Gone are the days when vacationing meant hopping from one destination to another, striking off "must-visits" from your travel bucket lists. After the years of revenge travel in 2023 and 2024, when people were jetting off to destinations as a break from monotonous routines, a new trend of sleep tourism has taken the spotlight.
Sleep tourism, to put it simply, is when one travels to a destination with the intention of sleeping. Also called “napcations” or “nap holidays”, this new travel trend has emerged out of a growing penchant for wellness holidays centered on restorative experiences. In fact, referring to a Nielsen study on sleep habits around the world, Indian Journal of Sleep Medicine has found that 64 per cent of India’s urban population wakes up before 7 am (the highest in the world), and 61 per cent sleeps for less than seven hours a day. The lack of a good night’s rest, World Health Organisation (WHO) notes is increasingly being considered a public health issue. And thus, the trend of sleep tourism arose.
As more travellers start seeking restorative vacations, more destinations and hotels have started tweaking or introducing sleep-centric offers and services to cater to the growing demand. Apart from facilitating ample rest, sleep tourism packages tend to centre around wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, consultations with certified sleep doctors, or even smart AI-enabled beds!
A restored 14th Century fort, Six Senses Fort Barwara was once owned by a Rajasthani royal family. Today, the palatial property has cemented its name as the go-to for regal, restorative vacations. Among its many wellness offerings is the dedicated Sleep Program. Ranging from an option of three, five or seven nights, this program is best suited for those hoping to improve their sleeping patterns, restore energy levels, de-stress, and slip into a sleep routine. A welcome bag filled with sleep amenities sets the tone for a blissful few days, followed by consultations with an in-house sleep doctor to guide and advice on the course of action. The rest of the Sleep Program comprises of wellness screenings, Yoga Nidra sessions, yoga or Pilates training, and sleep tracking throughout the stay among other things.
Nestled in the lap of the Sahyadri mountain range, 42-acred Atmantan is cocooned by green valleys overlooking the Mulshi Lake. Add to this a deep-ingrained commitment to integrated wellness and a rejuvenating sleep vacation is guaranteed. At this eco-friendly abode, one can attempt to beat insomnia by opting for Balneotherapy. This treatment includes Sleep Ritual Aromatherapy Baths, wherein the in-house wellness experts infuse the water with rose aromatherapy bath salts. The Geranium used further helps calm the nervous system, settle restlessness, and pave the way for a rested sleep. On the other hand, the Energizing Aromatherapy Bath helps achieve similar results with woody aromas of the forest. These baths, when paired with Trataka, Yoga Nidra, and Shirodhara further help ease the body, soul, and mind.
Literally translating to "power of nature," Prakriti Shakti by CGH Earth is a centre of naturopathy where healing and ancient wisdom join forces to facilitate healing from within. Driven by a mission to give guests a much-needed "meditative pause from the stressful and mindless lifestyle of modern times," Prakriti Shakti serves as a launch pad for transformative healing. The dedicated treatment for sleep induced disorders is one such program. Spanning 21 days, the program starts with doctor consultations to identify the reasons for sleep deprivation, followed by doctor-advised treatments to regain a healthy sleep cycle using natural means.
With over 140 hotels dotted across 90 destinations, ITC Hotels has set a benchmark for authentic and indigenous experiences that spotlight "Responsible Luxury" as its guiding principle. With the SLEEEP Boutique, the team ensures comfortable luxuries even when one is asleep. To assure a restful slumber, even when one has checked out from the hotel, select ITC Hotels around the country offer sleep essentials for purchase. Think embroidered bed linens, plush pillow collections, hypoallergenic products for infants, Pashmina throws for added elegance, and more.
Putting indulgence and wellness on a pedestal, the ultra-modern Carillon Miami Wellness Resort™ is a sanctuary of wellbeing disguised as a resort. Opening to views of the Atlantic Ocean from the floor-to-ceiling windows, the accommodations here designed to help relax. The Sleep Well Retreat cranks it up a notch. Created in collaboration with Bryte, a restorative sleep technology platform powered by AI and maker of the Bryte Balance smart mattress, the five-day retreat leaves one feeling re-energised, courtesy a customisable Bryte Balance™ Smart Bed to reset your circadian rhythm. The escape also includes a Pro Sleep Body Treatment by Comfort Zone, an innovative massage that synergises essential oils, bespoke Tranquillity™ Sound, and Ayurvedic and Indonesian Sea Malay manualities for a restful sleep; a Retreat Welcome Gift, including a wellness journal, beach tote, and a book co-authored by a sleep scientist; and access to weekly fitness classes and the Thermal Hydrotherapy Circuit.
Proudly boasting as the "hotel to check-in to tune out," London-based Zedwell Piccadilly Circus houses soundproof cocoons and gadget-free rooms to improve the quality of sleep. As one enters the premises, a calming scent of lavender, rosemary, and bergamot greet. Add to this a specially curated playlist to lull you into relaxation. What Zedwell doesn’t have, though, are windows that allow for complete blackouts to sleep peacefully.
Inspired by the island nation’s beauty and hospitality, Conrad Bali promises the ultimate tropical beach escape on the coast of Nusa Dua. This laidback vibe is increased manifolds with the SWAY program. Unique to the resort, this sleep therapy blends various techniques of rejuvenation while being suspended in a cocoon hammock to mimic the motion of being nurtured. The hour-long session recreates “the safety of lying in a fluffy cloud or the dark warmth of the womb.”
Style meets substance at The Beatrice. When here, expect a high-tech stay complimented by the warmth of stellar hospitality. The Sleep Wellness Package is proof. Complete with a craft mocktail at Bellini Rooftop, this package designed for sleep tourism travelers features New England-made Matouk linens for cosy sleep and Therabody's SmartGoggles (scientifically proven to improve sleep). Once well-rested, sip on Hope & Main's herbal teas before a late checkout.
