For many of us, traveling usually signifies being busy and on the go and has less to do with sleep. With the way that PTO is set up, there's usually a sense of urgency to go from one activity to the next and maximize the limited time you have on vacation. Despite how exhausting it can be to move non-stop on a trip, I am guilty of saying, “I’ll rest when I get back home.” However, in recent years, sleep tourism has emerged as a new and exciting trend in the world of travel, and it involves visiting places specifically for rest and sleep-focused accommodations. This is especially important for those of us who live in the hustle culture and prioritize work and other responsibilities over our own well-being.
If you’re wondering to yourself why you’d travel somewhere just to get some sleep, research is showing that lack of sleep can have impacts on our physical health, mood, and even cognitive functioning. So even if you’re taking a relaxing vacation to get away from the stresses of life and work, if you aren’t prioritizing rest as well, you may be putting yourself at a higher risk for things like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. And according to The Sleep Health Journal, more than 35% of Americans report poor sleep.
With this in mind, establishments around the world have been shifting their focus to providing packages and amenities for those looking to fight off sleep deprivation. Some of this includes suites equipped with weighted blankets and sleepytime tea, to sleep-inducing medications, and oil diffusers. As society begins to shift its priorities towards mental health, wellness, and well-being, here are some places that you can check out to get your sleep vacation popping.
Park Hyatt in New York, New York City
Hyatt
While New York City is famously dubbed “The city that never sleeps,” the Park Hyatt Hotel is trying to change that with its restorative sleep suites. These 1-bedroom accommodations are equipped with everything you need to tune out the bustling sounds of the city and get some well-deserved shut-eye.
Some of the things included in this experience are an AI-backed bed and mattress that adjusts itself to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. The smart bed makes adjustments to your body’s needs, relieving pressure points, changing its firmness, and providing motions that will aid you in sleeping better. You can also expect to find sleeping masks, an oil diffuser, and sleep-related books to add to this relaxing experience.
Pebble Beach Resort in Carmel, California
The Spa at Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach
Although I’ve never taken a vacation solely for the purpose of sleeping, hitting up The Spa at Pebble Beach while out of town is always on my to-do list. This resort, located just south of San Francisco, has found a way to package a restful experience right into its spa experiences. One of the relaxing services you can treat yourself to is a 45-minute floatation wrap, which involves being wrapped in a heated cover and laying on a floating bed while allowing your mind to be free. And if you want to take your spa trip to the next level, you can add on a restorative nap to ensure full rejuvenation and bliss.
Six Senses in Portinatx, Ibiza
Six Senses
While Ibiza is known as one of the party capitals of the world, Six Senses is changing the way people experience Ibiza with a specially curated sleep program. They offer 3-, 5-, and 7-day wellness programs that include sleep tracking and analysis, massages, personalized fitness activities such as yoga and Pilates, and other sleep amenities, all from the advice and expertise of a sleep doctor. The benefits of this program include not only a better sleep pattern but improved memory, stress decreases, and a strengthened immune system. The perfect wind down after the turn-up.
The Springs Resort & Spa in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Nothing says relaxation better than hot springs and aromatherapy, and this Colorado-based resort is giving that plus more. Located in Pagosa Springs, this resort takes sleep tourism to the next level with natural, hydrothermal hot springs that you can soak in to help better prepare your mind and body for a good night's rest. And if you want to really enhance your evening, add on their sleep ritual tray, which includes a deep sleep guide, ear plugs, and a cell phone sleep sack to ensure there are no disruptions to your beauty rest.
The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel in London
The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, in London is, upping its wellness options with the introduction of their “sleep concierge,” a new service dedicated specifically to providing a peaceful sleeping experience for guests. The hotel partnered with a sleep expert to curate the perfect sleep package that includes a pillow designed to support your personal sleep style, a meditation recording, bedtime tea, and a scented pillow mist to help you drift off into dreamland without issues.
Upgrading to the sleep concierge package also gives you access to a morning motivation recording to help get your day started right after the amazing sleep you just had. We love the follow-up support!
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Robin D. Thomas is a brunch loving, Brooklyn born and raised Licensed Social Worker currently working in the Bronx. When she's not writing about all things wellness, entertainment and love, you can find her eating her way through different cities and tending to her plants. Connect with her on IG and Twitter at @_MissRobin or on her Instagram wellness page @thisnoirethat.
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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