Island resort bans gadgets from beach

Thinking about heading for the beach on your next vacation, catching a couple of rays, and maybe making a business call or two before the tide comes in? Well, if you were planning on a trip to the renowned resort of Palm Island -- located in the Caribbean -- you might want to start considering a serious change of plans. According to recent reports, the tropical destination just put the kibosh on the use of mobile phones, PDAs, or laptops within a half-mile of the island's Casarina Beach, effectively squashing your dreams of million-dollar deals and an "all over" tan. In the words of resort CEO Rob Barrett, "There is nothing worse than lying back in your double hammock, sipping on your strawberry daiquiri and hearing the Motorola jingle in the background," and then suggested that customers, "switch off their mobiles and enjoy the sound of the lapping waves." In the future, Palm Island says it will aggressively mandate book-burning, suppression of the media, and totalitarianism in all forms.

[Via The Raw Feed]

[strider_mt2k @ Aug 29th 2007 6:57PM]

Hmm.
No Palms on Palm Island.

[aeo @ Aug 29th 2007 6:56PM]

I'd be interested to see if this gains more business for the resorts or loses it. I would think that the clientèle at these places make their livings off of gadgets like this, and, if they're type A personalities, probably don't actually shut down for more than a few minutes to sleep and maybe shower. I personally don't have a problem with this since I don't have a social or business life active enough to warrant complaining but those that do may be the people most likely to patronize the resorts in question. Time will tell.

[rich @ Aug 29th 2007 6:56PM]

so? its a private beach. you don't have to go there. believe it or not, there are some people in this world who actually still believe vacation means 'not having to be in contact with the office at all times.'

[Totalfixation @ Aug 29th 2007 7:15PM]

Now it's getting more annoying that everywhere, places are beginning to ban what they choice fit. Yes you can choose to go or not to go, but have you guys realize when something becomes the norm. It makes it easier for the government to pass laws to enforce these things. I don't see how a guy who is on the phone talking any different from children running around screaming at the top of there lungs. Its how we should set the norm to begin with. People who are on their phone should know not to scream into the phone when its in a small quiet area, and know to walk out of a theater when they want to answer the phone. Its about proper etiquettecy that we should be doing. Lets just face it cellphones and gadget are going to be around everywhere. If you feel a vacation on the beach = no gadget you are very wrong. People should freely choose what they want to do on the beach as long as it doesn't bother anyone. The beach is a wide open area and i don't think anyone talking on the phone can really distract anyone. And if it does i think you have a problem.

[Tavis @ Aug 29th 2007 7:18PM]

I guess I have a problem. People adhering to proper etiquette will never ever happen. Go Team Beach!

[shaun @ Aug 29th 2007 7:19PM]

@Totalfixation:

A guy on a phone is very different from a screaming child.
It's waaayyy less annoying!

[Rob Schneider @ Aug 29th 2007 11:56PM]

durpa durpa durpa.

it IS a private beach though. just as romantic hotels choose not to allow young kids as they would hurt the aura, so too a private beach can ban things it feels hurt the atmosphere intended. Ever seen signs that say no dogs or roller blading at beaches? So they added gadgets... big deal.

Totalitarianism? Lets not be so dramatic Mr. Joshua Topolsky

[Nick @ Aug 30th 2007 9:59AM]

Totalfixation.. you give humans too much credit. You assume eventually all people will actually care about being courteous and think about think about others but they don't. I run into that realization everyday. Even with stuff as simple as people not saying "thank you" when I hold the door for them.. instead they just walk right in while acting as if im their servant and it was their devine right for me to hold the door open for them so that they could enter. Or how about the common knowledge to get off of your damn cell phone or telling the person on the other end to hold on while they are at the counter of a restaurant placing an order.

[Jeff Williams @ Aug 29th 2007 6:59PM]

Well, I realize this site is about GADGETS, but I for one have no problem with this edict. It's a private resort, so they can do what they wish, no one is forced to go there. I do not bring my gadgets to the beach, and I would rather not hear other people using theirs. It's about peace, tranquility, and escape from things like cell phones and pagers. Well, that's what a vacation used to be, anyhow. I say two thumbs up and kudos to Palm Island!

[t-bone @ Aug 29th 2007 9:44PM]

I don't even understand why someone would bring electronic equipment to an environment filled with sand and highly-corrosive salt water.

[Dan @ Aug 29th 2007 7:03PM]

Good show chaps!

Think of it like an outdoor movie threatre, don't interupt those nearbye.

[Christopher Price @ Aug 29th 2007 7:08PM]

I have a problem with it... not that I'd be likely to pay to go to a beach.

I could see a requirement to silence gadgets. But I find using gadgets on the beach, or a lake, or somewhere else to be relaxing. And, as such, vote with your wallets people.

- Christopher Price
http://www.christopherprice.net

[LordFarkward @ Aug 29th 2007 9:53PM]

i voted with my mouse, i clicked on the red negative button on your comment

your site sux. there're people here, don't advertise it here anymore.

[sr1329 @ Aug 29th 2007 7:08PM]

It's his island, he can do whatever he wants.

[anonymouspimp @ Aug 29th 2007 7:08PM]

Eh, when I go on vacation I leave all my gadgets in the hotel room except my cell phone. So other than the cell phone, I don't think it's that big of a deal. I mean, who the hell brings a laptop to a beach anyways? It's a little silly tho, because cell phones are used for a lot more than talking business... like finding other people, repoting emergencies, etc...

Then again, what the hell do I care? I've never even heard of Palm Island. And having just said that... it all makes complete sense to me now. Publicity stunt. Duh!

[shaun @ Aug 29th 2007 7:21PM]

You leave everything in your room, huh?

Just out of interest what's your room number?

[John @ Aug 30th 2007 12:34AM]

I think farky replied to the wrong post, hmm?

[3rdsun @ Aug 29th 2007 7:13PM]

Water and gadgets don't mix

[Paul @ Aug 29th 2007 7:48PM]

Neither does sand and gadgets.

[ajbrady @ Aug 29th 2007 7:14PM]

"book-burning, suppression of the media, and totalitarianism in all forms"? Oh be serious Mr. Topolsky. Hyperbole is only well done if it contains a bit of truth. Next you'll be calling someone who asks you to take your shoes off in their home a fascist. Way to make an errant and convoluted political item out of a harmless, quirky news story.

[John Doe @ Aug 29th 2007 8:11PM]

Its Engadget. What else did you expect?

[Chird @ Aug 29th 2007 11:15PM]

I believe that's what we humans refer to as "humor". Perhaps you could develop a sense of it, thereby allowing for easier integration into the species.

[ejcsanfran @ Aug 29th 2007 11:54PM]

Well, I guess I'll change my vacation plans and go to Treo Island instead...

[firebat45 @ Aug 29th 2007 7:28PM]

Am I the only one who notices that guy's circa 1992 laptop and phone? I think I used to have a Toshiba that looked like that...

Way to use 15 year old stock photos, Engadget

[Tired_ @ Aug 29th 2007 7:30PM]

I can see the signs now... "Welcome to Palm Island. Please get rid of your Palm."

[hikaye @ Aug 29th 2007 7:45PM]

thanks. wonderful..

[Illuminated One @ Aug 29th 2007 7:48PM]

Did anyone see that guy's LAPTOP, LOL. Looks like a prop item from IKEA store.

[John Doe @ Aug 29th 2007 8:12PM]

actually IKEA uses some pretty damn good props. They are using shells of Dell Optiplex's here in MN.

[dpjax @ Aug 29th 2007 7:55PM]

Lets all over react! This is crazy!

This isn't America folks. If you don't like it - don't go. I feel this is a good idea and the ban on gadgets would appeal to me on a family vacation.

:)

[David @ Aug 29th 2007 8:04PM]

I don't see what the big deal is.
There are nudist resorts, adults only resorts, eco-resorts etc.. Heck even my neighborhood has an adults only pool. No one under 18 allowed. They built separate family pools that have playgrounds etc.

Besides, if I was still using that laptop, I wouldn't bring it out in public either ;)

[j0sh @ Aug 29th 2007 8:03PM]

that guy is on the phone with 1995. they are calling because they want their laptop back.

[Tim Cuculic @ Aug 29th 2007 8:04PM]

That's a sweet lappie... and haircut.

[John Doe @ Aug 29th 2007 8:09PM]

Good. If you don't like it don't go there. Simple as that. Now if the would only start jamming phones in theatres I'd be a happy man. Either that or theatres start installing tubes under each seat that dumps anyone dicking with their phone during a movie into the city sewer and left for the rats.

[Dan Carter @ Aug 29th 2007 8:30PM]

I'm all for the ban. Until common courtesy returns to this planet I hope to see more of this...

[Tony @ Aug 29th 2007 8:28PM]

this need people have to reachable every minute of the day is so crazy.Unless its a life and death matter, it can wait til you get back to the room.
The reason rules like this happen is people are considerate by nature so they have to be treated like children.
Your sitting in a restaurant and some fool is talking as loud as possible on his cell next to you about nothing.It could wait til he was done with his meal.

[granny down east @ Aug 29th 2007 11:52PM]

...do you mean inconsiderate?
Yes, they are.

[Geoffrey Sperl @ Aug 29th 2007 8:41PM]

I'm all for not taking gadgets (the exception being an iPod on a road trip) on vacation in the first place. I mean, come on, folks... if your office can call you on the beach then your office will call you on the beach.

[Ben Grimsbo @ Aug 29th 2007 9:26PM]

While they are at it, they should ban business suits and bad haircuts.

Seriously, that guy has business cliché written all over him.

[Christopher Price @ Aug 31st 2007 6:53PM]

Please don't feed the trolls. Thanks!

- Christopher Price
http://www.phonenews.com

[LordFarkward @ Aug 29th 2007 9:55PM]

my comment was directed at mr. price

[Oscar @ Aug 29th 2007 10:23PM]

The reason for the ban is because people are so
inconsiderate and loud that people who want to enjoy themselves with (quiet) quality time are finding it harder and harder.

[Aaron Cruikshank @ Aug 30th 2007 1:03AM]

My doctor doesn't let me use my cell phone in his office and he usually pushes sand up my ass while I'm there so... I'm I the only one seeing the connection here? This makes sense.

[Blue_Six @ Aug 30th 2007 5:44AM]

"There is nothing worse than lying back in your double hammock, sipping on your strawberry daiquiri and missing out on the next billion dollar stock crash"

"There is nothing worse than lying back in your double hammock, sipping on your strawberry daiquiri and missing the launch of the next Apple iProduct"

I could go on forever on reasons why I wouldn't want to be somewhere with a gadget-ban. What about down to earth stuff like "missing the call that your mother died" or that your kid was in an accident?

I think the resort should just make it mandatory that upon arrival you have to set your ringtone to "lapping waves" and that'd be that.

[zoneman @ Aug 30th 2007 5:54AM]

I can understand baning gadgets. But book buring? relaxing on the beech with a book cant be bad, can it?

[KerryB @ Aug 30th 2007 12:02PM]

Your assignment for today : Look up "hyperbole".

For extra credit, analyze whether Joshua effectively used it as a humorous device.

[Gorto @ Sep 5th 2007 2:37PM]

Dictatorship! They might as well ban people from any civilized activities.

[dave smith @ Aug 31st 2007 9:55AM]

The last thing I want to hear while I'm trying to relax is somebody's cell phone go off or hear their conversation... I would love to see more bans happen in public places.

[Kendall @ Aug 30th 2007 8:59AM]

Ah, poor babies, can't play with their little electronic toys on the beach. Come on jerks, your on a beach. Why the hell would you need a cell phone or laptop while lounging? People really need to put the technology on the sidelines and relax or DON'T GO ON VACATION if you can't stay away from business and youtube.
I see the same morons while I drive where they have the cell phone smacked against their ear while driving a moving vehicle.

It's your health people. That is what a vacation is for.
--Idiots--

[Kendall @ Aug 30th 2007 9:05AM]

You can bet that this will help and hurt business but that means the people who really want to be on vacation will be there. including me.

The people who want to do business on the beach will go somewhere else or stay in their hometown shortening their lives while making their soon to be widows very very very rich.
HA!!! LOL

[Kendall @ Aug 30th 2007 9:13AM]

Blue_Six, you obviously need your cell phone like a kid needs his baby bottle.

Did you ever think that if you are on vacation and your mom dies or your kid gets in an accident at home that when you go back to the hotel they will tell you the information?
No, because you are obviously thick.

About books, paper books are not gadgets. Don't be drama queens.