You’ve got to give your brain a vacation. Seriously, science says so. And it’s not enough to just ditch your gadgets for a weekend; you’ve got to put in some serious time with Mother Nature. A "braincation" will help stave off completely legitimate conditions like nomophobia and nature deficit disorder.

Fortunately for you, there are tons of options, ranging from deep-woods shacks, to desert glampsites, to oceanside paradises, to high-mountain cabins. Looked at your phone in the past ten minutes? Yeah, it’s time for a braincation.

Cliff House Deck photo by Kodiak Greenwood.

1.) Post Ranch Inn, California

Gist: This “sanctuary for the soul” is perched 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean in Big Sur. It boasts 40 green-minded rooms, suites, cabins, and treehouses (all from the stuff of architects’ dreams). Hike through old-growth redwood forests to the waterfalls and beaches; star-, nebula-, and rings-of-Saturn-gaze through their high-powered telescope; keep your eyes peeled for the California Condor; catch a few yoga and meditation classes as well as spa treatments; and do other lovey-dovey stuff.

Best for: Romantic recharge

What you get: Incredible views of the rugged Big Sur coast and Pacific Ocean, as well as the Santa Lucia Peaks and Ventana Wilderness; dining at the award-winning restaurant Sierra Mar, which features locally sourced food (right out of their garden or foraged on the property!); a spa that offers your standard relaxation services like massages, facials, and shamanic sessions? Woah.

What you don’t get: TV, cell service, alarm clock, computer, or kids (it’s adults-only)

Green perks: The ranch hosts a 990-panel solar array, the biggest in California; buildings feature bio-structure architecture and natural materials.

Bonus: The Esalen Institute is right down the street, and you can book a nighttime hot spring session for only $25 a person.

Cost: $675-$2,485 a night. It’s pricey, but as close to paradise as you'll get.

Take a braincation at the Post Ranch Inn.

 
Safari Tent and adjacent Tipi photo by Trent Bona.

2.) Moab Under Canvas, Utah

Gist: Glamping in Moab offers all the best parts of camping without any sacrifices to your comfort. You can even bring your dog for an extra $25. Best of all: you’re only a short trek away from both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Go on a hot air balloon ride; raft the Colorado River; go on a guided hike; rock climb; mountain bike; horse-back ride; and so much more. Moab is where family memories are made.

Best for: Family getaway

What you get: A fully furnished safari-style tent complete with comfy beds and Persian rugs; an incredible view of Arches; hot showers and a flushing toilet (luxury camping, indeed).

What you don’t get: TV, phone, cell service, alarm clock, outlets, wifi, or computer

Cost: Comfortably sleep 6 with a Safari Tent and adjacent Tipi for only $239 a night.

Green perks: They’re partners with Leave No Trace, an organization that ensures people enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

Take a braincation at Moab Under Canvas.

 
Photo by iStock / ImagineGolf

3.) Shorty Peak Fire Lookout, Idaho

Gist: This cute hardwood-floored cabin was refurbished less than 10 years ago and offers a unique chance to hang out on the spine of a mountain in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. It's a short 2.5-mile hike to the lookout (about 1,300 feet elevation gain).

Best for: Best buds and their dogs

What you get: 360 degree views of the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges; two twin-size beds with foam mattresses; prime campfire real estate; and fantastic wildlife viewing (we're talking elk, black and grizzly bears, and golden eagles).

What you don’t get: Running water, electricity, wifi, cell service, or blinds (the lookout has windows on all sides, because, you know, it's a lookout).

Cost: Only $25 a night. You might want to spend the extra dough on a Sherpa service for your beer.

Green Perks: Other than the footprints you’ll literally be making to get there, your eco footprint is minimal.

Take a braincation at the Shorty Peak Fire Lookout. Looking for something closer to home? There are many fire lookout rentals available throughout Idaho, Montana, California, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming. Mountain bikers will love this Montana fire lookout.

 
Photo by iStock / rabbit75_ist

4.) Hotel Monaco, Illinois

Gist: We’re kind of cheating with this boutique hotel in downtown Chicago, but some of you might prefer to take baby steps to a real braincation. Surrender your gadgets at the front desk and you'll get a discount: just one benefit to their Black Out Digital Detox package.

Best for: Couples staying in the city

What you get: Tranquility Suite; your pet (to help with phone withdrawal); custom complimentary tech-free amenities; $30 in-room spa credit; and late checkout.

What you don’t get: TV, radio, cell phones, or computer

Cost: Fluctuates between $180 and $300 per night, based on the season.

Take a braincation at Hotel Monaco.

These are just a few of our favorite options. Check out our November/December issue to see a full review of the Bangkok Treehouse: they'll give you a 15 percent discount if you ditch your phone at check-in.