Improve sleep quality, recharge: Set off on a "snoozecation"

According to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2024 Report, an impressive 85% of Indian travellers are now more mindful of their sleep, with 20% even considering sleeping as one of the main activities for their next holiday. In the fast-paced digital lives that we lead, most of us are perpetually sleep-deprived. OTT binges, overworked professionals, high stress levels, and endless scrolling - this is eventually taking a toll on mental and physical health. This has led to the emergence of Sleep Tourism, wherein one picks relaxing and rejuvenating experiences over bucket-list sightseeing. Here's more

What's Sleep Tourism all about
Sleep tourism refers to the idea of travelling to a destination to recharge and improve one's sleep quality and well-being. The concept transcends the physical aspects of comfort and encompasses holistic wellness. "Sleep Tourism is connecting with yourself, getting your circadian rhythm in order; it is a detox of the mind and body. No alcohol, no caffeine, no alarm clock and simply focussing on being present," says Shalini KJ, travel entrepreneur.

Sydney Pierre, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Westin Turtle Bay Mauritius feels the interest in sleep tourism has increased post-pandemic. "Noticeable trends include experience-driven travel where Generation Zs tend to look for unique and immersive experiences centred around well-being. Digital Detox has progressively become popular as guests appreciate destinations that offer a chance to disconnect from digital devices to unwind and rejuvenate," adds Pierre. Sleep tourism has a huge scope for turning into a significant game changer in the way travellers experience wellness-focused holidays. Think water therapies, yoga and meditation sessions, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, massage treatments customised for your dosha and more," Sushma Rai, Wellness Director at The Claridges New Delhi
Hotels offer dreamy sleep-enhancing amenities and experiences

More and more hotels and resorts are offering sleep-enhancement programmes, a distinctive feature in the emerging trend of "sleep tourism". "The types of sleep-focused amenities offered include suites and rooms equipped with innovative soundproofing, sleep-inducing meditation recordings, intelligent cushions and mattresses that can adjust as per requirement, the option of a weighted blanket, bedtime tea inducing sleep, scented pillow mist and a lot more," says Rajeev Kale - President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa - Thomas Cook (India) Limited. Nishant Taneja, Head of Marketing, Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort believes that a truly restorative and revitalizing night's sleep can enhance a travel experience. "All of our rooms feature a variety of pillow options, including 100 per cent down feather pillows, memory foam pillows, and polyester pillows with different densities," adds Taneja.

Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island resort draws inspiration from the Maldivian night sky and the soothing rhythms of the ocean to cocoon travellers in a serene ambience. Think blackout curtains, activities like stargazing sessions, evening nature walks, sunset cruises, therapeutic massages and meditation sessions like yogic sleep meditation and Trataka or candle meditation and more. On the other hand, Westin Turtle Bay Mauritius offers a lavender balm that allows guests to wind down naturally after a long day. "Infused with relaxing oils of lavender and chamomile, our bedside balm, which is a complimentary amenity, eases tensions and soothes the senses. Bedtime snacks curated from sleep-enhancing superfoods are also on offer," adds Pierre.

A new wave of interest in spa and wellness retreats

Recent evidence shows that less than seven hours of sleep increases the chance of getting lifestyle disorders ranging from diabetes to arthritis, with 3 to 14 per cent emphasis on the need for regular sleep. "While many face sleep disorders, they cannot be fixed or treated by external gimmicks. In most cases, it needs a holistic approach that covers mind healing, stress management, nutritional interventions, lifestyle correction, etc. and this is exactly what wellness retreats can help you achieve," says Dr Cijith Sreedhar, Chief Medical Officer, Prakriti Shakti. Several spa resorts are coming up with sleep solutions rooted in the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and the balancing principles of Yoga. They have a team of experienced Ayurvedic and Naturopathy experts who work closely with the guests to identify any underlying factors that may be affecting the quality of their sleep. Whether it's stress, an imbalance in the body's doshas, or other issues, personalised guidance is offered to help reset the sleep-wake cycle and establish healthy sleeping habits.

"At Chenot Palace Gabala, we understand the pivotal role of restful sleep for holistic well-being. Our state-of-the-art treatments, including hypoxic therapy, whole-body cryotherapy, and bio-energetic stimulation, are meticulously crafted not only for detoxification but also to optimise sleep quality,” says Rishad Sharifov, General Manager, Chenot Palace Gabala. “As 2024 unfolds, the surge in sleep tourism is inevitable, driven by the need to escape the demands of contemporary living. It is likely to help the work-weary professionals combat the adverse impacts of our fast-paced lifestyles,” adds Sharifov.

Soneva Soul's Innovative Sleep, Relaxation and Restoration package is based on the latest research into the circadian rhythm and autonomic nervous system. One can choose from seven to 14-day journeys designed to help you settle into healthy sleep patterns.

Pic: The Claridges New Delhi
DID YOU KNOW? Red Light Therapy aids sleep regulation by supporting circadian rhythms.TREND ALERT: BEDTIME SAUNA
"We've noticed a growing interest in the practice of spending 15 minutes in a sauna before bedtime. This approach is based on the theory that lowering the body's core temperature slightly, about 2 to 3 degrees lower than the outside temperature, can promote better sleep. Our guests have access to saunas and steam rooms as part of our spa services, encouraging them to use these facilities before bedtime to maximise the benefits. Sensory deprivation tanks are getting popular too as they promote a feeling of calmness which helps in a good night’s sleep.
- Nishant Taneja, Head of Marketing, Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort
BUDGET CHECK
Accommodation for sleep vacations ranges between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 on twin sharing basis for 3 days.
TOP DESTINATIONS FOR A SNOOZE VACATION

No network areas are ideal. Remote and tranquil places like Wayanad, Ladakh, Meghalaya, Dzukou Valley, Jibhi and Varkala are great options. Internationally, remote island resorts and private islands work best like Maldives, Hamilton Island, Bawaha Reserve, Bintan Island, and Chiang Mai. Tranquillity is at its best in remote destinations like the Arctic, Amazon Rainforest, Swiss Alps, French Alps, Dolomities. South Africa has some great glamping and sleep-under-the-star experiences to offer.
- Shalini KJ, travel entrepreneur