Pictured above: Casale Eleganza in Tuscany
Demand for off-grid family holidays is rising, according to villa specialist Oliver’s Travels, as parents increasingly seek screen-free escapes that prioritise nature and shared experiences.
The trend coincides with the upcoming cinema release of The Magic Faraway Tree on 27 March, which has renewed interest in outdoor adventure and imaginative play inspired by Enid Blyton’s stories. The company reports growing enquiries for low-tech villas, including properties without Wi-Fi, as families plan Easter breaks.
Oliver’s Travels said these holidays are designed to encourage children to engage with their surroundings rather than digital devices. Activities such as woodland walks, outdoor games and storytelling are promoted as alternatives to screen time.
Child development expert, counsellor and author Tanith Carey said time spent in nature can have measurable benefits for children. She explained that outdoor experiences with parents stimulate multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, including curiosity, imagination and emotional bonding.
“When we parents are in nature with children, on a neuroscience level, we are activating three of their brain systems at once: curiosity, imagination, and attachment, because they are spending time with you,” she said. “It’s this combination which creates family memories that last a lifetime.”
Among the company’s featured off-grid properties is Treasure Island on the Athens Riviera in Greece, which accommodates up to 20 guests and focuses on privacy and outdoor dining. Weekly rates start from £65,611.
Treasure Island
In France, Chateau des Rameaux in the Dordogne offers secluded accommodation for 15 people within the grounds of a historic hilltop estate. Weekly rates start from £5,475.
Chateaux Des Rameaux
Casale Eleganza
Other options include Casale Eleganza in Tuscany, noted for its large gardens, (Weekly rates start from £11,232.) and Farmhouse Istria in Croatia, which provides access to woodland trails. Weekly rates start from £5,152.
Farmhouse Istria
Casa Rio Zardon
Casa Rio Zardon in Spain caters to families interested in water-based activities, (Weekly rates start from £5,940) while Baita Eghel in Italy’s Dolomites offers a fully Wi-Fi-free alpine retreat. Weekly rates start from £3,246.
Baita Eghel
Oliver’s Travels said the appeal of these properties lies in their ability to help families disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other, reflecting a broader shift in holiday preferences towards simpler, nature-focused experiences.
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