A good night’s sleep is now looked upon as a luxury, one that only a privileged few have regular access to. Adults should aim for at least seven hours of sleep a night to achieve optimal health, and yet, very few manage to sleep the healthy recommended hours.
A ResMed annual global sleep survey in March this year found eight in ten adults experienced signs of disruption related to their quality of sleep. Mexico (87%), France (87%), and South Korea (85%) had the highest rates of reported symptoms, while Japan (60%) had the lowest.
· Respondents from India (84%), Mexico (69%), and China (66%) are most satisfied with their quantity of sleep, while those in Australia (47%), Japan (46%), and the UK (45%) are the least satisfied with the quantity of their sleep.
· 60% of women report being satisfied with their quantity of sleep (the least of any gender), compared to 68% of men and 65% of nonbinary respondents.
· 52% of women report regularly waking up with a negative feeling in the morning (e.g. cranky, anxious, miserable), with 26% saying they’re still tired. Conversely, 58% of men report they are more likely to wake up feeling positive (e.g. happy, refreshed, calm, energetic).
· 43% of Gen Xers and Boomers and 49% of the Silent Generation report that they aren’t satisfied with the quality of their sleep, compared to only 37% of Millennials and 31% of Gen Zers.
This is where sleep vacations kick in as a solution. As ridiculous as it may sound – or not – there are hotels and resorts that allow you to spend your time unwinding by sleeping.
Just how do they do this? By creating an environment conducive to sleep and relaxation. Every minor detail plays a major part in it, and together, they enable you to go into a deep slumber. Yes, there are such places that draw the stressed out, sleep deprived people in large numbers.
Here are a few types of hotels and resorts that will send you to dreamland and enable you to sleep your stresses and worries away.
Ryokans
Way back in Japan ryokans were started as roadside inns for tired and weary travellers but subsequently they have undergone significant changes. At Kayotei, Japan, you are treated to the pleasures of a good night’s sleep. It has been modelled on the traditional communal bathing system which uses onsen (hot spring) water but for privacy reasons the hotel also provides private hot tubs to the guests. To top this there is an organic menu which enhances the quality of your sleep.
Underground huts
Sweden, one of the nordic countries in the world, has always captivated travellers, writers and thinkers with its fjords, coffee culture, northern lights, the royal family and the Ice Hotel. But, you can head to Sweden if you are in need of a vacation which allows you to rest, relax and enjoy a good night’s sleep. A hotel called Kolarbyn Ecolodge, famously known as the most primitive hotel in Sweden, consists of 12 underground huts built in the Hobbit style. All of them are well hidden by mud and grass, and hence, allow you to completely submerge yourself in the company of nature.
Over-water bungalows
You’ll find raised bungalows just off the beach shore in a shallow portion of the ocean in most of the Indian Ocean Islands such as Mauritius. Along with the breath-taking views, the sound of the surrounding waves and the subtle slosh of the water around the bungalow stilts will have you feeling calm and relaxed in no time.
Seaside slumber
Scottburgh is a charming bay situated on the south bank of the Mpambanyoni River and a favourite among tourists, beach-loving families and scuba divers. Set amidst 14 acres of beautifully manicured grounds, unspoilt indigenous vegetation and a mere 100 meters from golden sandy beaches, you’ll find Premier Resort Cutty Sark, Scottburgh. It is here where you’ll find harmony as you relax on its grassy embankments and sleep to the endless sound of waves crashing on the rocks.
Houseboats
Sleeping on a floating houseboat is sure to provide a peaceful night’s rest. Those like the Zambizi Queen are essentially floating hotels that offer gorgeous views and a serene sleeping experience with spoils luxurious spoils like Egyptian cotton bedding and the flow of the water rocking you to sleep.
Treehouse suites
These elevated cabins set amongst the trees offer a serene and peaceful escape reminiscent of your childhood hideaway. You’ll find one at the Island Treehouse Suites at the Victoria Falls River Lodge on the island of Kandahar.
Cave hotels
Exploring caves and their mysteries is a popular tourist activity but sleeping in them is something rather new. You can find them in countries around the world – South Africa included! To hibernate from the hustle and bustle you can book a room in a cave at Donkieskraal Lodge in the Western Cape or sleep in a luxury cave at the Antbear Eco Lodge in KwaZulu Natal.
Eco cabins
For those looking for silence and tranquility, there isn’t any silence quite like that you find in the bush. Any eco cabin or treehouse suite on a safari lodge in a national park or game reserve will allow you to destress and help you find your inner peace.
Underwater hotels
Wanting some rest under the sea surrounded by marine life, you might want to try out a famous underwater hotel in Dubai – Atlantis the Palm that offers underwater suites or Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore.
Igloos
And finally, you might expect to be freezing cold inside these icy domes but that isn’t the case. Luxury igloos, as found in the Arctic, are heated and often made of clear glass, allowing you to sleep under the stars – an unforgettable experience.
For more information, visit www.premierhotels.co.za or email info@premierhotels.co.za
About Premier Hotels
Premier Hotels & Resorts is one of South Africa’s leading, independent hospitality groups operating a portfolio of 24 properties across SA. The award-winning hospitality company has over 30 years’ experience developing and managing hotels and conference centres, with a proven reputation for delivering superior results through forward-focused ingenuity and exceptional asset management.
The range of properties within their portfolio offers comfortable accommodation, superb facilities as well as relaxed dining options, combined with convenient locations ideal to easily access the surrounding attractions or key sites of importance in the area.
