Text by Annys Shin and Vicky Hallett, The Washington Post
Vacations have long been a chance for the bleary-eyed to catch up on sleep. But snoozing was rarely a main selling point for them until a few years ago, when resorts everywhere began offering accommodations and services aimed at curing people of their deficit of z's. Some sleep vacation innovations include pillow menus, special mattresses and even sleep study labs where you can spend the night under observation. Here are a few sleepcations from around the globe that look especially tempting.
LaFay's infinity pool and resort. Image: Lefay Resort and Spa
Lefay Resort and Spa Lago di Garda
Gargnano, Italy
Insomnia isn't invited to this eco-friendly hillside hideaway, where lemon groves meet lily of the valley, and every suite boasts a lake view. The five-night Sogni d'Oro (Sweet Dreams) program, based on the tenets of classical Chinese medicine, targets energy imbalances. After a 40-minute consultation - where you'll be quizzed on dreams, digestion and more - guests are ushered through a series of personalized treatments, such as reflexology, acupuncture and moxibustion, a form of heat therapy that uses burning herbs. Program is $2,600; room rates from $325 a night. For more information, go to lagodigarda.lefayresorts.com.
Six Senses Yao Noi
Phang Nga, Thailand
At Six Senses Yao Noi on Thailand's Phang Nga Bay, a restful night starts with an online questionnaire that lets a designated Sleep Ambassador "fine-tune" your room for maximum sleep conduciveness before you arrive. The resort also provides a handmade mattress, organic pillows and a duvet with "natural breathing and cooling zones." For an upgrade, you can be equipped with a sleep tracker and a bag filled with bedtime accoutrements such as pajamas, an eye mask, earplugs and a "jasmine sleep spritzer." Sleep experience upgrade $165 for first night; room rates from $540 a night. For more information, go to sixsenses.com.
Bellefontain Mansion gardens, Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort Lenox in the Berkshires. Image: Canyon Ranch Wellness Resorts
Canyon Ranch
Lenox, Massachusetts
In an age of information overload and 24/7 smartphone addiction, Cindy Geyer, the medical director of Canyon Ranch Lenox, says sleep has become "a skill to be cultivated." The all-inclusive resort in the Berkshires offers an evaluation of your sleep issues, including an overnight sleep study in a lab, where machines monitor your heart rate, body movements and more. The menu of interventions includes cognitive behavioral therapy, restorative yoga and the ever-popular lavender aromatherapy massage. Rates from $1,000 a night. For more information, go to canyonranch.com.
Feature image: Six Senses Hotel Resorts Spas
