To identify the best countries for reconnecting with inner selves and leading a slower-paced lifestyle, MyCross analyzed around 40 countries with lower digital saturation.
Metrics included wellness retreats, safety scores, internet usage, speed, national parks, walkability and population density. Weighted metrics contributed to a composite score scaled from 1 to 100, reflecting overall suitability for a digitally simplified, wellness-oriented lifestyle.
Findings summed up:
| Countries | Internet penetration | Internet speed | Population density (km2) | Safety | Number of National Parks | All Wellness Retreats | Walkability | Score |
| India | 56 | 66 | 492 | 56 | 116 | 360 | 57 | 100 |
| Thailand | 90 | 68 | 140 | 63 | 156 | 193 | 330 | 86 |
| Indonesia | 69 | 20 | 152 | 54 | 56 | 312 | 82 | 78 |
| Spain | 95 | 149 | 96 | 63 | 16 | 404 | 642 | 73 |
| Italy | 87 | 73 | 200 | 53 | 25 | 241 | 753 | 63 |
| Portugal | 86 | 117 | 114 | 68 | 1 | 253 | 691 | 62 |
| Costa Rica | 85 | 53 | 101 | 46 | 29 | 222 | 514 | 54 |
| Greece | 85 | 73 | 77 | 54 | 15 | 198 | 555 | 52 |
| Finland | 94 | 95 | 19 | 73 | 40 | 9 | 950 | 51 |
| Croatia | 83 | 51 | 69 | 75 | 8 | 42 | 530 | 47 |
You can see the full research here.
India leads the ranking as the best country to reconnect with yourself, with a composite score of 100. It stands out with its 360 wellness retreats, far more than any other country in the list. While population density is on the higher side, India still comes out on top thanks to its easier access to wellness retreats and a slower digital pace. Only 56% of the population has access to or uses the Internet, and internet speeds average 66 Mbps, both of which make it easier to disconnect.
Thailand comes in second with a score of 86 and a high number of national parks and wellness retreats. While 90% of people are connected to the internet, the connection itself is slower, at just 68 Mbps, and that helps keep daily life from moving too fast. Thailand also has lower population density than India and more green space for those looking to reset outdoors.
Indonesia places third among the countries that allow people to reconnect with themselves, with a score of 78. It stands out for its slower internet speed and relatively low percentage of people using the internet. The country hosts 312 wellness retreats and offers a slower pace, opening up access to nature.
Spain follows in fourth with a score of 73, backed by the highest number of wellness retreats of any European country in the list. The Internet is faster here at 149 Mbps, and about 95% of the population has access to the internet, but Spain makes up for this with a lighter population density and higher safety, which adds peace of mind for long-term stays.
Italy ranks fifth with a score of 63. Roughly three out of every four people own a car, which means walkability is more limited than in other European cities. But Italy has 241 wellness retreats and slightly slower internet than Spain, making it better for the population to be away from the online world and reconnect with themselves.
Portugal takes sixth place with a score of 62. Although it has just one national park, it still offers 253 wellness retreats and higher safety than Italy. Walkability is slightly better, too, and the lower population density helps nudge it just behind Italy.
Costa Rica ranks seventh with a score of 54. It offers 29 national parks for outdoor access and 222 wellness retreats, more than Greece or Finland. Its safety score falls below Portugal and Greece, though, and 85% of the population is online. Still, the lower population density makes it a quieter option for anyone looking to slow down.
Greece comes in eighth at 52. It features 198 wellness retreats and a safety score just behind Portugal. It has 15 national parks, similar to Spain, and walkability is comparable, with 555 cars. But with high internet use and no standout features, it lands in the lower half.
Finland comes in ninth with a score of 51. Home to 40 national parks, one of the highest counts in Europe, the country offers plenty of free opportunities for residents to relax and recharge without relying on wellness retreats. It also has one of the highest safety scores in the study.
Croatia closes the top 10 with a score of 47. Safety measures in this country are quite good, and internet speed is relatively low at 51 Mbps, but the country offers only 42 wellness retreats and eight national parks. While population density is lower than in Portugal or Greece, limited wellness infrastructure keeps it from ranking higher.
A spokesperson from MyCross commented on the study: “Digital overload is pushing more people to rethink what they want in a destination. What stands out here is how often slower internet, fewer cars, and access to nature go hand in hand. These aren’t just vacation spots—they reflect a growing interest in everyday environments that support mental clarity and slower living.”
