Sleep Tourism, the Growing Wellness Travel Trend

Apparently, We’re Pretty Tired

Many travelers rate rest as their top travel goal, and sleep tourism is a fast-growing niche in the wellness travel industry.

Stress, anxiety, and sleep deprivation create serious health risks. People with their finger on the pulse of wellness understand the need for rest and rejuvenation. That’s why hotels offering optimized sleep environments are becoming destination spots. 

Tempo by Hilton promotes its ‘Power Down’ features, with amenities and accommodations focused on winding down for restful sleep. Castle Hot Springs in Arizona offers a ‘Soak & Slumber’ package, where guests can choose curated activities that promote restorative sleep. InterContinental Los Angeles’s new ‘Suite Dreams’ package offers an optimal sleep environment.

Hotels heeding the demands of sleep-deprived guests are offering other amenities like temperature-controlled mattresses, blackout curtains, sound-absorbing technologies, sleep kits with eye masks, relaxing teas, and even pillow menus. 

Here are some suggestions for optimizing your hotel’s sleep environment.

More Than a Comfortable Bed

Of course, a comfortable bed is key, and everyone likes a high thread count set of sheets, but the driven sleep tourist will want more.

Here are some suggestions:

Soundproof rooms: This can include adding insulation to the walls, replacing hollow-core doors with solid-core doors, installing acoustic panels to absorb sound, double-glazed windows, and soundproof curtains. Consider adding area rugs to hard floors to reduce echoes. Use white noise machines to buffer distracting sounds.

Bed Amenities: Offer options like temperature-controlled beds, weighted blankets, and pillow options like feather down or memory foam. 

Controllable lighting: Add blackout curtains. Offer dimmable light fixtures and softer white light bulbs.

Temperature Control: Make sure your guest can control their room temperature.

Curate sleep-friendly foods and beverage options: Consider offering calming herbal tea services or melatonin gummies. 

 

Digital Detox

Digital detox: Encourage guests to disconnect. Provide room amenities like yoga mats, books, or art supplies. Promote phone-free dining, reading areas, and gardens. 

Aromatherapy: Place scent diffusers in strategic areas. Some hotels integrate scent with their HVAC systems. Work with a scent marketing company to develop a signature scent for your hotel. Create guest packages of essential oils and diffusers as a Welcome or for purchase, so they can choose their own. (Be mindful of allergies and sensitivities and allow for the option to opt out of aromatherapy.)  

Sleep Kit: Offer a sleep kit with eye masks, pillow sachet, slipper socks, herbal tea, and aromatherapy options. 

Classes and Workshops: Incorporate yoga and meditation classes to promote relaxation or educational classes where guests can learn more about sleep hygiene. 

Sleep tourism continues to grow as travelers seek solutions for their health and well-being, and hotels that offer that ‘just right’ sleep retreat will benefit. 

 

References:

Real Simple: Sleep Tourism Is One of 2025’s Biggest Travel Trends

ABC News: Hotels lean into sleep tourism trend with recovery suites, new amenities aimed at rest

Mescente: How can hotels use aromatherapy kits to provide personalized room service to different guests?

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