Bringing awareness of the importance of sleep health, World Sleep Day is recognized on March 15th and National Sleep Awareness Month is celebrated throughout the entire month of March. Chronic sleep problems are growing exponentially globally due to upended routines, more screen time and irregular physical activity, increased food and alcohol consumption, and dissolving boundaries between work and private life. From placing emphasis on exercise and outdoor activity to stargazing trips to sleep wellness programs and more, below are a few ways destinations are offering ways to alleviate sleep issues and adopt lifestyle changes to sleep better.
Run, Mountain Bike, Kayak and more on Costa Rica’s Gold Coast
Research shows that exercise and time outdoors improves sleep by reducing stress and producing feelings of calm. Bordered by a tropical dry forest and the Pacific Ocean, car-free Las Catalinas is an outdoor paradise for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, yogis, kayakers, paddleboarders and water enthusiasts. Taking cars out of the equation means guests and residents spend more time outdoors on foot (or on bike). Movement starts when the sun rises with day-long opportunities for outdoor activity – making it easy to downshift to fall in step with the well-living ethos in town. An extensive network of 26 miles of world-class, single-track trails with views of the stunning coastline and valleys, all trails feature spectacular viewpoints and opportunities to get a glimpse of some of the area’s amazing local wildlife, while lending great spots for forest bathing and meditation. After a day on the trails or in the ocean, visit the town’s wellness hub Center of Joy for a cold plunge and see why ice bath therapy has been found to improve overall sleep quality. www.lascatalinascr.com
The Deal: Embark on an outdoors escape to Las Catalinas and enjoy the 4th Night Free promotion with Beach Town Travel. Stay at the boutique Santarena Hotel or one of the many flats or villas in the Las Catalinas Collection. Book four nights to receive an additional night free. Offer details for Santarena Hotel here and Las Catalinas Collection here.
Don’t Miss: XTERRA Costa Rica brings its world-class, off-road triathlon to Las Catalinas on August 23 – 25, 2024. XTERRA Costa Rica is an exciting addition to the 2024 XTERRA Americas Tour. More details on the three-day outdoor sports festival and how to make your plans early here.
Invest in a Holistic Sleep Wellness Program in the Himalayas
A luxury, award-winning wellness retreat on a 100-acre Maharaja’s Palace Estate in the Himalayan foothills overlooking the spiritual river Ganga and Rishikesh valley, Ananda in the Himalayas offers a holistic Sleep Enhancement Program utilizing lifestyle modifications, dietary corrections, Ayurveda including Panchakarma and Shamana therapies, Yoga and Emotional Healing, Traditional Chinese Medicine including Acupuncture, Cupping and Moxibustion. The program aims to improve sleep quality, energy, and attention, remove associated memory difficulties, cognitive dysfunction, or fatigue. Price range based on season from $800 to $1000USD per night in single occupancy plus applicable government taxes based on accommodation in a Deluxe Palace or Garden View room. Program available from 7 nights. www.anandaspa.com
The Deal: Make the commitment for a transformational reset this summer and enjoy Ananda’s summer special offer on any comprehensive wellness program. The offer includes: 2 nights complimentary with a stay of 14 nights; 3 nights complimentary with a stay of 21 nights; 4 nights complimentary with a stay of 28 nights. Valid for stays between May 1st – August 31st, 2024. Offer details here.
Look to the Sky and Quiet the Mind on a Stargazing Journey
Encouraging relaxation and mindfulness, stargazing has been widely known to help with sleep issues. Exposure to natural light regulates Circadian rhythms and it’s an activity that can reduce daily screen time, promoting a more restful state. In Latin America, North has always been South, and the constellations of the night sky map out a mysterious and exciting landscape. Travel company Naya Traveler can design the ultimate journey to see the stars throughout Latin America. The Patagonian Steppe might be known for its dramatic landscapes and temperamental weather, yet on a cloudless winter night, nothing beats watching the Milky Way dance over the snow-capped peaks of the Andes and reflect on the icy glaciers. Trek the mesmerizing Perito Moreno glacier by day and the other-worldly Southern constellations by night, guided by an astronomer that will unveil the mysteries that lie beyond our galaxy. Naya Traveler designs tailor-made journeys to Argentina starting at $1000USD per person per day. Star-seekers can enjoy other dark sky trips curated by Naya Traveler in Chile, Bolivia, and Peru. www.nayatraveler.com
The Deal: Travelers can book their first trip with Naya Traveler and enjoy a 15% discount. Returning travelers receive a 20% off any upcoming trips. Pricing varies during peak season.
Improve Gut Health with a Plant Based Lifestyle in Saint Lucia
Studies have found that going plant-based can improve sleep and help alleviate insomnia. Plant-based diets are high in complex carbohydrates, including fiber and isoflavones which may help with quality sleep. Plant-based foods can also be sources of tryptophan and melatonin, which are known to aid in good sleep hygiene and help regulate sleep. As one of the only properties in Saint Lucia to offer a robust vegan menu and dedicated vegan dinner, Calabash Cove Resort and Spa offers vegan and vegetarian dishes with ingredients locally sourced from organic farms and fishermen. The boutique 26-room, eco-conscious Caribbean resort also features Ti Spa where guests can indulge in an hour long aromatherapy massage using essential oils derived from plants widely known for promoting relaxation and better sleep. Each essential oil has healing properties and can also be used for inhalation during treatment. Essential oils such as lavender, ylang-ylang, chamomile and vetiver are excellent choices for someone suffering with insomnia. www.calabashcove.com
The Deal: Save 35-40% on the All-Inclusive Package and receive many perks. Book by March 31st, 2024 with a minimum stay of 7 nights (January 6th – April 4th) or 5 nights (April 6th – December 20th). The 7th night is free between January 6th – April 4th and the 5th night is free between April 6th – December 20th. Bookings of 7 or more nights made directly with the resort receive complimentary airport transfers – a savings of $200USD. Offer details here.
