Sign up for CNN’s Sleep, But Better newsletter series to receive valuable tips for achieving better sleep. Sleep tourism has surged in popularity as more hotels and resorts around the world offer sleep-focused stays. This trend has only intensified during the pandemic, with notable establishments catering to individuals suffering from sleep deprivation. Park Hyatt New York unveiled the Bryte Restorative Sleep Suite, a 900-square-foot suite equipped with sleep-enhancing amenities, while Rosewood Hotels & Resorts introduced the Alchemy of Sleep retreats, designed to promote rest. Zedwell, London’s premier sleep-centric hotel, opened in 2020 with innovative soundproofing in its rooms. Swedish bed manufacturer Hastens established the world’s first Hästens Sleep Spa Hotel in Coimbra, Portugal, a year later. So, what has prompted this sudden emphasis on sleep in the travel industry?
Dr. Rebecca Robbins, a sleep researcher and co-author of “Sleep for Success!” believes that this shift has been a long time coming, particularly in the hotel industry. In the past, hotels primarily focused on amenities that detracted from sleep, such as indulgent meals and late-night activities. However, there has been a seismic shift in collective awareness and prioritization of wellness and well-being. The global pandemic has played a significant role in raising attention to sleep, with many individuals experiencing reduced sleep quality. As a result, sleep has gained prominence in the pursuit of longevity and overall health.
Malminder Gill, a hypnotherapist, meditation, and holistic coach, has also witnessed this change in attitudes towards sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to various health issues, including anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Gill has partnered with the Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel in London, to create a special service called the Sleep Concierge, aimed at guests with sleep issues. This service offers a sleep-inducing meditation recording, a pillow menu catering to different sleeping preferences, the option of a weighted blanket, a bedtime tea tailored for better sleep, and a scented pillow mist. Gill emphasizes that different approaches work for different people at different stages of life, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Hotels and resorts offer a variety of sleep-focused programs and retreats, each with its unique approach. For example, Six Senses provides comprehensive sleep programs lasting from three to seven days, while Brown’s Hotel in London has introduced ‘Forte Winks,’ a two-night experience designed to induce serene sleep. These experiences challenge the narrative of sacrificing sleep for productivity and reflect a deeper understanding of the importance of sleep.
Can short-term sleep-focused travel experiences have a long-term impact on overall sleep? According to Dr. Robbins, travel experiences that incorporate healthy sleep strategies and provide tools for improving sleep can be highly beneficial. However, it is essential to involve reputable medical or scientific experts to determine if there might be underlying sleep disorders that need attention, such as sleep apnea or insomnia. Mandarin Oriental in Geneva has taken this a step further by partnering with a private medical sleeping clinic to study guests’ sleeping patterns and identify potential disorders.
While sleep tourism tends to be associated with luxury travel, Dr. Robbins believes that all hotels and resorts should prioritize sleep. Simple measures like providing earplugs can make a meaningful difference. As sleep tourism continues to grow, there are countless unexplored avenues for travel and the science of sleep. Dr. Robbins looks forward to seeing who will pioneer and think creatively in this space. The concept of travel rejuvenating and restoring individuals is an exciting prospect.
Top image credit: Rocco Forte Hotels.
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