The number of spas launching sleep retreats is on the rise, as sleep quality drops in the UK.
In 2023, the average person in Britain slept five hours, 54 minutes per night, down from six hours, six minutes in 2021, according to data from Nuffield Health.
Even more concerning is that only 36% of respondents said that they considered the sleep they get as ‘good’.
On social media, “beauty sleep” has been a huge topic of conversation, with influencers discussing elevated night-time routines including “sleepy girl mocktails”, health trackers, and light therapy.
The spa industry is responding to this demand with a spike in the number of new sleep retreats to help clients get a good night’s rest. Three have launched this summer, including:
Case study: Scarlet Hotel
Scarlet Hotel in Cornwall has introduced a two-night Restorative Sleep Break using Ayurvedic practices to ease aches, release tension, and quieten the mind.
The package features a Sarvanga treatment, after which, guests are invited to relax in the cliff-top hot tub and participate in a self-guided meditation session prepared by the hotel’s in-house wellness experts.
The rooms have a selection of herbal teas, as well as access to a library of curated books to encourage guests to disconnect from mobile devices and blue light. A yoga mat and self-guided breathwork materials are also available, encouraging moments of introspection and tranquillity.
Additionally, The Restorative Sleep Break package includes daily wellness classes, providing opportunities to explore yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices, including a guided cold-water dip.
Guests are also encouraged to explore the coastline, with recommendations provided by the hotel.
Case Study: The Spa at Bedford Lodge
The Spa at Bedford Lodge in Suffolk hosted a Sleep Sanctuary Spa Evening in June, with sleep consultant Melanie Davies.
The event offered two hours of access to the hotel’s heat and hydrotherapy spa facilities.
Additionally, guests could book a specialised sleep session with Davies, where she shared insights and practical tips to help them optimise their sleep habits.
The sessions helped guests to evaluate their current sleep routine, and how to implement changes to benefit their sleep.
Each session concluded with a hands-on workshop where Davies taught guests the art of self-hypnosis, helping them achieve a restorative sleep.
After its success, the spa intends to host another Sleep Sanctuary Spa Evening, alongside some other wellness-focused events over the course of the year.
Case Study: The Zetter
Although The Zetter hotels in Marylebone and Clerkenwell don’t have spas, they are still getting in on the sleep conversation with a new Sleep Retreat Package.
The hotel group has collaborated with a group of like-minded brands to promote and encourage a good night’s sleep with a selection of wellness-focused goodies.
The hampers include fragrance and skincare products, silk goods, and calming teas.
The package also includes a bespoke specialty mocktail, available at the Parlours on site. ‘Midnight Lullaby’ features notes of lavender, bergamot, lemon and rosemary for relaxation.
