Foil’. If you’re feeling active, hiking & rock climbing at the spectacular Gorges d’Heric will be sure to get the heart pumping, or for a gentler adventure there are eco-friendly electric bike tours of Gruissan’s glittering salt flats, with their unique flora and fauna. Horse lovers should book a riding excursion, with the opportunity for more experienced riders to take their pony for a dip in Gruissan lagoon. End result? Tired, sun-kissed, happy teens and not a screen in sight – now that’s worth toasting with a glass of chilled Château Capitoul rosé. www.chateaucapitoul.com