When was the last time you felt truly rested? Let me guess, it’s probably been a hot minute. A new Skyscanner report reveals that nearly half of UAE travellers are not getting the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep a night.
A universal desire for rest has seen ‘sleeping’ top the board of UAE travellers’ priorities for their next holiday, with sleep retreats and sleep-focused hotels soaring in searches in 2023. Enter, sleep tourism. This new sleep-focused approach to travel is seemingly redefining the hotel experience as we know it.
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What is sleep tourism?
Sleep tourism is on the rise in a world that seems to never hit the snooze button. According to Skyscanner‘s report, over 80% of UAE travellers are more mindful of their sleep health today compared to recent years. The report states that the travel industry has seen a surge in sleep tourism, making it one of the top travel trends of 2023.
So, what exactly is sleep tourism? The goal is simple: it’s taking a vacation where your top priority is getting some quality sleep. This trend is a transformative approach to wellness travel that puts the power of rest front and center. Whether you choose a hotel with designated sleep suites for some serious shut-eye or book a bespoke sleep retreat (yes, these exist), choosing a destination that prioritizes your sleep is now one of the most popular approaches to travel.
While planning a vacation around sleep may seem unconventional, the benefits of feeling well-rested are undeniable. Wellness tourism has grown in popularity since the pandemic, as well as the recognition of the profound impact of quality rest on our mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
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Post a pic on IG or it didn’t happen…
Sleep tourism isn’t just about catching some Zs – it’s about redefining how we vacation. These days, travel is often characterised by how many Instagram photos we get, how many fancy dinners we go to, or cool things we’ve seen. But the sleep tourism trend arguably brings vacationing back to its roots – which is simply to escape from reality for a while to rest and recharge. Ultimately, the desire for this type of vacation underscores the fundamental human need for balance, rejuvenation, and the pursuit of restfulness.
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Do not disturb Zzz…
With sleep being a universal priority, the travel industry continues to innovate in this space, with sleep-orientated offerings becoming a crucial aspect of the hotel experience. Luxury hotels worldwide cater to this new wave of travellers with curated sleep music and custom-made mattresses to even chef-curated “sleep well menus.” Some establishments even offer guided sleep meditations and comprehensive programs overseen by medical professionals, naturopaths, and psychologists. Getting your beauty sleep has truly never been easier.
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Our fave destinations for all things sleep tourism…
This sleep retreat by Six Senses will help you build better sleep habits, recharge your energy, and get you ready to tackle anything that comes your way. Using a tracker and app, they pinpoint your exact sleep patterns to create a personalized plan just for you. Picture a mix of soothing wellness activities like yoga and meditation, along with gentle exercise like forest hikes, plus tips on eating right. To top it off, indulge in a range of spa treatments for the most dreamy sleep retreat ever!
Find out more information here.
Four Seasons, Bali
This Bali sanctuary has everything you need for a restful vacation, from chakra ceremonies to meditation. Their range of wellness activities includes the ‘Sacred nap’, where you are suspended from the ceiling of the bamboo Dharma Shanti Bale in an aerial silk hammock for an afternoon nap. Sleeping in the tropics sounds like a dream.
Find out more information here.
Park Hyatt Sleep Suites, New York
It turns out, it’s pretty easy to catch some z’s in the city that never sleeps. Park Hyatt is one of the first hotels of its kind to offer designated sleep suites where guests can rest with essential oils, Nollapelli Linens, sleep-related books and more.
Find out more information here.