A South Wales farmer who returned from London city life to her family farm has established an off-grid glamping business designed to give visitors a break from digital overload.
Castaway, located near Abergavenny, opened in spring 2021 and continues to attract guests seeking time away from screens and work-related stress.
The venture was founded by Bryony Gittins, who has also worked as an outdoor activities instructor. She said the idea for Castaway came when she observed more people arriving in the countryside exhausted and heavily reliant on their phones.
“We are all too close to burnout,” she told News From Wales, “and we’re using our phones to cope; but it’s only making things worse. I wanted to create a space where people could stop scrolling and start breathing again.”
Castaway operates on a working farm and features two accommodation options: a converted vintage railway carriage and a geodesic dome. Both units are positioned to provide privacy and views of the surrounding hills.
The retreat is targeted toward couples, solo travelers, or parent–child pairs who are seeking quiet and time outdoors.
With no Wi-Fi available, visitors are encouraged to engage with nature rather than devices. Activities include stargazing through panoramic windows, sitting by the firepit, or enjoying coffee near the sheep.
Located within a 15-minute drive of Abergavenny and accessible to the Brecon Beacons, the site operates year-round, offering experiences that shift with the seasons.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality industry, Castaway illustrates how guest expectations are changing in response to rising screen time and stress levels in the UK.
The demand for digital detox experiences highlights a growing market segment that prioritizes simplicity and reconnection with nature.
Operators considering new offerings may find opportunities in providing off-grid or limited-connectivity stays, catering to visitors who are increasingly seeking relief from technology-driven lifestyles.
