Sleep tourism prioritises rest over sightseeing, offering tailored sleep programmes worldwide. In India, retreats like Six Senses Fort Barwara and Atmantan provide holistic treatments to combat widespread urban sleep deprivation, enhancing wellbeing through restorative travel experiences
In a world that never seems to stop, where notifications ping every second, and the hustle is endless, one thing is missing for many of us: sleep. Yes, proper, indulgent, guilt-free sleep. Enter sleep tourism, the trend that lets you treat rest as the main event of your trip. It is not just about flopping onto a comfy bed or drawing blackout curtains; it is about truly taking a break from the chaos, hitting pause on life, and giving your body and mind the attention they deserve. From quiet hill stations to luxury retreats, travellers are now booking trips where counting sheep takes priority over ticking off landmarks, making sleep the most exciting part of their itinerary.
What Is Sleep Tourism?
Sleep tourism is not just about blackout blinds, a comfortable bed and a cosy blanket. The main objective of a sleep tourism itinerary is to rest and reconnect, "dolce far niente"-the sweetness of doing nothing. Sleep tourism, or "Napcations," is an innovative travel concept where rest takes centre stage. Forget about bustling city tours, overnight flights, or early morning wake-up calls. Instead, travellers focus on rejuvenating activities and tracking their sleep. This approach crafts a unique and immersive environment, emphasising rest as the primary objective.
Why Sleep Tourism Has Become a Global Trend
According to a Nielsen study cited by the Indian Journal of Sleep Medicine, 64% of India's urban population rises before 7 a.m., a statistic marking the highest in the world. Additionally, 61% of this population sleeps less than seven hours daily. The World Health Organisation (WHO) highlights this lack of sufficient rest as a growing public health concern. Consequently, sleep tourism has emerged as a notable trend, offering a unique escape to those seeking restorative rest.
Referring to the Hilton Travel report, 1 in 5 global travellers enjoys Hurkle-Durkling, the Scottish phrase for intentionally lounging all day in bed. Younger travellers love it even more than Ten X and Baby Boomers. With rising stress levels and sleep deprivation, travellers are now actively seeking destinations and experiences that prioritise rest.
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Sleep Tourism at Luxury Hotels Worldwide
Hotels around the world are responding to this trend by creating experiences that prioritise rest above all else. In 2022, New York's Park Hyatt unveiled the Bryte Restorative Sleep Suite, offering 900 sq ft rooms dedicated to restful slumber. London's Zedwell provides the first sleep-centric hotel, offering a tranquil retreat with soundproof rooms and AI-enhanced mattresses. Mandarin Oriental in Geneva takes it a step further with curated sleep programmes, having collaborated with CENAS, a Swiss private medical sleep clinic, to design a three-day programme that analyses guests' sleep patterns to uncover potential issues. These innovations show how global hospitality is tangibly embracing wellness travel.
The Rise of Sleep Tourism in India
While sleep tourism is still emerging in India, several destinations are leading the way by offering serene escapes. Hidden within the Himalayas, nestled in deserts, or in quiet villages by the backwaters, these locations allow travellers to reset their internal clocks and restore a healthy sleep routine. The movement in India blends wellness with cultural context, making rest a travel priority rather than a secondary consideration.
Top 5 Properties in India Offering Sleep Programmes:
1. Six Senses Fort Barwara, Rajasthan
This meticulously restored 14th-century fort, once the domain of a Rajasthani royal family, now stands as a symbol of regal rejuvenation. The fort offers a dedicated Sleep Program to enhance sleep patterns, restore energy, and reduce stress. Guests can choose from three-, five-, or seven-night options, starting with a welcome bag of sleep amenities and consultations with an in-house sleep specialist. The programme includes wellness screenings, Yoga Nidra, yoga or Pilates sessions, and continuous sleep tracking.
2. Atmantan, Mulshi, Maharashtra
Located within the Sahyadri mountains, this 42-acre sanctuary overlooks Mulshi Lake. Committed to integrated wellness, Atmantan offers Balneotherapy for insomnia, featuring Sleep Ritual Aromatherapy Baths infused with rose salts. Geranium soothes the nervous system, while the Energising Aromatherapy Bath incorporates woody forest aromas. Treatments are combined with Trataka, Yoga Nidra, and Shirodhara to harmonise the body, mind, and spirit.
3. Prakriti Shakti, Idukki, Kerala
Meaning "power of nature," this CGH Earth naturopathy centre merges ancient wisdom with modern healing practices. Aimed at providing a "meditative pause," Prakriti Shakti runs a 21-day programme targeting sleep disorders. It starts with consultations to identify causes of sleep deprivation and employs natural treatments to restore healthy sleep cycles.
4. SwaSwara, Gokarna, Karnataka
Nestled on the serene shores of Gokarna, SwaSwara blends Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation in a coastal setting that promotes deep rest. The wellness retreat offers personalised sleep programmes including guided Yoga Nidra sessions, Ayurvedic therapies, pranayama practices, and nutrient-rich meals tailored to enhance sleep quality. Guests can track their sleep patterns and participate in mindfulness workshops to reset their circadian rhythm. The tranquil environment, sound of the Arabian Sea, and immersive wellness routines make SwaSwara an ideal destination for travellers seeking a restorative and holistic sleep experience.
5. Vana, Dehradun
At Vana, wellness traditions like Ayurveda, Sowa Rigpa, and Yoga are combined with contemporary practices in a serene, nature-focused setting. The sleep programme includes data-driven insights from a sleep tracker, personalised consultations, Yoga Nidra, soothing treatments, and amenities such as eucalyptus linens and sound machines. Tailored therapies and nutrition guidance aim to improve sleep quality, foster lifelong healthy sleep habits, and ensure rejuvenating mornings and restful nights.
How Sleep Tourism Benefits Mind and Body
A napcation is not merely a weekend away; it is a restorative journey. Enhanced rest improves memory, elevates mood, boosts productivity, and increases metabolism. These benefits contribute to overall well-being, both physically and mentally. Quieting the mind and tuning into a natural sleep routine can be transformative, particularly for those living hectic urban lifestyles.
Planning Your First Napcation
If your response to "How are you?" is to suppress the urge to vent and settle for "I am fine," it may be time to consider a napcation. Picture a weekend retreat to a serene hill station without WiFi or a comprehensive sleep programme at a renowned wellness resort. The objective is simple-achieve restful sleep to rejuvenate the spirit. For travellers seeking inner calm and renewed energy, prioritising sleep can be the ultimate investment in their travel experience.
