Rest And Relax

SIX SENSES, Thailand Sleep Programmes

Six Senses collaborated with sleep doctor Michael J Breus to develop a "Sleep with Six Senses" that is being rolled out globally. At least two specialist Sleep Ambassadors at each resort have been trained by Dr Breus to give guests a consultation and curate a programme of treatments, meals and activities to improve sleep. Your villa is fine-tuned to provide optimal room temperature, sleep-enhancing amenities, melatonin-enhancing lighting, organic bedding and optional breathe-easy humidifier. Guests can also book in for the Yogic Sleep programme that is based on the ancient practice of yoga nidra, also known as "yogic sleep", or sleep with awareness.

www.sixsenses.com

KAMALAYA, KOH SAMUI, THAILAND Sleep Enhancement Wellness Programme

This programme is based on Naturopathy, TCM and Ayurveda and includes lifestyle consultations with prescribed treatments and meals to help alleviate symptoms of insomnia including fatigue, nervousness, anxiety and mood disorders. "If we are still awake beyond 10pm, the body reads this as a stressful situation and our adrenals kick in and release cortisol that keep us awake," says Karina Stewart, Kamalaya co-founder and Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). She says this programme is typically booked by people who have suffered insomnia for years or those who have recently developed sleep imbalances. "Of course, we do not expect to 'cure' sleep issues within one week, but rather we focus on a sustainable approach and giving people tools and tips they can incorporate into their daily lives." Sleep Enhancement can be booked as a stand-alone programme or added on to other retreats.

www.kamalaya.com

REVIVO RESORTS, BALI Sleep Well Retreat

Launched in March, the purpose of Sleep Well is to create an environment where guests slow down and retrain themselves to sleep well again. Wellness Director Kathy Cook explains that eating and going to bed late as well as access to digital devices interfere with our sleep. "Sleep is one of the most important activities we do each day. Many people are not sleeping but not as many know how this affects their health." She notes that guests checking in for Sleep Well are mostly millennials who work late hours or those over 40 who are going through a stressful time. While all retreats at Revivo are customised, those on the Sleep Well retreat are likely to be prescribed acupuncture, hammock yoga and warm herbal teas rather than vigorous workouts or raw juices. Says one guest: "The sleep programme was perfectly designed: the combination of intensive exercise, calming thought exercises and well-crafted meals made for a deep and well-rested sleep each night. I woke up every morning before my alarm went off, refreshed and energised."

www.revivoresorts.com

FOUR SEASONS RESORTS, BALI Sacred Nap

Set in the open-air bamboo Dharma Shanti yoga bale, the 60-minute "Sacred Nap" was curated by Ibu Fera, the hotel's resident wellness mentor, who got the inspiration from rocking her own baby to sleep. You simply float in a silk hammock suspended from the ceiling as Ms Fera recounts the life story of Buddha. "I believe learning new ways to relax can help us recall the memory of a deep sleep again," she says. "The sensation of swaying without gravity is like returning to the womb, reigniting the memory of sleeping peacefully." Many guests report it's the best sleep they've had in years. Sacred Nap is offered as a group class with a maximum of six people or can be booked privately.

www.fourseasons.com/sayan/spa

SLEEP, HONG KONG Sleep Capsule Hotel

You pay by the hour or sleep overnight in a cocoon "SLPer" at this designer hotel that features soft organic bedding, blackout curtains, fresh air supply and, if you ask for it, the sunrise alarm that wakes you slowly like that of a sunrise. Says co-founder Alex Kot: "We opened SLEEP to promote the importance of sleeping and the benefits of napping. While we cannot guarantee quality sleep for every single guest, we have users who say they sleep better than at home, and others who have gotten a rare deep sleep despite their insomnia." Mr Kot adds they are now exploring ways to provide sleep reports to their guests, as a means to providing lifestyle recommendations.

http://sleeep.io

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, TOKYO Sleep Support Therapy

Devised by Australian brand Subtle Energies, this 105-minute therapy is currently being launched at spas located in Australia, Macau and the Maldives to take guests into that deep level of rest, relax and repair. Says Khursheed Irani, Global Training and Development Director for Subtle Energies: "This therapy is based on 25 years of clinical research by our founder who applied her knowledge in Ayurveda and other modalities to treat chronic conditions like sleep disorders." It is an interactive experience consisting of a guided meditation, tension-releasing massage, and a Facial Marma Massage to stimulate the pineal gland and sleep hormone melatonin. A mini- Nasya, used in Ayurveda for centuries to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, is also administered.

www.mandarinoriental.com/tokyo

GWINGANNA LIFESTYLE RETREAT, AUSTRALIA Triple S - Sleep, Sugar and Stress Retreat

"This programme is designed to show guests how the cycle of tiredness, sugary snacks and high stress levels, including digital and caffeine addiction, contribute to insomnia," says General Manager and Wellness Director Sharon Kolkka who created the programme after noticing how many guests were suffering chronic sleep issues. "Waking at 2am regularly is an indication that the body is out of balance and this can affect our lives in so many different ways," she says. "We have literally helped hundreds of people break unhealthy patterns." The four-night retreat includes a consultation, daily wellness seminars, organic meals and mindful spa therapies. Set on 200 hectares of pristine bush, Gwinganna offers year-round health retreats with Triple S reportedly now one of the most popular, especially with men.

www.gwinganna.com

Huvafen Fushi resort, Maldives Underwater Dream

Imagine the hypnotic sensation of lying in an underwater spa watching marine life float around you while you receive a fluid massage therapy. It was created by Beata Aleksandrowicz from Pure Massage Spa, who says the treatment is based on years of research. It comprises breathing techniques, shiatsu and reflexology massage all designed to rebalance the hormones and induce one into a meditative state. "Sleep is a vital element to our health as it helps the body to balance the different systems," explains Ms Aleksandrowicz. "A good night's rest has the power to recharge the body completely, bringing back physical strength, hormonal balance and a much more positive outlook."

https://www.huvafenfushi.com

THE DREAMERY, NEW YORK Sleep Pod

In the city that never sleeps, you can now pop into The Dreamery in SOHO for a US$25, 45-minute nap to help you unwind and recharge. Conceived by bedding company Casper, The Dreamery features nine luxury private pods fitted out with mattress, pillows and sheets with cozy sleepwear and amenities. There's a communal lounge with refreshments, optional sleep audio by Headspace and sleep health workshops and events. The target market is reportedly not only Wall Street's sleep-deprived but also stressed out or jet-lagged souls who need an instant lift. As in the words of co-founder Neil Parikh: "The Dreamery is an oasis in the city that is all about making sleep and rest a part of your regular wellness routines - similar to how many people prioritise a workout class." He explains the concept is part of their brand's vision to bring better sleep to more people and more places - be it the workplace, airport, or beyond.

https://dreamerybycasper.com

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