SLEEP TOURISM
The Rising Trend of Travel for Better Rest
Let’s explore the new trend of Sleep Tourism. We’ll take a look at what it is, what it brings, give you popular destinations for it, give you planning tips, and help you decide whether sleep tourism is a concept you should consider and could benefit from!
Table of Contents
What Is Sleep Tourism
Sleep tourism is a growing travel trend where people prioritize sleep and relaxation as the main focus of their trip. Unlike traditional vacations filled with sightseeing and adventure, sleep tourism revolves around destinations, accommodations, and experiences designed to promote deep, restorative rest.
This trend is gaining traction as more travelers recognize the importance of quality sleep in maintaining overall health and well-being. The daily grind can be taxing and lead to a downward spiral of poor sleep hygiene and fatigue. Taking time off to focus on bringing your sleep capital back up can have tremendous benefits – short- and long-term!
Why Is Sleep Tourism Gaining Popularity?
Several factors have contributed to the rise of sleep tourism:
Increased Awareness of Sleep Health: Studies have shown the critical role sleep plays in physical and mental health. As people become more aware of the importance of sleep, they seek travel experiences that enhance rest and can lead to a healthier lifestyle when they return home.
Stress and Burnout: Modern lifestyles are fast-paced, leading to high levels of stress and exhaustion. Sleep tourism offers a solution by allowing travelers to unwind and recharge in sleep-focused environments.
Luxury and Wellness Trends: Many high-end resorts and hotels recognize this need and are now incorporating sleep-friendly amenities, such as high-quality mattresses, blackout curtains, aromatherapy, and sleep-inducing spa treatments, to cater to this growing demand.
Technology Overload: With constant exposure to screens and digital distractions, travelers look for destinations that encourage digital detox and promote better sleep.
Top Sleep Tourism Destinations
While sleep tourism is a growing concept , it is time-consuming to find accommodations catering to your needs, so we have done the ground work for you! Certain destinations and hotels have embraced sleep tourism by offering specialized sleep programs and accommodations designed for ultimate rest. Some of the most renowned include:
1. Six Senses Hotels & Resorts (Worldwide)
Six Senses properties focus on wellness, offering sleep consultations, personalized bedding, and sleep-enhancing amenities like aromatherapy and guided meditation. Expect to have to travel and spend north of $1,000 USD per night at most properties, but if your budget allows, get ready for some luxurious pampering and some much-needed relaxation and rest!
2. The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel (London, UK)
The Cadogan features sleep-inducing experiences, including in-room meditation sessions, sound therapy, and a curated pillow menu. Located in the best of London (Kensington / Chelsea), this 1887 establishment will cost $2,000 per night on most weekends.
3. Park Hyatt New York’s Bryte Restorative Sleep Suite (USA)
The luxury suite at Park Hyatt New York includes an AI-powered mattress that adapts to sleep patterns, ensuring a customized and restful sleep experience. Included are an an essential oil diffuser diffusing the signature “Sleep” blend, luxury sleep masks, individual climate control, and blackout curtains. Priced around the $2,000 mark per night in mid-September.
4. Zedwell Hotel (London, UK)
Zedwell is a hotel designed with sleep in mind, featuring noise-free, windowless rooms optimized for deep rest. Priced under $200 for two adults for a weekend in September, this is great way to catch some much needed zzz’s without completely breaking the bank!
5. SHA Wellness Clinic (Spain)
A sleep recovery program at SHA Wellness Clinic includes medical evaluations, therapeutic massages, and nutrition plans to improve sleep quality. The Recover & Energize program starts at 4 days and from $2,700 per person. It includes a health check, advanced preventive diagnosis, several medical consultations, ozone therapy, a meal plan and natural therapeutic drinks, several holistic health appointments (i.e., acupuncture, infrared heat, etc.), as well as health appointments to target your body, mind, and fitness (i.e., massage, cryotherapy, and much more). You can add the Sleep Well program for $1,850, to target sleep disorders and restore restful sleep!
Features of Sleep Tourism Packages
Our list is far from being exhaustive and you may find that many hotels offer the benefits below, which can turn your stay into your own sleep tourism, without paying the premiums associated with an official program. However, hotels and wellness retreats catering to sleep tourists often provide:
High-quality bedding: Premium mattresses, breathable sheets, and customizable pillows.
Sleep consultations: Some resorts offer expert advice from sleep specialists.
Relaxation therapies: Yoga, meditation, and sound healing to promote deep sleep.
Dietary support: Sleep-friendly foods and herbal teas designed to enhance relaxation.
Technology-free zones: Encouraging guests to unplug and minimize blue light exposure before bedtime.
How to Plan a Sleep Tourism Trip
If you are interested in sleep tourism, here are some tips for planning your restful getaway:
Choose the Right Destination – Look for hotels or retreats that specialize in sleep wellness, or destinations that provide ways for you to unplug and focus on feeling whole and disconnected.
Consider Your Sleep Needs – Whether you need a firm mattress, a quiet environment, or blackout curtains, make sure the accommodation meets your preferences. A quick call to the property can help you narrow down the best options for your needs.
Opt for Sleep-Focused Activities – Select programs that include relaxation therapies, digital detoxes, and wellness treatments. Check out the spa menu and activities offered by the resort or hotel. Yoga, meditation sessions, massages are all great ways to restore calm, peace, and sleep.
Avoid Sleep Disruptors – Minimize alcohol, caffeine, late nights, and screen time during your trip to maximize rest.
Incorporate Sleep Strategies at Home – Take what you learn from your trip and implement those habits into your daily routine to take the benefits home and start working on your long-term sleep hygiene.
Sleep Tourism - Final Thoughts
Sleep tourism is more than just a passing trend; it’s a response to the modern world’s growing need for rest and rejuvenation. As people become more health-conscious and prioritize well-being, sleep-focused travel will continue to expand.
Whether you’re battling insomnia, experiencing burnout, or simply looking for a break from your busy life, sleep tourism offers a unique way to recharge, refresh, and achieve the restorative sleep you deserve.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. (2022). How Sleep Affects Your Health . Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation/health-effects
- Brown University Health. (2023). What is a Digital Detox and Do You Need One? Retrieved from https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/what-digital-detox-and-do-you-need-one
- National Library of Medicine. (2015). The stress of life: a modern complaint? Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4306016/
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Sleep tourism is a travel trend where the primary goal is rest and rejuvenation, focusing on accommodations and experiences that enhance sleep quality.
Anyone struggling with sleep issues, stress, or burnout can benefit, as well as those looking to enhance their overall well-being through restful travel.
Sleep-focused hotels provide high-quality mattresses, blackout curtains, aromatherapy, guided meditation, and technology-free zones to promote better sleep.
Look for hotels or retreats that offer sleep programs, wellness treatments, and relaxation-focused environments suited to your personal sleep needs.
Yes, many sleep tourism programs include expert consultations, relaxation therapies, and lifestyle advice that can help improve long-term sleep habits.
More Sleep Resources
What is sleep tourism?
Sleep tourism is a travel trend where the primary goal is rest and rejuvenation, focusing on accommodations and experiences that enhance sleep quality.
Who can benefit from sleep tourism?
Anyone struggling with sleep issues, stress, or burnout can benefit, as well as those looking to enhance their overall well-being through restful travel.
What kind of amenities do sleep tourism hotels offer?
Sleep-focused hotels provide high-quality mattresses, blackout curtains, aromatherapy, guided meditation, and technology-free zones to promote better sleep.
How do I choose the best sleep tourism destination?
Look for hotels or retreats that offer sleep programs, wellness treatments, and relaxation-focused environments suited to your personal sleep needs.
Can sleep tourism help with long-term sleep issues?
Yes, some sleep tourism programs include expert consultations, relaxation therapies, and lifestyle advice that can help improve long-term sleep habits.
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Laura Georgieff
Laura is a mother of three who did not sleep through the night for the first 5.5 years of her kids' lives. She is passionate about sleep quality and loves sharing her experience and knowledge of all thing bedding! It is her mission to help you make the best decisions when it comes to sleep and help you get the best deal on the market!
