A brief recap: Since arriving at Ocean Villas Luz in August 2020, writer David Lugg has been experiencing all aspects of Luz Life. This blog (#59) is his review of August 2025:
I was listening to a fascinating podcast last week about how we now live in a culture that is ‘always on’. A perfect example of this is television. We used to have to wait seven days for the next episode of our favourite programme, but now we can watch it immediately on Netflix or YouTube. There are news stations that broadcast 24 hours a day and algorithms on our phones that keep us continually updated with items that (supposedly) interest us. There are benefits to this of course, but it is also relentless. Being ‘always on’ can be exhausting.
If only there was a place that we go to switch ‘off’ for a while. Well, down here in our little corner of south west Portugal, we take a different approach to being ‘always on’. That’s not to say that we are always off – far from it. But we have the means to pull the plug – to disconnect for some digital detox. But before you suggest that disconnection is only a lifestyle choice, allow me to explain why this region is at the forefront when detaching from an unrelenting modern world.
Firstly, everything in the west Algarve is about the outdoor life, or to put it better, the outdoor experience. The old cliché about 300 days of sunshine per year is undoubtedly true. The kind weather allows people to gravitate to the beach or the cliff paths or to the sea. There is little need to be on a phone or computer when you are surrounded by natural beauty. As I’ve mentioned before, I have seen countless surly teenagers put down their phones and pick up a football or a surfboard. It takes a day or so but it is an excellent method of disconnection.
Another way to switch off is to head into the neighbouring natural park of Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. Aside from its extraordinary unspoilt beauty, there are large swathes where mobile phone connection is virtually non-existent. Not only do you have little desire to touch your mobile phone, but it’s unlikely that it will work anyway.
A final reason why the west Algarve is great for disconnection is that the region remains relatively off-grid. As an example, many restaurants don’t have a website so it’s likely that, to make a reservation, you will have to walk down and say hello. I went on to the Facebook page of a well-known Luz restaurant and their last post was on December 31st 2022. Saying hello face to face seems like a jolly nice idea to me.
In a week where Australia has announced it is banning social media for anyone under 16 and a Japanese city is limiting smartphone use to 2 hours per day, there are increasing calls to spend more time disconnected from the digital world. Portugal offers the perfect panacea to step away, switch off and live the outdoor experience, away from phones, laptops and digital distractions.
When all is said and done, switching on or switching off remains a lifestyle choice, but all the ingredients are here to immerse yourself in a culture which doesn’t rely heavily on websites and social media. Grab a towel and a book and head to the beach. You won’t regret it.
P.S Speaking of books, regular readers of the blog will be aware that I released my first children’s novel last year. I’m thrilled to say that my new book The Oddventures of Nomi has just been published. Thank you for your continued support and I hope to see you in Luz very soon.
More news next month.
David Lugg
@davidluggwriter
All photo images owned by David Lugg