Sleep is foundational for optimal health, and that need for quality zzzs doesn’t just magically take a hiatus while traveling. It’s essential to continue good snoozing habits on vacation—a point hotels are, thankfully, waking up to. Of late, a wave of properties have opened integrating sleep-enhancing amenities—ranging from high-tech mattresses to snooze-inducing spa rituals to curated programming with an emphasis on helping you obtain better sleep, both while you’re OOO and once you’re back home.
No matter the approach, the goal is to give guests the tools to slow down and establish lasting positive sleep habits, explains Emmanuel Arroyo, regional director of spa and wellness for North America, Caribbean, and Europe at Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, which now offers guests an experience called the Alchemy of Sleep. “Taking a holistic approach, we address a variety of pillars that require attention—nutrition, movement, and mindfulness—and present a mix of treatments, experiences, consultations, and classes that ensure each individual leaves with skills for daily life,” Arroyo says.
The timing of this new trend couldn’t be more perfect, since, as Anna Bjurstam, wellness pioneer at Six Senses Spas and Wellness, which has locations around the globe, puts it: “We have a sleep epidemic in our world.” Their approach to the issue is divided into three parts, she explains. “We work with sleep experts to build hotel rooms that scientifically have the best possible sleep infrastructure—this means anything from materials, lighting, airflow, and temperature to the mattress, bedding, and pillows,” Bjurstam says. “Next, our robust, in-room sleep program has things like white noise machines and nose strips. Finally, as part of the advanced sleep program, we’re able to measure sleep biomarkers and personalize a special sleep program for guests that includes treatments, expert advice, personal coaching, breathing exercises, movement, and nutrition.”
Meanwhile, Cavallo Point in Suasalito, California, another hotel with a sleep program you don’t want to, well, sleep on, is really focused addressing sleep disruptions that can happen when traveling and switching time zones. “We’ve created a sleep ritual that starts off with a relaxing bath and ends with a next-generation smart bed that gently rocks you to sleep,” says Matt Turner, resort manager at Cavallo Point. “With the everyday pressures of life and a long (or even short) day of travel that can be stressful in and of itself, we’re looking to provide guests with a more restful experience on property.”
Their approaches may differ, but the one thing all these hotels with sleep programs have in common is that their aim is the same—to give weary travelers the tools to reset, recover, and kick jet lag to the curb—in a sanctuary-like setting, no less. And they’re far from alone.
11. Rosewood Miramar Beach (Montecito, CA)
Following the success of its Alchemy of Sleep program, which ended in June, Rosewood Miramar Beach opted to retain some of its in-room amenities, spa treatments, and experiences so guests could continue prioritizing rest. At the resort’s Sense spa, guests can opt for a CBD-oil-infused massage that’s aimed specifically to reduce inflammation, stress, and fatigue, all of which can contribute to better rest and—you guessed it—sleep. And to boost R & R after a day soaking up the airy beach vibes of the property’s idyllic location on Montecito’s coastline, Bryte Sleep Suites, complete with an AI-enabled bed that helps ensure an A-plus slumber, will also be available through the end of the year.