A couple of days into your vacation and let’s face it, the excitement has probably worn off. Although there’s a city tour scheduled, you’ve been hitting the snooze button on repeat and you’d even trade your Rolex for just a few more minutes of shut-eye. You want to bury yourself under the covers. But what if vacations were for sleeping, relaxing and rejuvenating? Beyond non-stop notifications, never-ending social obligations, and endless scrolling, maybe what we really need is to shut it all out and catch some zzz’s. And the latest travel trend isn’t about cramming in as many sights, sounds, and experiences as possible. It’s all about the art of doing nothing — sleep tourism is here to stay, say travel trends reports.
Before you yawn away, let’s break down sleep tourism. It’s more than finding a cosy bed to snore in. It’s a vacation where the goal is to sleep like a baby and wake up feeling like a superhero. Picture this: a hotel bed decked out in fluffy pillows and silk sheets; a memory foam mattress that hugs you like a long-lost lover; and a room that blocks out any sound or light that can disturb you. You might want to say goodbye to gadgets to fix your circadian rhythm and detox from the daily grind with an aromatic massage. Or maybe, you prefer the great outdoors, with soothing river sounds and twinkling stars above you. Whatever your style, sleep tourism has you covered.
The roots of the trend perhaps lie in the pandemic and how it turned daily routines upside down, skyrocketing stress levels. From doing yoga on video calls to sleeping with sound machines and tracking our slumber like a science experiment, we have all resorted to some or other, interesting self-care practice. Now, it’s time to put down your phones, turn off the TV and make sleep a priority, especially when you’re taking a travel break. With all the science behind it, we might have just convinced you to consider one of our handpicked heavens for sleepyheads — in India and abroad.
Six Senses Fort Barwara
Rajasthan, India
This beautiful 14th-century fort converted to a Six Senses hotel has an inviting sleep program. Dr. Neeru Jain, Spa and Wellness Director, explains, “The program begins with wellness screening that makes guests aware of their own state of wellness backed by science and technology.” Following a consultation, a sleep tracker ring and a kit with sleep balm, eye masks and essential oils are provided to the guests. “The sleep tracker ring provides our Sleep Ambassadors and Wellness Experts with the intel to make recommendations that are personalised,” adds Marks Sands, VP, Wellness, at the chain. He adds, “Bio-hacks to boost sleep are available for those in need, including compression boots and moisture-wicking bedding.”
SLEEEP Boutique at ITC Grand Chola
Chennai, India
This monumental hotel themed around palatial architecture takes pride in its wellness initiatives. Here and across all its premium luxury resorts, ITC Hotels has pioneered the SLEEEP Boutique which offers a range of exclusive products for guests to purchase for personal use. These include feather, silk, super-soft, cotton pillows; as also mattress protectors, duvets and bed linen. Temperature control in rooms, to colour therapy through white linens — all elements soothe the senses. An ITC spokesperson shares, “Sound sleep is mostly associated with heightened alertness, productivity, memory and mood. It results in the rejuvenation of body, mind and soul. In the spirit of responsible luxury, we take sleep seriously.”
The Westin Resort And Spa Himalayas
Rishikesh, India
Situated in the serene climes of the Himalayas, which is perhaps, already good for sleep, this swanky new property comes with 141 guestrooms overlooking a valley. ‘Sleep Well’ is part of the six pillars of well-being that the hotel-chain follows as tenets, alongside Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, so on. And at this mountain-hugging property it takes shape as a personalised programme, where all guestrooms feature the brand’s iconic Heavenly® Bed, designed with a pillow-top construction, to allow guests a night of sound rest. This aside, the hotel also provides their Sleep Well Lavender Balm, which is fortified with essential oils to help you slip into RRR mode.
Ananda Spa
Uttarakhand, India
Heal and hibernate at another programme in the Himalayas — Ananda Spa’s Sleep Enhancement Program, situated in the pristine environs of Rishikesh. This comprehensive and holistic approach includes lifestyle modifications and dietary corrections, requiring a commitment of 7 to 14 nights or more. Physicians, yogis and healers work to restore emotional and metabolic balance, calm the nerves and boost energy levels, focus and concentration by leveraging Ayurvedic wisdom, oriental medicine, yoga, meditation and therapy sessions. Best suited for those with sleep complications.
The Cadogan
London, United Kingdom
This chic retreat in Chelsea, run by the Belmond Hotel, has partnered with Hypnotherapist and Sleep Expert, Malminder Gill, to introduce a Sleep Concierge. Gill says, “In the UK, 70% of individuals admit to struggling with insomnia over the last nine months. Falling asleep has never been more of a problem for so many.” The concierge features a recorded sleep-inducing meditation, a pillow menu with luxurious choices, a comforting weighted blanket, a special bedtime tea and a soothing scented pillow mist to ensure a restful night’s sleep. The Cadogan team adds, “We have seen a very positive response to the Sleep Concierge program since its launch in 2021 and are evolving the service to create a truly 360-degree experience”.
Hôtel de Crillon
Paris, France
In sync with the vibe of the city, if you want to rekindle your sense of romance with a good night’s sleep, the Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel, has got you covered with The Alchemy of Sleep — a two-day retreat that promises the ultimate relaxation. This holistic approach addresses everything from nutrition to mindfulness, offering a mix of treatments, consultations and classes. The programme includes a sleep consultation with a dedicated sleep coach, a nutrition consultation with a nutritionist and a range of holistic spa treatments. Curated Sleep Boxes are also available, complete with essential oils, tea blends and silk eye masks to help you rebalance. Sweet dreams in the city of light.
