The concept of going on vacation solely to indulge in sleep might appear peculiar at first glance. However, sleep tourism emerged as a notable travel trend in 2024, and its popularity is expected to persist into 2025. Hotels are increasingly emphasizing the importance of rest and wellness hospitality by offering sleep-focused accommodations paired with specialized services. These may include consultations with sleep specialists or institutes, the utilization of AI beds capable of making real-time adjustments for optimal sleep, and the provision of melatonin-based supplement shots. The overarching goal is to assist travelers in rejuvenating their sleep cycles, facilitating a truly restorative holiday experience.
THE COVID INFLUENCE
While sleep tourism isn’t entirely novel, sleep has emerged as a coveted luxury among travelers. Dr. Rebecca Robbins, a sleep researcher and co-author of “Sleep for Success!”, attributes this shift to a significant change in societal awareness and prioritization of wellness and well-being. Historically, the hotel industry tended to emphasize factors that detracted from quality sleep, such as indulgent dining experiences or engaging attractions that extended bedtime hours.
However, the onset of COVID-19 brought about a heightened focus on sleep, likely due to widespread sleep disturbances experienced during the pandemic. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine revealed that 40% of over 2,500 adults surveyed reported a decline in sleep quality since the pandemic’s onset. Additionally, a Philips global sleep survey conducted in 2021 reported that nearly six in 10 Singaporeans experienced sleep disruptions due to COVID-19.
Moreover, ample sleep is intricately linked to longevity, with well-rested individuals experiencing slower aging and degeneration. Quality sleep also reduces the risk of chronic illnesses like coronary diseases and metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and diabetes. Furthermore, sufficient sleep can mitigate cognitive decline, including dementia, ultimately enhancing overall life quality.
WHY PAY TO GO AWAY TO SLEEP?
In early 2023, web designer Annie Theeng found herself on an unexpected journey—a sleep holiday arranged by her husband. Recalling the challenging period after giving birth amidst the uncertainties of the pandemic, Annie shared, “It was a much-needed break for both of us. The stress of becoming new parents during a pandemic, uncertainty about job security…we had countless sleepless nights, constantly on edge.”
Struggling with post-partum depression, Annie’s marriage faced strains, yet her husband’s unwavering support and patience proved pivotal. The idea of a sleep vacation arose inadvertently when Annie expressed her longing for uninterrupted rest. “One day he asked me what it was that I wanted. I said nothing but sleep! We laugh about it now, but it probably saved our marriage,” she reflected.
Their destination—a sleep retreat in Thailand—offered a comprehensive Sleep Enhancement program, encompassing wellness consultations, health screenings, and holistic therapies. Collaborating with naturopaths, TCM practitioners, and a life coach, they delved into sleep therapies and lifestyle adjustments to combat insomnia.
Reflecting on their experience, Annie emphasized the holistic approach of the retreat, integrating massage treatments, nutritional guidance, Reiki, and yoga to foster tranquility and resilience. The positive impact transcended their holiday, as they continued to implement these practices into their daily lives. Alongside dietary changes, regular yoga sessions strengthened their bond, rejuvenating their relationship.
Though the holiday came with a significant price tag, Annie attested to its value. “For once, I came back from holiday without feeling more tired…It was purposeful, meditative, and a reset of sorts,” she remarked. Planning another sleep vacation, Annie aims for a city destination, leveraging hotels offering sleep packages. Embracing a slower pace and mindful travel, they anticipate a vacation enriched with meaningful experiences rather than mere exhaustion.
WHAT SLEEP-SERVICES CAN ONE EXPECT?
While amenities like a pillow menu or luxurious bedding are standard in many hotels, sleep-centric accommodations take rest and relaxation to the next level. These establishments often feature a dedicated sleep concierge—a staff member devoted to ensuring guests achieve optimal slumber.
At The Montcalm London Marble Arch in the UK, the sleep concierge goes above and beyond to provide personalized sleep experiences. From offering the perfect pillow selection to dabbing it with aromatherapy oil for a lavender-infused turndown service, every detail is curated to promote relaxation and alleviate stress. Guests can also enjoy amenities such as silk pajamas, indulgent skincare products, and plush, weighted blankets designed to cocoon them in comfort.
To enhance the sleep environment further, these hotels employ various techniques, including time-released aromatherapy infusions, adaptive sound masking technology, and circadian lighting systems. Some even feature smart thermostats that adjust room temperature to optimize sleep quality.
However, the true allure lies in the comprehensive sleep assessments offered by these hotels. Partnering with sleep institutes or employing onsite sleep experts, such as nutritionists, herbalists, or hypnotherapists, these accommodations aim to identify and address potential sleep disorders. According to Adam and Larry Mogelonsky of Hotel Mogel Consulting Limited, these efforts extend beyond providing a restorative holiday; they strive to reset guests’ sleep patterns for sustained well-being.
DIGITISING SLEEP
Hospitality establishments are harnessing smart technologies to optimize the sleep experience for guests. Beyond simply providing a plush mattress, luxury hotels like The Park Royal Hyatt in New York are integrating AI beds such as the Bryte Restorative Bed to elevate the sleeping experience to a new level, dubbed by Bryte’s chief business officer, Francisco Levine, as a “spa treatment in bed.”
Designed specifically for restorative sleep and particularly beneficial for combating jet lag, these beds are equipped with an advanced sensory network that monitors biometrics like heart rate and breathing patterns, detecting when the individual enters the initial stage of sleep. Subsequently, the bed activates cooling features to lower the body’s core temperature, facilitating faster entry into deep sleep. Additionally, the bed features 100 computer-controlled air cushions that adjust in real time to alleviate pressure points and provide continuous support as the sleeper moves, ensuring maximum comfort throughout the night.
Furthermore, the bed offers a relaxation mode to lull users into sleep and gently awaken them by adjusting light and temperature settings. All sleep-related data is meticulously documented, allowing guests to review a detailed sleep analysis report each morning.
From the moment of check-in, guests can anticipate quicker sleep onset, deeper sleep cycles, and a refreshed and alert awakening. For longer stays, the bed continuously refines its settings for temperature and firmness, further enhancing sleep quality. Guests can even create personalized profiles and preferences that can be applied to future stays at other hotels equipped with the Restorative Bed, providing unparalleled sleep customization.
Looking ahead, industry experts Larry and Adam Mogelonsky predict that digital innovations will extend to wearable bedtime devices, such as smartwatches or smart rings, capable of monitoring vital signs during sleep and providing algorithmic recommendations. Additionally, advanced diagnostic health tools like metabolome bloodwork assessments may offer insights into dietary and exercise routines tailored to individual needs, revolutionizing the approach to sleep wellness in hospitality.
INDULGENCE FACTOR
While many sleep-focused accommodations and experiences currently cater to the luxury travel sector, the trend is poised to become more accessible, particularly in 2024. Hotel Zedwell, a mid-priced lifestyle property, exemplifies this shift, being one of London’s first sleep-centric hotels located in Piccadilly Circus and expanding its presence across the city.
Interestingly, not all sleep-centric hotels are situated in remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations known for their serenity. On the contrary, most of the properties we’ve highlighted are located in bustling urban centers, offering an oasis of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle.
This evolving travel trend offers the best of both worlds. It allows travelers to explore vibrant cityscapes while also providing opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. By prioritizing restful slumber without sacrificing the excitement of discovery, these establishments offer the ideal holiday experience—a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Singapore: Shangri-La
Catering not only to travelers but also to residents seeking a rejuvenating escape close to home, the Shangri-La Singapore at Orange Grove Road has recently introduced its Better Sleep package, starting from S$480++ per night. This two-night immersive experience offers guests a restorative sensory journey aimed at reconnecting with their inner selves, enhancing sleep quality, and revitalizing overall well-being.
Included in the package is a 60-minute tension-relieving neck and back massage for two at the hotel’s Chi spa, providing a tranquil oasis for relaxation. Guests also receive a sleep amenity set featuring popular products from British beauty apothecary, This Works, including pillow mist, shower gel, and bath soak, to promote a restful environment. Additionally, a curated music playlist is provided to enhance the ambiance of relaxation.
As part of the package, guests can enjoy a one-time in-room wellness dinner for two, carefully crafted to promote restful sleep. The three-course meal features a selection of protein and vegan-friendly dishes, thoughtfully designed to be light on sugar and sodium while incorporating immunity-boosting ingredients to optimize health and well-being.
New York: The Park Royal Hyatt
In January 2023, the hotel introduced its Bryte Restorative Sleep Suite, featuring the renowned Bryte Restorative Bed—a revolutionary innovation rooted in sleep science and powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This cutting-edge bed is designed to combat jet lag, expedite the onset of sleep, and prolong sleep duration by dynamically adapting to individual needs.
Equipped with advanced technology, the Bryte Restorative Bed dynamically adjusts to alleviate pressure points throughout the night, ensuring optimal comfort and support. Additionally, guests have the ability to control the climate within the sleeping environment as they progress through various sleep stages, further enhancing the overall sleep experience.
Furthermore, guests can personalize their sleep preferences and store them within their personal bed profile, allowing for a seamless transition and consistent sleep quality upon returning to the Hyatt for future stays.
London: Brown’s Hotel (a Rocco Forte hotel) in Mayfair
Introduced in October 2023, the hotel presents its enticing two-night Forte Winks package, designed to elevate your sleep experience to new heights. This exclusive offering partners with esteemed British sleepwear and accessory brands such as YOLKE and Masters of Mayfair, ensuring an unparalleled level of luxury and comfort throughout your stay.
Included in the package are exquisite amenities aimed at promoting relaxation and restorative sleep. Guests will receive a luxurious silk sleepover kit from YOLKE, providing a sumptuously soft and indulgent sleep environment. Additionally, they will be treated to a cashmere-soft lavender-infused sleep mask crafted by Masters of Mayfair, enhancing tranquility and promoting deeper slumber.
To further enhance the sleep experience, the package includes calming herbal teas and sleep-inducing mindful mantras, creating a serene atmosphere conducive to rest and relaxation. Moreover, guests will enjoy a rejuvenating Buona Notte Facial at the hotel spa, ensuring both body and mind are pampered and refreshed during their stay.