Digital Detox Retreat: A Wellness Weekend in Old Quebec

We tested for you the experience of a digital detox retreat at Le Monastère des Augustines. Follow the journey of a stay without a cell phone, lived by an employee of Le Monastère who wished to share her experience with you.

Here’s an invitation to dive into a digital detox so that you too may fully connect with your inner self during your next retreat at Le Monastère des Augustines.

Since the retreat I’m about to take part in will be a group experience guided by a set schedule (and since I don’t own a watch!), I decided to bring an alarm clock with me to make sure I don’t miss any of the sessions. I also told my boyfriend that if he needed to reach me, he could call directly at Le Monastère’s front desk. Because I like to plan things in advance, it was important for me to set everything up properly so I could fully let go and immerse myself in this digital detox experience. 

Turning off my phone for an entire weekend makes me a little anxious. One of my main concerns: will I get bored? I already know I will bring things to occupy myself — a book, a writing journal, my colored pencils, and a mandala notebook. Reading, writing, and drawing are things I rarely make time for at home, yet they’re ideal pastimes for me when I’m in self-care mode. I can’t wait! 

I can already picture myself taking a relaxing bath in my contemporary room — I will probably bring some bubble bath! I also plan to enjoy Le Monastère’s gardens or find a quiet corner to let my creativity flow. I know, too, that the silence of the Augustinian Sisters’ choir always acts as a soothing refuge for me — a place where I can go deeper into reflection and truly settle down. Have I mentioned how excited I am? 

Out in nature, disconnecting from screens is probably easier, especially when there’s no cell service — you simply have no choice! But in this case, my retreat will be an urban one, right in the heart of Old Québec. Attempting a digital detox is therefore a conscious choice. I hope my determination will help me follow through with it. Fortunately, I know that Le Monastère is a place that naturally encourages relaxation. There are no phones or televisions in the rooms, only one shared phone on the floor to reach the front desk if needed. 

I’m already looking forward to soaking in the tranquility that awaits me at Le Monastère. My goal: to savor every moment of calm this weekend has to offer, and to carry that peace with me afterward. Here’s to a weekend just for me! 

My room contrasts with the historic corridor, near the room where our retreat teachings will take place. The hallway is dotted with religious statues and ancient artifacts. The floor creaks softly beneath our feet. The wooden windows and ceiling lend the space a warm and comforting atmosphere. Our group is about to meet the person who will guide us throughout the weekend retreat. Inside the room, soothing music awaits us. Each person chooses their own spot. I take my seat too, feeling curious.

Right from the first session, we’re encouraged to find a word — an intention — that will guide us throughout the weekend. It makes me reflect on what I came here to find. For me, the goal is clear: rest. Later that evening, during the mindfulness meditation and Qi Gong exercises, I take time to connect with my body and listen to what it has to tell me. It’s only been a few hours since I arrived, and yet introspection has already begun!

Back in my room, I feel enveloped by the simplicity and beauty of the place. I realize how freeing it is to have left my phone at home. I’m not tempted to instantly look up the answers to questions that pop into my head. I don’t feel the need to check in with loved ones. I’m not checking the weather. I’m not distracted by notifications. I can simply be — living in the moment, gently carried by it. Wow.

My initial worries about attending a group retreat are gradually fading. I was nervous about sharing this experience with strangers, since I chose to come alone. But now, I think I made the right choice for me. Taking part in a guided retreat will surely bring depth to my digital detox experience. And being part of a group already gives me a sense of connection with others — while also feeling deeply connected to myself. The best of both worlds!

I thought I might feel phone withdrawal over the weekend. So far, that hasn’t been the case. I’m instead enjoying my free moments between sessions to document my experience. It feels almost strange to write with a pencil on paper. Just the act of writing by hand slows me down. My thoughts seem to move faster than the pace I set with my pen. I realize how much writing is a conscious act for me, a way to truly process what I’m experiencing beyond the external world. I reread previous pages in my journal and find little nuggets of wisdom.

The entertainment I normally find on my phone doesn’t feel missed at all. It’s so refreshing not to be constantly stimulated by a screen or social media content. I’m genuinely happy I deliberately chose to stay away from my phone for the weekend. I can’t even remember the last time I did this, and I’m grateful to give myself this comforting pause!

I wander here and there in the public spaces of Le Monastère. I head to the Augustinian Sisters’ choir, where I spend a lovely moment before the next session of the retreat begins. I feel fortunate to have access to this historically rich space, where I can take the time to breathe, move, and reflect. What a privilege! It’s incredible to think that the Augustinian Sisters gave us this place to care for ourselves. Without them, without their legacy to the population, none of my wonderful experience would be possible.

I think of my loved ones and remind myself to let go of guilt. Taking care of myself, resting — I do it also for them: to allow myself to come back more available and better equipped to face daily challenges.

As the weekend progresses, I notice the retreat participants’ faces relaxing. During meals, people share their life experiences, sometimes lightheartedly, sometimes more deeply. Friendships begin to form. It feels wonderful to feel connected to this temporary community, to be surrounded for a weekend by people walking a similar path as I am.

Before going to bed, as I write again, I realize that my digital detox retreat is teaching me a lot. I notice that in daily life, having constant access to my phone can be quite heavy for me. It comes with pressure — the pressure of infinite possibilities. For some, this might feel positive, but for me, it makes it difficult to fully focus on what’s truly important. My phone often interferes with my present moment. It’s a good lesson, encouraging me to make firmer decisions about my screen use at home.

I reflect on a few possible steps. For example, turning off my phone at night, silencing notifications more often, or choosing alternatives to meet the needs my phone usually fulfills: alarm clock, watch, outdoor thermometer, turntable, cookbooks, etc. It may seem old-fashioned to go back to these objects, but why not?

It’s almost time for bed. I think back on the beautiful moments of my day: the autumn colors in the Augustinian Sisters’ garden during a meditative walk, my dinner in good company, the little plops of bubbles in my bath… I’m proud of myself. Proud to have given myself permission to experience this digital detox retreat just as I wanted.

I didn’t sleep quite as well as the night before. Perhaps my sleep was lighter after all the relaxation I experienced yesterday… But I still feel calm this morning. My goal of rest has clearly been achieved!

At breakfast in silence, a burst of laughter erupts at the other end of the room. I can’t help but smile too. I notice my heart feels lighter and happier than when I arrived. As I eat, a phrase comes to mind: “Prepared with care, enjoyed with love.” I savor every bite of my breakfast just as I have cherished every moment of my stay at Le Monastère. I am truly grateful to have had this experience.

Soon, it will be time to pack up and leave. I wish I didn’t have to say goodbye to my room, but all good things must come to an end. Although I’m already a little bit nostalgic, I feel ready to return home. My inner batteries are fully recharged!

I’m glad I chose to take these 48 hours for a digital detox. And although I know the little cloud I’m floating on right now won’t last forever, I can use it as an anchor — a gentle reminder of the importance of taking time for myself and to try managing better my screen use in everyday life.

And now… when will my next digital detox retreat be?

Note: If you wish to experience a digital detox retreat at Le Monastère des Augustines, know that it is possible to leave your cell phone at the front desk for the duration of your stay. We wish you a wonderful adventure within!