Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and discover the emerging trend of sleep tourism. Prioritise rest and rejuvenation with holidays designed to give you the best sleep of your life, where relaxation and wellness take centre stage.
I magine a holiday where the main agenda is to ensure you get the best sleep of your life. Welcome to the world of sleep tourism, a burgeoning trend where travellers seek destinations dedicated to promoting rest and relaxation. Forget packed schedules and endless sightseeing; this travel phenomenon is all about restoring your energy and improving your well-being through quality sleep.
What is Sleep Tourism?
Sleep tourism focuses on achieving optimal rest while on holiday. Hotels and resorts worldwide are now offering specialised sleep retreats and programmes, complete with amenities designed to enhance sleep quality. In 2023, sleep-focused holidays have become one of the biggest trends in the travel industry. Weary travellers are now looking for destinations where they can truly unwind and catch up on much-needed rest.
Why is Sleep Tourism Gaining Popularity?
The rise of sleep tourism can be attributed to a growing sleep crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three adults doesn’t get enough sleep. Quality sleep, often mistaken for a luxury, is crucial for maintaining good mental and physical health. Inadequate sleep can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and depression. Additionally, sleep deprivation is a significant factor in car accidents and workplace injuries. Rebecca Robbins, a sleep scientist at Harvard’s Division of Sleep Medicine, highlights, “The idea that travel could restore you— to cognitively learn things and experience new things and also physically and mentally get the rest you need to power your trip and to allow you to return home rested—is a really exciting proposition.
The Essence of a Sleep Retreat
A sleep retreat is a type of holiday where the primary focus is on improving sleep. These retreats can range from basic offerings like customised pillow menus and soothing teas to extensive programmes featuring multi-day sleep assessments and therapy sessions led by sleep specialists. Hotels with dedicated sleep programmes provide environments conducive to restful sleep, often incorporating low-intensity activities such as yoga and meditation, alongside therapeutic treatments like reflexology and massage. Advanced retreats might include diagnostic evaluations to pinpoint sleep issues, with tailored treatments to address them. The aim is to offer guests a sanctuary from the stresses of daily life, allowing them to reset their sleep patterns and improve their overall health.
Creating a Sleep Haven at Home
You don’t need to travel far to enjoy the benefits of a sleep retreat. Simple adjustments to your sleep environment can make a significant difference. Adhering to fundamental sleep hygiene practices can be transformative: invest in weighted blankets, quality pillows, and calming scents like lavender. Establish a pre-bed routine with relaxing activities such as reading or meditating, and avoid screens to allow melatonin production. A regular sleep schedule and a wind-down period before bed can greatly enhance your sleep quality.
Are Sleep Retreats Worth It?
Prioritising sleep is crucial for maintaining good health and well being. Sarah Wilde, a sleep consultant, emphasises, “Prolonged lack of sleep can lead to serious health issues such as depression and weight gain. Addressing sleep problems should be a priority, and a sleep retreat can be a valuable step in that direction.” However, she notes that those with chronic insomnia might benefit more from cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTI) at home, as it addresses sleep issues in the context of everyday life.
TOP SLEEP RETREATS TO CONSIDER
SHA Wellness, Spain
Nestled in the serene landscapes of Spain, SHA Wellness Clinic is renowned for its comprehensive sleep therapies. Led by Sleep Medicine specialist Dr Vicente Mera, the clinic offers consultations and diagnostics tailored to address various sleep issues. Guests can partake in bespoke wellness programmes that integrate advanced sleep medicine techniques with holistic health practices, ensuring a restorative and rejuvenating experience.
Six Senses Spa, Thimphu, Bhutan
Perched in the tranquil settings of Thimphu, Bhutan, Six Senses Spa offers an immersive sleep retreat experience. This programme includes personalised wellness screenings, expert sleep advice from resident doctors, and a variety of relaxing treatments such as Bhutanese hot stone baths and holistic massages. The retreat aims to restore energy levels and establish balanced sleep patterns, providing a serene sanctuary for guests to unwind and rejuvenate.
The Cadogan, London
Located in the heart of London, The Cadogan offers a unique Sleep Concierge service designed to enhance sleep quality. This service includes sleep-inducing meditations recorded by renowned hypnotherapist Malminder Gill, a curated pillow menu, weighted blankets, and calming pillow mists. Guests can also book in-room consultations with Malminder Gill to receive personalised sleep advice, making The Cadogan a premier destination for a restful urban escape.
Hästens Sleep Spa, Portugal
Indulge in luxury sleep at Hästens Sleep Spa in Coimbra, Portugal. This exclusive retreat offers guests the opportunity to sleep on some of the world’s most luxurious mattresses, crafted by the renowned Swedish brand Hästens. The spa combines opulent bedding with a tranquil environment to ensure an unparalleled sleep experience, allowing guests to wake up refreshed and rejuvenated.
StarStruck Glamping, Texas
Experience the magic of sleeping under the stars at StarStruck Glamping in Big Bend National Park, Texas. Guests stay in geodesic dome tents equipped with telescopes for stargazing, alongside luxurious amenities such as plush bedding, climate control, and private bathrooms. The pristine natural setting, free from light and noise pollution, creates the perfect backdrop for a restful and unique glamping experience.
Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, Florida
Carillon Miami Wellness Resort offers a state-of-the-art sleep therapy programme that combines advanced technologies with therapeutic treatments. Guests can enjoy electromagnetic and infrared therapies, floatation baths with Epsom salt, and meditation pods designed to optimise sleep quality. The resort’s integrative approach to wellness ensures that guests leave feeling rejuvenated and well-rested.
Four Seasons Resort, Bali at Sayan
Immerse yourself in the lush, tropical surroundings of Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. This luxurious retreat offers unique sleep therapies, including aerial silk hammock naps and nature-inspired treatments that promote deep relaxation. The serene environment and holistic approach to wellness make this resort an ideal destination for those seeking to restore their sleep health.
Rosewood London
As part of the Alchemy of Sleep programme, Rosewood London offers a comprehensive suite of sleep-enhancing services. Guests can enjoy beauty sleep kits by Votary, calming massages, and personalised sleep consultations. The combination of luxury accommodations and tailored wellness programmes ensures a restful and rejuvenating stay in the heart of London.
Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, France
Located in the picturesque region of Champagne, France, the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa offers the Royal Sleep Experience. This luxury wellness programme features products and treatments designed to promote quality sleep, including calming essential oil sprays, melatonin-based drops, and a meditation box. The elegant setting and comprehensive sleep services make this hotel a premier destination for rest and relaxation.
Six Senses Ibiza
Six Senses Ibiza, situated on Spain’s Balearic Islands, offers a holistic sleep treatment programme. Guests can benefit from sleep consultations, wellness screenings, yoga nidra sessions, and sleep tracking. The retreat’s comprehensive approach to sleep health ensures that guests can establish sustainable sleep routines, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being in a tranquil and luxurious environment.
Whether you choose to embark on a sleep retreat or create a sleep sanctuary at home, the importance of quality rest cannot be overstated. Sleep tourism is a promising avenue for those seeking to enhance their well-being through the simple yet profound act of sleeping well.