SkoolieStays



Digital Detox Breaks in West Sussex

Reset your mind, switch off from screens, and reconnect with nature in a peaceful corner of the South Downs countryside

 

Why a Digital Detox Works Here

This is not an artificially “off-grid” experience. It’s simply a quiet, natural place that encourages you to switch off without trying — a field of your own, bordered by trees and sky, where the noise of everyday life just disappears.

 

You won’t find WiFi here. You won’t be surrounded by people. You won’t be tempted by TVs or screens. Instead, you’ll find:

 

  • Private wood-fired hot tubs

  • Quiet mornings and darker, star-filled nights

  • Nature right outside your window

  • Real conversation and slow meals

  • Cosy interiors made for reading, resting, reconnecting

  • Space to think — without interruption

This is a digital detox that is designed to feel gentle and natural. 

Featured Digital Detox Retreat: The Skoolie Bus

A beautifully converted American school bus — reimagined as a luxury cabin-style hideaway — set in its own secluded meadow beneath the South Downs. Perfect for couples, solo resets or screen-free family escapes, the Skoolie offers:

 

Also Available: The Vacationist Eco-Cabin — A Minimalist Retreat for Deep Rest

If you prefer a purpose-built cabin for your detox break, our Vacationist Eco-Cabin offers a calm, minimalist retreat in the East Sussex countryside — around an hour from the Skoolie and part of our wider collection of peaceful, screen-free stays.

 

Perfect for couples, solo resets or anyone seeking quiet simplicity. Inside, you’ll find:

 

  • A warm, wood-panelled interior

  • A wood-fired hot tub

  • Complete privacy with woodland and field views

  • Soft, natural light

  • A soothing, no-WiFi atmosphere for real rest

 

Vacationist Eco-Cabin digital detox retreat in East Sussex woodland and field

What Happens When You Switch Off

Most guests arrive feeling busy, overstimulated and “on” — and leave saying the same thing: “We didn’t realise how much we needed this.”

The benefits of a digital detox here are well documented:

  • Clearer headspace

  • Better sleep

  • Deeper connection

  • Less stress

  • More presence

  • Creativity returning

  • Kids rediscovering simple play

This is natural and what happens when you can get away properly and switch off. 

Cosy slow-living evening inside the Skoolie Stays bus with candles, wine and a board game during a digital detox break

What You Won’t Find Here (By Design)

South Downs landscape ideal for nature walks during digital detox breaks

Walks, Space & Slow Living in the South Downs

Our meadow retreats sit close to Pulborough, Thakeham and Storrington, with woodland walks, riverside paths and the South Downs Way all nearby. You can explore:

 

  • Knepp Wildland

  • Amberley

  • Wiston Estate

  • Local vineyards

  • Cissbury Ring

  • Parham Park

Read more about local walks and attractions.

Or stay in, soak in the tub, read, nap, cook and enjoy the quiet.

Practicalities & FAQ

Are the Skoolie and Eco-Cabin on the same site?

No — the Skoolie is located in West Sussex and the Eco-Cabin is located around an hour away in East Sussex. Both offer peaceful, screen-free detox stays.

Do both properties have WiFi?

No — both are intentionally WiFi-free to support calm, rekaxation, and digital detox breaks.

Is there phone signal?

Mobile signal is there so you have a choice of how to switch off. We help you with that choice.

Is the Skoolie family-friendly?

Yes, very — especially for screen-free family escapes. Walk and find the local badget-sets, the swing in the oak tree, watch the sheep and look out for the deer.

Does The Vacationist eco-cabin suit couples?

Perfectly — it’s quiet, calm and designed for deeper rest. Kids are also catered for, they have a cosy hiddem secret room behind a bookcase door.

Do the retreats have heating, hot water and electricity?

Yes — these are detox stays, not survival challenges! 🙂 They are off-grid, solar-powered and oh so cosy and comfortable!

How to Change my Photo from Admin Dashboard?

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

How far are you from London?

As a guide, both the Skoolie and the cabin are about 1 hour 15 minutes by car from Croydon in South London.

Read some more FAQs about the Skoolie here  >