Circadian travel and sleep retreats

Travel trends suggest that circadian travel, a new term coined to describe people going to ‘sleep retreats’ to catch up on some shuteye. “The term circadian travel comes from ‘circadian rhythm’ or body clock. Just like people try to adjust to jetlag, sleep-deprived folks are jumping onto the circadian travel trend to help them catch up on their sleep and make appropriate lifestyle changes.

”Across the globe, sleep retreats have popped up in places like Thailand, Maldives, Mauritius and Switzerland. India will soon follow,” says Neeraj Gupta, director of Chennai-based luxury travel agency, Peekay Holidays. This niche is popular with the highly-stressed, sleep-deprived city slickers, many of whom already suffer from sleep issues.

Often isolated and conducive to a long snooze, these sleep resorts make use of specialised sleep specialists, yoga sessions, music, diet and even in-room products to chart out a ‘sleep programme’. While the One&Only Reethi Rah Maldives carries out asleep assessment programme, ITC Grand Bharat’s specialised Kaya Kalp spa does a tailor-made pre-sleep wellness ritual using products that help you dose off effortlessly. Similarly, the Six Senses Spa in Mumbai offers a targeted Sleep Programme, where a sleep doctor uses yoga and medication as well as gives you insights on your existing sleep pattern.

Most tranquil sleep retreats in India if you want to snooze like a baby

Ashley Bungalow, Kerala

© Provided by Lifestyle Asia
sleep retreats

This gorgeous colonial-era bungalow is nestled amidst 500 acres of lush greenery and tea plantations, making it a perfect sleep getaway. Ashley Bungalow is located 70kms from Kottayam and 150km from Cochin airport, ensuring total seclusion. The bungalow is 4,000 ft above sea level and is said to be the oldest planter’s bungalow in the region. It features five spacious bedrooms, brimming with gorgeous carved wooden furniture and understated decor. Ask for the corner most room, which is at the far end of the house, where you can spend your time sleeping, when you’re not enjoying a cup of tea in the stately dining room, with tea plucked from the bungalow’s gardens.

Bookings: +91 94460 22657

Mojigao, Goa

© Provided by Lifestyle Asia
sleep retreats

While North Goa is not ideally considered as a traditional circadian travel destination, we chanced upon this concept resort, tucked away in the Assagaon village of Goa. Mojigao is a recreation of a jungle setting, with lush foliage and hidden paths, which houses six exquisite wooden cabins. The jungle resort has been designed to maximise silence and solace. When you are not spending lazy Goan afternoons napping, you can indulge in a quiet yoga session at the yoga shala or enjoy a stroll through the thickets and winding pathways. Absolute bliss!

Bookings: +91 77220 81090

Vini’s Farm, Kerala 

© Provided by Lifestyle Asia
sleep retreats

Blissfully wedged between the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River, in Kerala’s Kollam district, Vini’s Farm is a private island listed on Airbnb. You need to take a boat from the mainland to get to this peaceful two-acre island, featuring a gorgeous two-bedroom house on stilts. For your circadian wanderlust, this private island is a delight because you can spend your days lazing in the villa, sleeping endlessly, and enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine cooked by the resident chef. It is sustainable as most of its food ingredients are sourced from in and around the island. 

Bookings here 

The Ekam Villa, Himachal Pradesh

© Provided by Lifestyle Asia
sleep retreats

 If you are looking for the perfect isolated getaway in the hills, head to The Ekam Villa in upcountry Himachal Pradesh. The remote villa is in Chail, almost 50kms from Shimla airport (and 340kms from Delhi) and is tucked away in a quiet mountainside. Here, you can book yourself into the gorgeous fully-equipped villa and spend your days catching up on sleep in the plush wooden bedrooms, wake up in between for leisurely walks or cosy cups of tea by the fireplace. The bedrooms of this homestay have private balconies where you can lounge about, between naps. 

Bookings here 

Ri Kynjai – Serenity By The Lake, Meghalaya

© Provided by Lifestyle Asia
sleep retreats

If you’ve always wanted to escape to the stunning northeast of India, this is your chance to discover Meghalaya’s hidden gem. Ri Kynjai overlooks the stunning Umiam Lake and features gorgeous cottages, which are super private and self-contained. Tucked away in a remote part of the Khasi Hills, Ri Kynjai is a great place to disappear for a couple of days and enjoying some authentic northeast Indian fare. The hotel faces the east, so if you have got your fill of sleep, you can wake up at the crack at dawn to witness one of the most stunning sunsets in the country. 

Bookings here 

Shakti 360° Leti, Uttarakhand

© Provided by Lifestyle Asia
sleep retreats

Well known by luxury travellers as one of India’s most unique experiential properties, Shakti 360° Leti is discreetly tucked away in the Kumaon Himalayas, is located almost six hours away from the Shakti Kumaon property. This four-bedroom experience offers the most breathtaking Himalayan scenery. This place is so remote that a minimum stay of four days is recommended. Shakti 360° Leti is an example of understated luxury, and its accommodation is perfectly conducive to enjoy 12-hour-long sleep and balance your circadian rhythm. The surrounding mountain treks and curated experiences are an added benefit. 

Bookings here 

All images: Courtesy websites and social handles; hero and featured images: Courtesy Shakti 360° Leti

The post The next big travel trend: Circadian travel and sleep retreats appeared first on Lifestyle Asia India.