Sleep Tourism Is One of 2025's Biggest Travel Trends—and It Will Totally Change How You Vacation

Since the pandemic, more people have become homebodies, shifting their focus from jam-packed social outings to a lifestyle focused on self-care and, not surprisingly, getting more sleep. The health benefits and consequences of this lifestyle shift vary, but nowhere is this shift more apparent than in how people are prioritizing their vacations.

“Sleep tourism,” as coined by industry heads, is expected to be one of the biggest travel trends of 2025, and the concept has been gaining traction with hotels and retreats over the past few years. The intent of these vacations isn’t adventure, and it isn’t necessarily relaxation; travelers want to fulfill their dream of better quality sleep one way or another. Here’s how and why the trend is taking off—and how you can get inspired to create your own sleep tourism retreat at home.

Why Sleep Is a Priority on Vacation
According to CDC data, about 36% of Americans are getting insufficient sleep.1 As far as why people are sleeping less as a whole, a Gallup survey points to an increase in stress levels, with half of people experiencing stress and sleep woes.2

The relationship between stress and sleep can be hard to break because less sleep can cause stress, and stress can cause less sleep. It only makes sense that those who are sleep deprived and experiencing high levels of stress would hope a relaxing vacation could help them get back on track.
How Sleep Tourism Has Evolved
A recent survey from hotel giant Hilton showed that the biggest reason people want to travel is to “rest and recharge.”3 In response to the report, Hilton prioritized Power Down amenities, including quality temperature-control mattresses and bedding, slipper socks, and sound-absorbing tech.

Other hotels began noticing their guests’ desire for better sleep and started offering Pillow Menus that include a selection of pillows, like feather down or memory foam, to help create the best sleep environment for the individual.

As sleep tourism became not just a priority at the end of the day—but the entire reason for the trip—resorts set up sleep-centered experiences. For example, the Conrad Hotel in Bali has a “SWAY Sleep Therapy” option, where guests can rest in a hammock shaped like a cocoon for an hour.

Castle Hot Springs in Arizona offers a “Soak & Slumber” package, where guests can take part in a series of curated activities that promote restorative sleep. Each guest also gets a sleep kit with body butter, a pillow sachet, a cooling eye mask, a copper bracelet, sleep tea, and chocolate.

Want to indulge your White Lotus fantasies—and get a good night's sleep without Victoria's signature lorazepam? The hotel featured in the show, the Four Seasons Koh Samui, offers an indulgent Secret Night Ritual that includes a starlit lava shell massage with Tibetan singing bowls as the accompaniment, and a coconut and lotus petal bath to help send you off to sweet dreams.

The sleep tourism trend naturally aligns with wellness tourism, so expect to see more retreats and centers offering sleep-specific activities and amenities in 2025. Destinations are keenly aware that a restorative escape, including activities like mindfulness and yoga, won’t live up to consumer demand if they don’t also provide a comfortable, quiet sleeping environment.

How to DIY a Sleep Staycation
Not everyone has the means to fly across the world on a quest for better sleep, but you can take the concepts from this travel trend to create an ideal sleep staycation. First, think of your sleeping space like you would a luxury hotel. (Several of these bedroom layout mistakes could be hindering your sleep quality.) Upgrade your sheets, work on soundproofing, install blackout shades, and find the perfect mattress and pillow.

Next, designate a few days off of work or utilize a long weekend where you can make adjusting your sleep schedule the main goal. Come up with a list of activities that you find at sleep resorts that'll make you feel relaxed. Some suggestions:

Try an evening yoga flow
Indulge in a sound bath with white, pink, or brown noise
Give yourself a spa-like facial
Try an everything shower or a relaxing bath
Indulge in a sleepy girl mocktail
Meditate before bed
You don’t have to do everything on your list during your sleep staycation, but write down and explore any idea that intrigues you. Be intentional about how you spend this time, and stay out of your usual routine so it feels like a true escape. Bonus points if you can be screen-free during your DIY sleep retreat.