UAE travel: Are travellers holidaying to nap? Hotels are offering sleep-focused vacations

Dubai: Are UAE travellers taking vacations to catch up on that much-needed sleep? Yes, according to hotel and hospitality experts. In collaboration with YouGov, a recent study by Four Seasons revealed that sleep vacations – or ‘sleep-cations’ – are gaining in popularity among younger and older travellers. Hotels are building entire rooms to give travellers a good night's sleep.

For example, Premier Inn has introduced new-style rooms tailored to enhance sleep quality and guest relaxation. The room is fitted with a comfortable bed, premium bedding and a choice of soft or firm pillows, allowing travellers to personalise their sleep experience. The hotel also offers floor-to-ceiling blackout curtains, solid soundproofing, and customisable air conditioning to create the perfect environment for “deep sleep.”

The hotel, which also launched a survey on sleep, found that 80 per cent of UAE residents prefer sleeping on their side, with 50 per cent opting to sleep alone. The survey also highlights the importance of complete darkness (94 per cent), silence (83 per cent) and cool rooms (74 per cent), as well as the widespread use of pillows (98 per cent).

Simon Leigh, Managing Director of Premier Inn Middle East, said, “Sleep is at the core of everything we do at Premier Inn, and these survey insights have been invaluable in understanding how our guests prefer to rest. We’re excited to roll out this innovative concept across our Middle East hotels, elevating the sleep experience for our guests.”

The rooms also feature neutral and grey interiors, modern artwork, and softer lighting for relaxation. Functional elements, such as double shower heads, fabric purple headboards, and USB bed charging points, add to the balance of comfort and convenience.

Several other hotels in Dubai have also developed specialised rooms and programmes for sound sleep. In November 2024, Jumeirah partnered with Hapbee Technologies to introduce a digital sleep and spa enhancement programme.

It utilises the developer's patented technology to digitally bio-stream compounds like melatonin through Smart Sleep Pads and Immersive Mattress Toppers. Similarly, Siro One Za’abeel Dubai also offers rooms engineered to promote restorative sleep. Luxury hotels like Armani Hotel and Waldorf Astoria have introduced sleep-enhancing amenities, including specialised mattresses, blackout curtains, and customised pillow menus.

The wellness industry in the UAE is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for holistic health experiences and supportive government initiatives. In 2022, the UAE's personalised retail nutrition and wellness market is projected to reach $18.3 million by 2030. As the UAE positions itself as a global wellness hub, the industry is poised for continued advancement, bolstered by tech-driven innovations and a focus on comprehensive well-being solutions.