When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep? The CDC recommends that adults ages 18 to 60 get at least seven hours of sleep a night. However, a 2022 Gallup poll found that one in three American adults don’t get enough sleep.
Dr. James Maas, a psychologist and sleep researcher, says sleep quality is the most important factor in predicting life expectancy. He adds that lack of sleep “leads to lower immunity to disease, reduced concentration (and) critical and creative thinking, reduced productivity, poorer work quality, and even reduced athletic performance.”
The growing trend of sleep tourism
The tourism industry has recognized this. Hotels are offering services that improve the quality and quantity of their guests’ sleep. Sleep tourism encompasses a range of services and amenities designed to help travelers sleep better. These can include specialty beds, soundproof rooms, and sleep-inducing spa treatments. A 2024 survey by Skyscanner showed increased interest in sleep tourism, with sleeping being the top activity on Americans’ vacation bucket list.
“The term ‘sleep cruise’ has increased (significantly) in Google searches over the past three years… reflecting cruise passengers’ desire to recreate their onboard sleep habits… Customers are increasingly attracted to the quality of the sleep environment on cruise ships,” explains James Cole, founder and CEO of Panache Cruises.
Sleep tourism is not just a fad. A report by HTF Market Intelligence predicts that the demand for sleep tourism will continue to grow.
Christopher Norton, CEO of Equinox Hotels, says it’s understandable that people want to make their sleep more of a priority. “Sleep affects every organ and is often the first self-care ritual to be disrupted when traveling,” he adds.
If you have trouble sleeping or are curious about a travel experience that prioritizes sleep, here are some hotels and resorts that place a high priority on a restful night’s sleep:
Equinox Hotels in New York, New York
Sleep is so important to Norton that Equinox Hotels is now known as “the (hotel) brand that owns sleep,” he says. The hotels offer what Norton calls a “360-degree experience,” with temperature-regulating natural fibers, noise and light pollution control and a Sleep Well menu. Spa treatments such as the Spa Wave Table offer harmonic resonance therapy that provides the equivalent of three hours of sleep in 30 minutes.
“We even hosted our first Global Sleep Symposium this June to bring together the world’s leading sleep experts with our community so we can continue to explore this topic and drive innovation,” says Norton.
Carillon Miami Wellness Resort in Miami, Florida
Another brand that has built a reputation for its sleep tourism is Carillon Miami Wellness Resort. Tammy Pahel, vice president of spa and wellness operations at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, says she saw a growing demand for sleep-focused programs both during and after the pandemic. “Guests and spa-goers were constantly asking for sleep-focused programs and ways to really unwind and recharge,” she says. That demand led to the Sleep Well Retreat, a multi-day program designed to reset circadian rhythms and improve sleep health. She says the retreat has steadily grown in popularity since its launch.
The Sleep Well Retreat offers a four-night stay in a luxury apartment with a smart Bryte Balance™ bed that optimizes sleep through real-time adjustments. The program also includes a floating bath in 800 pounds of Epsom salts and touchless wellness treatments such as VEMI therapy, which combines sound resonance, whole-body vibration and infrared to induce a deep state of relaxation.
Park Hyatt New York in New York, New York
The Bryte Restorative Sleep Suite at the Park Hyatt New York is another sleep haven for sleep-focused travelers. It features an AI-powered Bryte Balance™ smart bed that combines “soothing, sleep-inducing sounds with soothing (mattress) movements.” The suite also includes a Vitruvi Essential Diffuser with a “signature ‘Sleep’ essential oil blend,” Le Labo bath salts, sleep masks, and sleep-related literature.
The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
“Sleep is one of the most important cornerstones of our health and wellness program because without good sleep, the other components don’t work as well,” says Marcus Coplin, ND, medical director of The Springs Resort. “Good sleep is so rare that it’s a true luxury to actually create a vacation experience that’s all about quality rest and restful sleep.”
The Springs Resort’s sleep program educates guests on the facets of a restful night’s sleep and allows them to experience it firsthand. The program includes wellness activities centered around geothermal waters, such as thermal baths and spa treatments, sleep-inducing foods and nature-based activities. Special instruction on using the water as part of an optimal evening ritual enhances the overall sleep experience. The resort also offers a unique sleep tray with bedtime snacks and aromatherapy options.
Domes Zeen Chania on Crete, Greece
Domes Zeen Chania is another luxury resort committed to sleep tourism with its Sleep Recovery Package, aimed at busy professionals and wellness enthusiasts. “Guests are looking for special sleep experiences to escape stress and improve their sleep quality,” says Ioannis Charalambous, Domes SOMA Spa Consultant. The resort’s package includes a personalized sleep environment with blackout curtains, soundproofing and adjustable mattresses. Other amenities include a pillow menu, aromatherapy with soothing scents such as lavender and chamomile, and sleep-inducing treatments such as deep tissue massages and reflexology. Tailor-made yoga classes aim to relieve stress and promote relaxation before bed.
Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa in Champillon, France
About two hours from Paris, the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa has partnered with French beauty brand AIME to combine sleep and holistic beauty. The Royal Sleep Experience includes AIME’s Sleep and Glow Kit with a sleep mist and melatonin drops, an in-room meditation box, a satin sleep mask, luxurious linens, and a soothing meal at Le Bellevue with a “Sleeping Beauty Mocktail.” The package even includes a candle massage to improve sleep quality.
And what about travelers who can’t go to one of these hotels? Dr. Maas has some recommendations for better sleep, such as keeping the room temperature between 18 and 19 degrees for better sleep. He also recommends booking a room on a higher floor, away from stairs, elevators and vending machines.
“Ask for an east- or south-facing room so you get more sun in the morning,” he adds. “Draw the curtains at night to block out city light and reduce noise. Pack clothespins to keep them closed in case they don’t overlap.”
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