In today’s fast paced world, we just don’t stop. 24 hours fall short of meeting our professional and personal commitments and it is often the quality of our sleep that bores the brunt of a non-stop, action-packed life. Lack of sleep is said to be associated with so many health problems that travellers are now looking to nurture this important need of their body via travel.
Sleep tourism first picked up speed in 2023 and has accelerated this year – in its recent report, the Global Wellness Institute cites Wellness Tourism as one of the fastest-growing segments of travel, projected to reach $1.4 Trillion USD by 2027. As the wellness spotlight turns to sleep, Hilton is uniquely positioned to lead the industry in evolving and innovating the on-property experience. Our goal is to make Hilton properties the go-to destination for those seeking to unwind, prioritize rest, and enhance their overall wellbeing.
Hari Ganapathy, Co-founder, Pickyourtrail says, “post Covid, mental well-being has become a top priority for many. The global tourism industry has witnessed a significant transformation, with new trends like sustainable and slow tourism emerging to meet the evolving needs of travellers who want to connect and rejuvenate. Although sleep tourism hasn’t gained widespread popularity yet, we anticipate that the growth of leisure and wellness tourism will eventually pave the way for it. Also known as “napcations,” these trips are designed with the same purpose as leisure travel—to escape the stresses of daily life, and at Pickyourtrail, we’re seeing this reflected in the growing demand for what I’d call ‘recharge retreats’. Destinations like Bali, Mauritius, and the Maldives have seen a surge in bookings on our platform, particularly for relaxed holidays and longer stays. Our data shows that customised itineraries with more leisure days now account for nearly 21% of all our bookings. Interestingly, 64% of these bookings are made by couples, with travellers from North India leading the trend, contributing to 56% of departures. We’ve also observed a 5% increase in itineraries with longer stays compared to the average vacation duration at these destinations last year. We believe ‘sleep tourism’ is just the beginning of a bigger trend in wellness travel. At Pickyourtrail, we’re gearing up to meet this demand, helping our customers find that perfect balance of exploration and relaxation in their travel experiences.”
- Six Senses Vana (Dehradun) and Ananda In The Himalayas provide guests with the unique service of yog nidra, a form of guided sleep meditation that is known to be extremely restorative and is quite sought-after. Atmantan in Maharashtra is known for water-based spa treatments and bathing rituals for calming the body and making it conducive for deep sleep. In fact, they offer a Sleep-Ritual Aromatherapy bath with the help of specialized bath salts.
- Aramness in Gir is focused fully on restoration and tuning yourself with nature to achieve a state of complete relaxation.
- Globally speaking, Zedwell in London allows its guests complete tranquility with the help of soundproofing and Al powered mattresses.
- Mandarin Oriental in Geneva conducts a special 3-day sleep program for their guests in collaboration with CENAS, a private medical sleeping clinic in Switzerland.
- Chenot Palace, another Swiss hotel has a wide range of Destress and Detox packages that aid in better sleep.
- Chiva Som in Thailand is another wellness retreat tocussing therapies and nature walks that relieve stress and help guests sleep better.
Technology is being used in the sleep tourism industry, particularly in the United States, where AI-powered beds and suspended cocoons are becoming popular amenities in hotels. These innovations are designed to help travellers rest and rejuvenate, aligning with the growing trend of slow travel that 94% of Americans are interested in. However, while technology offers many conveniences through mobile devices, it can also be a source of disturbance if not used wisely. As a result, there’s a countertrend where people are intentionally disconnecting from gadgets to improve their sleep quality. Some tourism experiences are even built around concepts like “No Gadgets, No Shoes & No News,” focusing on natural living and environments to promote better rest. This reflects a balance between utilizing technology for comfort and recognizing the benefits of unplugging for overall well-being.
Read the full story that first appeared in Hotelier India’s Oct 2024 issue here:
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