Looking for a way to reset and drastically improve your mental and physical health?
You might consider detoxing. Whether you're detoxing from bad foods, toxins, or even damaging relationships, it can leave you feeling deeply revived.
Detoxing from technology has also become more and more popular. Due to an unhealthy, almost addictive attachment to technology, a technology detox is a concept that's becoming fairly common, with many people choosing to travel unplugged — leaving their phones and tech gadgets at home, to truly get the most out of their vacation.
But that's just the beginning. There are a lot of people, including experts, who believe that our dependence on tech is not only harmful due to our obsession with the Internet and social media, but because of the EMF or electromagnetic radiation coming from all of the devices and technology around us.
There are countless research studies documenting the harmful effects of EMF radiation, low-frequency energy that we can't see, emitted from any device that has a battery or is plugged into a socket. If the device is also wirelessly connected to a cell tower or another device (such as a WiFi router), it emits a higher-frequency EMF known as Radio Frequencies (RF).
There are many who are highly sensitive to these frequencies, and actually feel unwell when engulfed by them. There are others who simply want to live a quiet life, away from all of the technological noise we are bombarded by each day.
No matter where you fit in, in this post you'll discover EMF free zones where you can choose to live a completely EMF-free lifestyle, and WiFi free zones across America and around the world where you can go to unplug for a few days or even a few hours.
Table of Contents
- What is an EMF Free Zone?
- Is Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) Real?
- Health Risks Beyond EHS
- Should You Relocate?
- EMF Free Zones in America
- The Green Bank Telescope and the US National Radio Quiet Zone — Green Bank, West Virginia
- The Tabauche Refugium, Smart Shelter Network — Utah Colorado Borderlands
- The Quiet Dome — Grass Valley, California
- Snowflake EHS and MCS Community — Snowflake, Arizona
- Healthy Housing Research Institute — Rockvale, Colorado
- Pueblo Quieto — Northeast, Arizona
- Earth Haven Eco-Village — Ashville, North Carolina
- EMF Free Zones Around the World
- Canada
- Rose Hill Off-Grid Farm — Horsefly, British Columbia
- Forest Hill Retreat — Forest Hill, Nova Scotia
- Cedar Rock — Osoyoos, British Columbia
- Europe
- EHS Refuge Zone — Drôme, France
- Pailharès Village — Pailharès, France
- Parc De Carne (Vena del Gesso Regional Park) — Ravenna, Italy
- Zurich House — Zurich, Switzerland
- Australia
- Wifi Free Zones in America
- Wifi Free Zones Around the World
- More Resources
What is an EMF Free Zone?
Can you imagine going about your day to day life without a cell phone or Wifi?
For people who live in EMF free zones, that is a reality. And by that we mean, no checking Instagram, no selfies, no WhatsApp forwards, no Google maps and no SMS texting.
Why would people care for such a lifestyle, you may ask?
Well, the possible harmful effects of EMF radiation has resulted in people suffering from electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) and even multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) to look for EMF free zones to protect from EMF exposure.
These areas are also commonly known as Radio-Quiet Zones, EMF Quiet Zones or White Zones which is basically the color on the map for areas that have no cellular reception and mobile phone coverage.
White zones are basically a safe-haven for people looking for EMF protection from EMFs such as radio waves, microwave radiation and wireless technology.
Residing in these zones are EMF-free communities that live in EMF safe housing and are exposed to almost none, or zero percent, "electrosmog". Electrosmog is basically EMF pollution, or EMF frequencies lingering in the air that can have adverse effects.
As people around the world are becoming more and more aware of the dangers of EMF radiation and as the number of people with electrosensitivity is increasing, EMF Quiet Zones are springing up in the USA and in areas around the world.
Before we jump into EMF Free Zones, let's take a deeper look at electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) — and does it really exist?
Is Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) Real?
While EMF Free Zones, like Green Bank in West Virginia, aim to measure radio frequencies in the universe, the EMF silence in the area has attracted interest from another group of people. These people aren't interested in finding activity in space, rather they want to find an endurable way of living right here on this planet.
Sufferers of what is known as electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), have been taking refuge in EMF free zones, to escape from the very technology that is an integral part of our lives.
So, what exactly is EHS? As defined by the World Health Organization, EHS is "a phenomenon where individuals experience adverse health effects while using or being in the vicinity of devices emanating electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields (EMFs)".
Certain countries are also paying attention. For example, in Sweden, EHS is classified as a "functional impairment," and in two separate court rulings in France and Australia, disability benefits have been awarded to EHS sufferers. On the contrary, no such steps have been taken in US courts.
Diagnosing EHS is no doubt difficult, and the symptoms can present as sleep issues, headaches, rashes, fatigue and aches, and pains. Some might start feeling unwell by being in the presence of a WiFi router that's constantly spiking and emitting signals to make a connection, and some may be set off just by driving past a cell phone tower.
Source: Dr. Jay Davidson
Whatever the reason for feeling unwell, one thing is certain — for those who suffer from EHS, the symptoms are very, very real. Why else would someone want to live a completely disconnected life away from all of the conveniences technology brings?
If you really think about it, we can all relate on some level. Remember the last time you took a quiet walk in the woods, strolled on a beach, or were away from the fast-paced life of the city. Being in a natural environment makes us all feel good, and instills a renewed sense of well-being.
Perhaps EMFs play a part in this, that we don't fully comprehend yet?
Health Risks Beyond EHS
You may think that developing a sensitivity to EMF is a bit implausible, however, there is mounting evidence to show the adverse health effects of electromagnetic radiation, ranging all the way from sleep issues and infertility to brain tumors.
EMF exposure has shown to alter the natural "bioelectrical signals" of the human body and damage healthy tissues and cells causing health issues, imbalances, and disease, penetrating all the way down to our very DNA.
Source: Pemf.Energy
Non-ionizing EMF exposure, the type that is emitted from cell phones, mobile towers, 5G and electrical devices around us, although not high-frequency as that of x-rays or gamma rays, has shown to increase cancer risk, even at "intensities that are too low to cause tissue heating."
And, many of these EMF effects can create noticeable symptoms of feeling unwell, as those experienced by EHS sufferers, but also by those presenting cognitive issues, sleep disturbances and more.
No wonder there are people who choose to escape being constantly bombarded by EMF signals and opt for an EMF-free lifestyle. Living in or even visiting an EMF Free Zone allows the body to detox from the damaging effects of EMF radiation.
So, if you think you may have EHS...should you move to an EMF-safe zone?
Should You Relocate?
Let's face it...relocation takes commitment in time, money, resources and being both mentally and physically prepared.
If you think you may have EHS, before making the investment to relocate, take a vacation to a place with very low-EMFs. Turn off your cell phone and do not switch it on to check email or social media updates. Don't use any other electronic devices. Monitor your diet, water intake, supplements, and your daily sleep cycle. Maintain the same routine every day as best as you can.
If you feel considerably better, rating how you feel to a 4 for example, on a scale of 1 to 5, then your self-diagnosis of electromagnetic hypersensitivity may probably be right, and you may consider this as a viable lifestyle option.
Next, let's take a look at EMF Free Zones in America and around the world.
EMF Free Zones in America
Before we begin...
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the places listed are still being built or may not be open. Others may be partially EMF-free. This list is a starting point for you in your search for an EMF-free sanctuary.
Truth be told, most people with EHS are finding that safe havens are hard to come by and most may not be ready or willing to take them. Sometimes, it is really about finding and creating a safe haven for yourself. Please contact the people on the website links mentioned in the sections below for details about availability.
The Green Bank Telescope and the US National Radio Quiet Zone — Green Bank, West Virginia
The Green Bank Telescope is a true marvel. Located in Green Bank, West Virginia, this gargantuan fully steerable telescope boasts the diameter of three football fields and stands taller than the Statue of Liberty.
Created by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission), the telescope can capture and study even the slightest radio frequencies in the universe.
Watch this detailed video below to learn more about the Green Bank Radio Telescope:
And, in order to not have any interference in the readings, the United States National Radio Quiet Zone has been formed, which is a 13,000 square mile area with restricted EMF radiation.
For residents that live around 20 miles of the telescope, the strictest policies are in place, where people aren't allowed to have a mobile phone or wireless internet.
Due to the sensitive nature of the Green Bank Telescope, "most types of electromagnetic radiation on the radio spectrum (which includes radio and TV broadcasts, Wi-Fi networks, cell signals, Bluetooth, and the signals used by virtually every other wireless device) are banned to minimize disturbance around the National Radio Astronomy Observatory."
Source: Wikipedia
For about 150 residents, this restriction of radio frequencies and wireless technologies has made it a safe haven for those suffering from electrosensitivity, such as Diane Schous, who "finally started to feel better" after she visited the Radio Quiet Zone, and has now made it her permanent home.
Also check out Green Bank EMF-Safe Rentals, a site we found where the owners own 5.5 acres of land which is dedicated to rental sites recently finished in 2019. They offer several rental options and claim that their "land provides the ultimate best protection you can get here. We live within the 2 mile radius [around the actual telescope is the ONLY REAL AND TRULY SAFE AREA]. This you will come to find, is the best and the almost impossible and hardest to obtain."
The Tabauche Refugium, Smart Shelter Network — Utah Colorado Borderlands
Although the Green Bank Telescope exists to catch radio signals from the galaxy and requires the area around it to be EMF-free, there are other EMF free zones across America and around the world, that exist simply because people are looking for an EMF-free sanctuary.
Situated in the Utah Colorado Borderlands, The Tabauche Refugium, Smart Shelter Network is an ideal safe-haven for sufferers of electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), which is an increased sensitivity to chemicals encountered in day to day life such as detergent, perfume and cleaning products.
Source: Electroplague.com
Founded by Gary Duncan over 20 years ago, the Smart Shelter Network was a way for him to retreat to nature after being diagnosed with MCS, triggered by years of formaldehyde exposure. Later he also discovered that he was "living and sleeping in an alarmingly high electrical field — one that was many times higher than even the “extreme concern” level of fifty volts per meter, as set forth in building biology guidelines."
To make sure he and others with similar problems had a place to take refuge in, Gary founded the Smart Shelter Network and also the Land Steward Program.
The land steward program is basically a volunteer program where people watch over the area that makes up the Tabeguache Corridor — a triangle of land spanning 10,000 square miles bordered by Aspen and Telluride in Colorado, and Moab in Utah. The volunteers manage and protect this land with no cost to the government and landowners, and in exchange, are able to restructure their health and live away from toxic electro-pollution.
This embodies Gary's philosophy who believes that "if the land can heal those with environmental illness, then those with E.I. should also heal the land."
Gary himself lives in a retrofitted Nomad trailer that is completely off the grid. He makes a weekly trip to Moab for food, gas, propane and a quick connection to the net.
The Tabeguache Corridor community also offers employment opportunities for people living there such as land stewardship jobs and also the chance for residents to purchase their own land.
The Quiet Dome — Grass Valley, California
Built to be electrosmog free, The Quiet Dome is intentionally built to provide EHS sufferers and those who want to get away from technology, a place to detox and recover. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains on eleven acres of land, with no cell phone towers within 2 miles, the dome has no WiFi (only wired internet), clean power, no CFL lighting (it uses low-voltage lighting) and no smart appliances — which are all some of the worst perpetrators of EMF.
Source: The Quiet Dome
Carefully constructed with a concrete shell, the dome was designed to be toxin-free and EMF-free, and also boasts to be earthquake and tsunami resistant.
And, even though the dome is surrounded by forest, it is just 12 minutes away from the closest town.
One case study posted on the Quiet Dome's site talks about Donna who has headaches, nausea, tinnitus, palpitations and more, and stated that "I always feel better when I get away from electrosmog."
Although the dome is not meant to be a place for permanently relocating, but rather a rented space that can provide a short detox from being bombarded by EMFs, it can be helpful for those looking for some respite away from modern technology.
And for now, it seems to be the only rentable vacation home in the world that is "fireproof, earthquake proof, self heated and cooled, toxic free, electromagnetically quiet, and surrounded by a mature forest with a 12 month stream."
Contact the owner directly for details about availability.
Snowflake EHS and MCS Community — Snowflake, Arizona
Dating back to 1988, one of the older EHS/MCS communities in the US is the Snowflake community in Arizona, which has been a safe-haven for a few dozen people who are electrohypersensitive or have chemical sensitivities. The community is also commonly known as the Environmental Illness (EI) community.
Source: The EI Wellspring
The EMF-free area is mainly rural land with each house zoned at an area of 20 acres, ensuring that there is no electrosmog seeping in from the neighbors. There is also a 4-unit housing development funded by the state of Arizona and run by an NGO, designed for low-income individuals with MCS, which can be rented out.
The EI community is around 8 miles from the nearest town of Snowflake, and the nearest cell tower is around 5 miles away.
Watch this video below to see what it is to like to live in the Snowflake EHS/MCS community:
The housing in the EI community is also built with non-toxic materials such as no additive concrete and includes homes like the Coyote House which are meticulously designed to shield from EMF and have low-EMF features.
Everything from the building layout, the foundation, and outer shell, to the plumbing, insulation and electrical wiring are also designed to minimize EMF.
Healthy Housing Research Institute — Rockvale, Colorado
Initially called the ElectroMagnetic Sensitivity Research Institute, the Healthy Housing Research Institute is a safe housing development initiative for people with EHS and chemical sensitivities.
The land in Rockvale, Colorado, includes a gulch (a deep valley), which keeps it naturally shielded from EMF radiation on three sides by the topography.
Source: EMSRI
Gary Johnson, a retired electrical engineering professor at Kansas State University who fell ill due to cell phone and WiFi radiation, founded the project after purchasing around 60 acres of land in Rockvale, Colorado in 2012, where he develops and builds low-EMF houses.
Johnson started with a test house that sold in 2014. The house was built on a Faraday cage concept, "the standard historical method of producing an interior space with low electromagnetic fields" to block wireless signals and EMFs.
The upcoming plans for the area include building a healing community by developing safe housing for five families, along with 24 cabins in the gulch.
The website currently mentions that rooms are available as of 12/1/19, so contact Johnson directly for availability.
Pueblo Quieto — Northeast, Arizona
Located in the White Mountains of Arizona, this project currently seems to be in the developmental phase where it plans to offer EMF-free housing, building lots, WiFi-free zones and more, available for purchase in their vision of building an EMF-quiet community.
Source: The EMF Experts
The location in NE, Arizona boasts mild weather all year round and is "described as the vanishing America, a quiet, secluded, view-rich, nature-blessed wilderness environment. A retreat far removed from the crowds, smog, and stress of metropolitan living, yet convenient to necessities. A peaceful, pristine, beautiful world apart that rejuvenates and restores."
It offers 40-225 acres of land offering those with EHS and MCS several options including EMF Quiet Retreats, camping facilities for those who want to escape from the modern life for a few days, a "tiny homes" community, and EMF-quiet areas for purchase. The goal is to foster a participatory-stewardship style EMF Quiet Zone community.
The community is also an easy drive to services in the area such as medical facilities, shops, banks and more.
If you want more information head over to this page and enter what you are primarily interested in such as a vacation/extended camping, tiny house rental, leasing land, seminar retreats, a guided tour of the EMF free home/lifestyle and more.
Earth Haven Eco-Village — Ashville, North Carolina
Although more of an eco-village rather than an EMF-free zone, this community lives off the land and gives back to the planet and encourages a community of self-sustenance, governance, communication, and mind and body well-being.
Source: Earthhaven Ecovillage
The community spans over 300 acres and has about 100 members, including families. It "offers unique buildings, inspiring home spaces and low EMF environments," and although it is not a complete EMF-free zone, it comes in pretty close, so we thought it was worth mentioning.
The community holds public, private and group tours and also offers living and work options.
If you want to look for long-term and short-term rental opportunities click here.
EMF Free Zones Around the World
Canada
Rose Hill Off-Grid Farm — Horsefly, British Columbia
An area spanning 162-acres this retreat is bordered by forests and is an off-the-grid facility with no smart meters, cell towers or WiFi. Since there is no electrical utility service here, it adds to the low-EMF qualities of the area.
The phone and internet are delivered via satellite, with the actual dish mounted far away from the house. All water is supplied by wells and electricity via solar panels with a gas-powered backup system.
There are options for short term rentals in the area and you may also be allowed to camp on the property.
Although some sites mention that there are rental options available on sites like Airbnb, we did not find any and will update this section when more information becomes available.
Forest Hill Retreat — Forest Hill, Nova Scotia
Founded on 150 acres of pristine privately owned land around the Grassy Lake in Forest Hill, Nova Scotia is the Forest Hill retreat, that the owners say is a place where you can "charge your batteries within an afternoon like you just had a two-week vacation."
Source: Forest Hill Retreat
It is considered to be an EMF-safe haven for those with EHS and MCS, and the owners plan to limit the number of buildings to 25 for now, with their goal of being able to offer this lifestyle to anyone, irrespective of their budget.
Their vision is to create "a form of living that is often chosen in Canada and the US for trailer parks. Everyone who wants to be part of our retreat can rent a piece of land and put their own mobile home, trailer, tent, camper or whatever you need or want on the land. Each lot has access to water, power, the sewer and a road. The lots are spacious and allow the future inhabitants to choose the style of their future home and to create a nice yard according to their desires."
To learn more you can read this informative document and contact the owners here.
Cedar Rock — Osoyoos, British Columbia
This EMF sanctuary is still in the planning stage and spans an area of 320 acres, 50km of Osoyoos, BC. The vision for the area is to be a community for those with MCS, but it will also meet the needs of those with EHS, with no wireless devices permitted anywhere in the area.
The building design is intended to be sustainable, non-toxic and functional and the location has been carefully selected to address the health needs of those with electro-hypersensitivities and also conditions such as Parkinson's, multiple chemical sensitivities and more.
We could not find any contact information for this property at the moment, so check this space for future updates.
Europe
EHS Refuge Zone — Drôme, France
The EHS Refuge Zone is a widespread privately owned property in a pristine rural area, in southeastern France.
Created by the NGO, Next-UP, "it has been made available by the organisation without charge as a humanitarian gesture for EHS sufferers in crisis for their rest and refreshment. All the facilities are entirely free."
Source: Next-up
Although it is not considered to be a complete EMF White Zone, it has very low-EMF levels with the land topography and features installed blocking mostly all the radiation. Background radiation levels vary "from less than 0.01 μW/m² in the insulated caravans to 0.01/0.02 μW/m² in the protected area outdoors."
For extreme EHS cases, a Faraday cage is available for a short period and those who wish to stay in the Refuge Zone need to have their own "caravan with metal bodywork or an approved camper van." Tents are not allowed.
Perks include free insulated caravans for trial stays for up to 3 days, to see if this lifestyle is for you. Communal areas also have extra shielding for better EMF protection.
You can contact the EHS Refuge Zone here for more information.
Pailharès Village — Pailharès, France
A tiny village in France with a population under 300 people, this village is one of the last remaining EMF White Zones in France, meaning there is almost non-existent cell phone coverage and wireless EMF radiation in the area. It has been attracting people with EHS over the past few years.
As per an article published a few years ago in the Telegraph, this could, however, change with the local government wanting to "put an end to Pailharès' wave-free status by erecting a mobile mast on a hill outside the village that will finally provide blanket reception."
People who have moved into the area like Jacques Vey, are worried that, "if the mast is switched on, people who suffer from the EHS syndrome will have nowhere to go. There are no more villages like ours in France."
At this point we have not found an update to the situation in Pailharès, however, you can look for rentals in the area and enquire if they are indeed EMF-free or not.
Parc De Carne (Vena del Gesso Regional Park) — Ravenna, Italy
One of the first EMF refuges in Italy, Parc de Carne is located inside the Vena del Gesso Regional Park in Brisighella, Ravenna, Italy since May of 2010.
Source: Next-up
The area is EMF-free and is considered to be a low-EMF White Zone, with low levels of radiation. There was a Bed and Breakfast on the property which included boarding and amenities catering to the electrohypersensitive, however, that folded in 2018.
However, guests are now allowed to visit the area, enjoy the pristine nature reserve and rejuvenate in the EMF-free natural environment.
Zurich House — Zurich, Switzerland
Just bordering Zurich is an apartment complex built especially for those who are electrosensitive and those who have MCS by the Swiss Healthy Life and Living Foundation.
Source: The EI Wellspring
The site for the 4-story apartment building was "carefully chosen for low levels of radon, air pollution (NO), noise, traffic and electrosmog, which was confirmed by objective measurements," and a dowser.
The building construction made sure the structure was as low-EMF as possible by using shielded cables, thick concrete floors, ceilings, and roofs and avoided the use of synthetic materials in construction such as "glue, plastic, paint and caulk" to make it MCS safe. There is also a built-in shield that blocks mobile reception and no WiFi is allowed (although landlines and hardwired internet are permitted).
There are also rules in place for renters and visitors of the 15 apartments in the complex which includes the banning of items "such as tobacco, fragrances, toxic laundry products, cell phones, and induction stoves."
Australia
Australian Radio Quiet Zone WA (ARQZWA) — Murchison, Australia
Similar to Greenbank, the Australian Radio Quiet Zone (previously known as the Mid West Radio Quiet Zone) in Western Australia, was founded to protect the Murchison Radio-Astronomy Observatory or MRO.
Source: ATNF
The area is made up of three zones (inner, outer, and coordination), with the inner area being where all wireless devices are banned, to shield the radio telescopes from other frequencies and interference.
In the outer zones, the restrictions are less strict and while it is not deemed as an EHS safe-haven or refuge zone, it is an EMF Quiet Zone, so there is very little EMF radiation in the area.
For more information on the area, go here.
Wifi Free Zones in America
If you're moderately electrosensitive or find that ever so often you just need to detox digitally, just some time away from tech gadgets and WiFi can do wonders for your overall health and sense of well-being.
Next, we'll look at some WiFi free zones in America and around the world, where you can get away from wireless internet, even if it is just for a short time.
Harbin Hot Springs — Middletown, California
Although not considered to be a complete EMF white zone, this retreat is a much-needed respite for those who want to get away from technology and those moderately affected by electromagnetic sensitivities. The location of the retreat is in a valley with no nearby cell towers, and no WiFi and smart meter on property.
The website states that "the use of electronic devices is restricted at Harbin, inviting you to use your retreat time here as a “digital detox.” It’s a good idea to pack some alternative “devices” like a journal, sketchpad or watercolors. You’ll be surprised how quickly you adjust to a signal-free day, and many guests consider this feature to be a Harbin highlight."
You can choose to visit for a single day or pick from their lodging options which include both cottage rentals and Creekside Caravans. Learn more about the retreat here.
Kibbitznest Café — Chicago, Illinois
In Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, there's a café where "not a phone, tablet or laptop is in sight," and instead you'll see people mingling, chatting, sipping on drinks, with kids playing board games.
Kibbitznest, is a WiFi-free zone, and while most coffee shops like Starbucks offer free WiFi, café's like Kibbitznest, shun internet usage "in an effort to encourage face-to-face conversation."
The owners say that "customers are relieved to encounter a space that gives them a break from incessant screen use," and often tell her "I am so happy you opened this place."
Check out Kibbitznest here.
August First Café — Burlington, Vermont
If you live in or are passing through Vermont, head over to August First, a no-WiFi bakery and café started by husband and wife duo Jodi Whalen and Phil Merrick, who got rid of their WiFi in 2012 after they realized that, "people would come in, set up their laptops and remain glued to them for hours."
In 2014 they banned laptops, and contrary to what you might think, their sales actually went up by 20% compared to 6% in the previous year.
For incredible pastries, mouth-watering sandwiches and no WiFi head over to August First here.
Fox in the Snow Café — Columbus, Ohio
Now operating out of three locations in Columbus, Ohio (Italian Village, German Village, and New Albany), Fox in the Snow is a bakery and coffee shop that encourages you to slow down.
According to this post, at Fox in the Snow, "there’s no wifi, there are no signs on the pastries, so you have to ask and actually engage a human in conversation. The counters and tables are lower so you can chat with the baristas and talk with your friends. We need more of this type of thing in the world."
Find a location near you here.
Country Waffles — Hayward, California
A traditional American breakfast and lunch joint, we came across their Facebook post that said, "No Wifi zone here at Country Waffles! Sorry...must talk to each other or talk to one of us!"
They seem to have several locations as per their website, located all across California, which you can browse here.
Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer — Charleston, South Carolina
Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, SC, Kudu roasts their own specialty coffee and their website states that "In our shop you will not find Wi-Fi, but you will find a great space to sit down with friends and family to have a lively conversation over a delicious beverage."
Visit Kudu here.
Ambition Coffee and Eatery — Schenectady, New York
One of downtown Schenectady, New York's most popular restaurants, proprietor Marc Renson has actually written a book about what to takes to run a coffee place that has attracted celebrities like Bradley Cooper and Ryan Gosling along with "the regulars" who come in each day.
Accordingly to this post, the place also offers no WiFi. Check it out here.
Bread & Butterfly Café & Bistro — Atlanta, Georgia
A European inspired café & bistro, located right in the heart of Inman Park in Atlanta, Bread & Butterfly, is a cozy place to enjoy a cappuccino with a perfect pastry, a hearty lunch, and a bistro-style dinner.
You'll find no WiFi here and can instead choose a book or magazine from their featured wall.
Get directions here.
New York Deli — Santa Fe, New Mexico
Literally a 5-minute walk from the Historic Santa Fe Plaza, this deli has been around since 1931, making their own whipped cream cheese and fresh tuna, chicken and egg salad using family recipes.
Come in for a bite with no WiFi here.
Baked and Wired — Washington, D.C.
A family bakery in the heart of Georgetown, this popular joint offers small-batch baked confections made from family recipes and has been featured in articles from the Washington Post and Bon Appetit to Insider and Buzzfeed.
According to their website they "believe that the best memories are formed around food and drink, and we’re dedicated to creating community gathering spots around DC."
In that attempt, they offer no WiFi. Check them out here.
La Colombe — Several Locations Around the US
With 30 locations spanning across 7 cities, including Boston, New York, California, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., La Colombe is known for their "ethical, long-term trade practices with their growers," and until recently offered no WiFi in any of their locations until early 2018 when they started offering WiFi in their Chicago locations, only on the weekdays due to customer demand.
General manager at Chicago's location, Evan DeVries, stated that "In Philadelphia and in New York City, people enjoy [not having WiFi] and like it. In Chicago, we tried to force the whole no WiFi culture and it didn’t necessarily work."
Call in to check with the location you'll be visiting to ensure a no-WiFi experience.
Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure — Des Moines, Iowa
As mentioned on their website, Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure is a "feast for the eyes and you haven't even ordered yet. The woodwork is amazingly unique, the menu is fun and exciting, the artwork is dramatic, the people are friendly, the tables are made for good conversation."
Also, they offer no WiFi. One writer stated that "depending on what type of work you do, the best (or worst) part about Zanzibar’s is that there’s no wifi. For me, that means it’s a great place to get writing, editing, or reading done when I find myself getting distracted or aimlessly browsing the Internet. It also means it’s a wonderful place to host a brainstorming meeting or catch up with an old friend."
Discover it here.
Café Grumpy — Several Locations in NY
With 8+ locations in New York, Café Grumpy banned laptops in eight of its locations and as per co-owner and chief executive Caroline Bell, "People were camping out at tables. People couldn’t chat with their friends."
So what happened?
According to Bell, "It feels more fun, more interactive, more like New York City."
Independently-owned and operated since 2005, check out all of their locations here.
Birch Coffee — Several Locations in NY
With a dozen locations in New York, Birch Coffee is also "amongst the few that are now spearheading the WiFi ban."
According to this article, "Wi-fi is only available after 5 p.m. during the week," but make sure to call up the location you want to visit and ask about their specific WiFi policy.
DTUT Café — New York, NY
This Upper East Side coffee shop in NY serves up chai teas, cocktails, and tasty lattes in an ambiance that looks like you're sitting in your Grandma's living room.
According to the website, "there's no WiFi on weekends (WiFi runs from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays)."
Find it here.
Four Barrel — Several Locations in San Francisco, California
With three locations in SF, including Valencia, The Mill, and Portola, Four Barrel prides itself on being old-fashioned when it comes to roasting their coffee, where they "rely on highly trained people, not computers, to see through the intention of our roasting style."
As per this article, they offer no WiFi. Check out their coffee and locations here.
Wifi Free Zones Around the World
Dough Lover Diner — Brighton, UK
A quaint cafe, restaurant, bakery and bar the Dough Lover Diner is pretty firm about their no-WiFi policy with the website stating, "A lot of fuss has been made about our no laptops/tablets policy. It's nothing personal. It's not a publicity stunt either. (we still cannot believe that anyone cares so much! We simply prefer to put our focus firmly on our carefully crafted food and drinks. We passionately believe that they are better enjoyed in a social setting."
If you're in Brighton, check it out here.
Kit Kat ‘Free No WiFi Zone’ — Downtown, Amsterdam
A campaign launched in Downtown Amsterdam introduced ‘No Wi-Fi’ zones in certain areas, that basically blocked all wireless signals in a radius of 5 meters.
The outdoor advertising campaign, which was a bench that blocks out WiFi signals, reflected on Kit Kat's catchy slogan, “Have a break, have a Kit Kat," and encouraged users to take a break from being connected to the internet, and enjoy simpler things like a newspaper, a book or a conversation.
Here's a 1-minute overview of the Ad campaign below:
This campaign was done a few years ago, so we're unsure if these WiFi-free kiosks still exist. If you've spotted one, please let us know in the comments!
Hot Black Coffee — Toronto, Canada
A cafe in downtown Toronto, "Jimson Bienenstock, the president of HotBlack, said the shop opened last year [2016] without Wi-Fi with the express intent of getting customers to — gasp! — talk to one another instead of burying their faces in laptops."
If you're in the downtown Toronto area, you can check it out here.
Shangri-La — Portugal
A biodynamic farm, Shangri-La is located in The Algarve of southern Portugal. The website states that their vision is "for a healthy environment as unaffected as possible by microwave radiation," and that they aspire to be a community for living a healthy lifestyle, "free from EMF/microwaves" radiation, and they "do not use any type of microwave generating devices."
Both short and long-term stays are available. Contact the owner directly for more details.
Villa Stéphanie Spa Resort — Baden-Baden, Germany
Villa Stéphanie is more than just a place of relaxation and luxury hospitality. It offers services in the fields of spa and medicine and their staff includes qualified detox coaches, nutrition coaches and more.
An interesting feature in their rooms is they use "a copper grid in the walls as well as special wall coating to block the wireless signal after you flip the switch." So basically, just by flipping a switch, all wireless internet signals are instantly blocked. Cool, huh? We thought so too.
Learn more here.
Fabriken Furillen Hotel — Gotland, Sweden
A beautiful gem in the secluded peninsula of Gotland, Sweden, you can book a room in the Hermit's Cabin for a completely off-grid experience where you'll have access to no WiFi. They recommend a 5-night stay to get the full experience with the nightly rate decreasing every day to see if you're up for the challenge. The 5th night is actually free.
Check it out here.
Vincci Hotels — Several Locations in Spain
If you're looking for a complete digital detox, that offers a massage, candlelit dinner, thermal circuit and a voluntary submission of all your electronic devices, this is the place to be.
As per the website, "the Digital Detox Pack invites you to completely disconnect from the digital world, leaving behind E-mails, social networks, telephones and technology that steals our time every day. Dedicate a few days to really disconnecting and taking time to read, think and enjoy time with your companions."
Tierra Patagonia — Torres del Paine, Chile
Located at the edge of Lake Sarmiento, inside the UNESCO biosphere reserve, Torres del Paine National Park, this all-inclusive resort blends into the landscape, and offers adventures that include glacier hikes, horseback riding, and fly fishing.
A great place to digitally detox, you'll find "no TVs, no phone reception and no Wi-Fi beyond the common areas," as seen below.
Book a room here.
Skiary Guesthouse — Skiary, Scotland
Known as Scotland's wildest guesthouse, this place is literally at the edge of nowhere and offers access to no roads, no electricity, and "no mobile signal".
What it is, "is the perfect place to relax and recharge - free from the stresses of modern life. Fabulous home-cooked cuisine in a traditional stone cottage with comfortable rooms, Rayburn-heated hot water, Tilley lamplight in the evenings and a stove-heated sitting room with unrivalled views."
For rates and accommodation, availability go here.
The Landmark Trust — 200+ WiFi free properties in the UK and Europe
A truly unique concept, The Landmark Trust site states that "we take on historic places in danger and carefully and sensitively restore them. By making them available for holidays, we make sure they can be enjoyed by all, both today and for future generations."
Fairly different from conventional hotels, none of their buildings have "televisions, radios, telephones or Wi-Fi."
So whether you want to live in a castle, or a lofty tower they've got something for you. Click here to book.
The Hideout — Koh Yao, Thailand
Tropical luxury does not get any better than this — at The Hideout, guests get the ultimate experience in luxurious accommodation, gourmet food and health, and wellness programs.
One of their programs is the Digital Detox & Mindfulness Retreat program which is all about "disconnecting from distractions (no gadgets, screens, or noisy neighbours here!) and diving into the raw beauty of Nature."
See what's offered here.
More Resources
We couldn't possibly cover all the places in the world that offer no-WiFi or are great for digitally detoxing or promoting EMF-free living.
However, below is a list of resources you may find helpful in your search to find a place that most resonates with you:
Wireless Free Living Communities — An open Facebook group for people looking for and seeking a wireless-free living community to live/survive in.
B.C. And Canadian Wireless-Free Living — A private Facebook group you need to join to read or post messages that covers EMF related issues in Canada.
Radiation Refuge — A place to find or advertise EMF-safe accommodation and locations around the world.
The EI Wellspring — Practical information for coping with chemical and electrical hypersensitivity.
Map of Radio Telescopes Worldwide — The IUCAF (Scientific Committee on Frequency Allocations for Radio Astronomy and Space Science) has published a map for radio-quiet zones around the world.
WiFi-Free Cafes in San Francisco — An older 2014 article, make sure to call each cafe prior to your visit to make sure it's still WiFi-free.
6 Destinations to Visit for a Real Digital Detox — National Geographic takes you to some of the most secluded places around the world.
The 25 Best Digital Detox Breaks For 2019 — For all the ones we didn't get a chance to cover, read this post.
We have a place in Belgium in a small white zone and we have built a new house specially proteected from EMF. You can find all the informations on our site : un lieu de vie pour EHS.