By Gay Nagle Myers

The collection of Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resorts offers a solution for a stress-free, digital-free vacation for guests trying to relax or feeling pressured to be connected 24/7 to their job.

The nine resorts in seven locations across Mexico (Puerto Vallarta and Cancun) and the Caribbean (Grand Cayman, St. Thomas, Aruba, Curacao, St. Kitts) will launch optional “Braincation” tech-free zones in December.

Guests who want to enjoy some digital detox can retreat to a Braincation zone, free of cellphones and electronic devices.

The zones will operate on an honor system; signs indicating an electronic-free environment will encourage guests to disconnect, relax and retreat and pursue tech-free activities, such as reading and conversing.

According to Michelle Bozoki, director of marketing and e-commerce for the resort collection, a recent survey asked 1,184 travelers how they dealt with the demands of staying digitally connected while traveling.

“We wanted to find out how travelers felt about being constantly connected and if they could fully relax during their vacation,” Bozoki said.

“The majority said that staying connected to work added to their stress while vacationing. They reported instances of being annoyed by mobile device abuse such as loud cellphone conversations,” she said.

Other results:

• 50% reported checking emails and voicemails several times a day.
• 36% said they checked emails on the beach.
• 31% provided their cell numbers to clients while on vacation.
• 31% admitted they were tempted to throw their mobile devices into the ocean.
• 15% said being connected to the digital age bothered their spouse, partner or travel companion.
• 66% utilized social channels to upload photos.
• 64% updated their status on Facebook and Twitter.

“Our hope is that we can encourage our resort guests to take some time out to appreciate the beauty of their environment and to connect with those traveling with them.”

The resort collection includes CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort, CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Curacao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino, Frenchman’s Reef &Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort in St. Thomas, Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort, Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, and St. Kitts Marriott Resort & Royal Beach Casino.

For details, visit www.paradisebymarriott.com.