
In the burgeoning wellness tourism sector, sleep is an increasingly vital pillar of overall well-being, as more travelers seek vacations that prioritize their physical, mental and emotional health. Those of us in the wellness industry are seeing a profound shift among travelers towards holistic well-being and personalized experiences, after the global pandemic led to a surge in experiential travel and new spiritual wellness seekers. People are recognizing the need to “reset” and find new avenues for creativity and purpose. In a digital world that often revolves around constant connectivity and productivity, the art of relaxation and the science of sleep are treasured commodities.
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In the burgeoning wellness tourism sector, sleep is an increasingly vital pillar of overall well-being, as more travelers seek vacations that prioritize their physical, mental and emotional health. Those of us in the wellness industry are seeing a profound shift among travelers towards holistic well-being and personalized experiences, after the global pandemic led to a surge in experiential travel and new spiritual wellness seekers. People are recognizing the need to “reset” and find new avenues for creativity and purpose. In a digital world that often revolves around constant connectivity and productivity, the art of relaxation and the science of sleep are treasured commodities.
Sleep tourism and other relaxation-centric travel experiences are on the rise with the potential to revolutionize healthy travel experiences, yet many spas and hotels are still pursuing an outdated, simplistic, two-dimensional approach to sleep that lacks lasting impacts. Creative concepts and innovative tools and programs, combined with a more holistic, integrated approach are more needed now than ever before.
To achieve transformational, long-term and sustainable wellness results, wellness professionals need to think beyond the typical pillow menu, digital detox package and sleep trackers. Creating a transformative sleep retreat demands a dedicated and highly integrated team of therapists, healers and sleep specialists.
The Science of Sleep
Sleep is not merely a physiological necessity; it is a powerful foundation for physical, mental and emotional wellness. Scientific research extensively highlights the many benefits of quality sleep, encompassing improved cognitive function, mental health, immune system support and gut health. As Klaus Ladurner, the owner of Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort says, “A good night’s sleep is essential to being able to fully relax on vacation.” Ladurner recognized early that a good night’s sleep is not just a luxury, but a fundamental pillar of well-being. Prior to my arrival, he had introduced a Sleep Suite which won an award in innovation.
Enhancing Sleep
As the wellness coach at Preidlhof, I bring more than 15 years of global wellness experience and research to the hotel. I used my training and expertise to create “The Preidlhof Way” as an innovative wellness concept designed exclusively for Preidlhof. Together with Ladurner, we performed a 360 degree makeover at Preidlhof introducing Transformational Wellness Retreats, new signature rituals and treatments, a signature food philosophy and menu, a new Wellness VIP Lounge and fresh fitness and beauty concepts, while renovating the spa treatment area and other public spaces.
Enhancing sleep is core to each of Preidlhof’s nine Transformational Wellness Retreats, and especially to our Integrated Wellness, Menopause, Sleep Better and Holistic Fitness retreats.
Related: 5 Tips for Creating Sleep Wellness Programming
Sleep Technologies
Preidlhof’s retreats are all highly personalized, and for those guests with sleep-related challenges, discreet medical bracelets are provided to precisely monitor their individual sleep patterns. The bracelets link to a sleep laboratory where their data is analyzed by Preidlhof’s resident doctor, Dr. Angerer. He engages in personalized consultations with guests, delving into their specific sleep issues and prescribing targeted solutions such as supplements and lifestyle adjustments or acupuncture. Dr. Angerer collaborates with guests to create a comprehensive plan tailored to improve their sleep, even after they leave the retreat.
Sleep Retreat Program
Preidlhof’s five-day/six-night retreat, Sleep Better, is carefully curated to provide an immersive and transformative experience for guests seeking enhanced sleep quality and overall well-being. The core program includes:
- Wellness Consultation: a personalized consultation to inspire the individual journey.
- Medical Wellness Sessions: Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measurement and sleep analysis.
- Glowing Flow Session: an award-winning healing session with Stefano Battaglia to release emotional blocks and trauma-related tensions.
- Sleep Massage: a gentle massage targeting relaxation, sleep and recovery from jet lag.
- Dolomitic Sleep Ritual: a professional treatment combining neuroscience, bodywork and locally sourced products for improved sleep quality.
- Sound & Quartz Ritual: a mystic ritual leveraging the vibrations of bells and quartz sand to induce deep relaxation.
- Optional Add-Ons: acupuncture sessions to stimulate vitality and balance energy.
The integration of holistic Glowing Flow Sessions with Stefano Battaglia adds a ‘next level,’ transformational dimension to the retreat. Combining interactive conversation, meditative bodywork and trauma touch skills, Battaglia helps release emotional blocks and imbalances that often hinder restful sleep. These specialized sessions foster a harmonious connection between the body and mind, contributing to a profound sense of rejuvenation and balance. Many guests describe these sessions as “extraordinary” and “life-changing.”
All retreat guests participate in daily Holistic Special Classes. Guided by Preidlhof’s team of wellness therapists, these daily signature classes are designed to consolidate the work of the healers and to maximize the benefit of each retreat program. They include:
- Laughter Yoga: to improve energy, elevate frequency and unlock breath.
- Mindful Eating: to enhance pleasure, improve digestion, connect with healthy food choices and heighten inner awareness.
- Face Yoga: to enforce a healthy aging routine, improve appearance and increase energy.
- Qi Gong, Dao Yin, Yoga: to improve energy and flexibility and facilitate self-healing.
- Flow Rope: mobility class, utilizing ropes that promote rhythm, coordination between the left and right brain and attunement with the flow.
- Sound Healing: for relaxation, healing and personal development.
- Postural Gymnastics: offered in water or on dry land to quickly improve posture through non-aerobic muscle reinforcement.
- Forest Bathing: to immerse oneself in nature in a mindful way, using senses to benefit one‘s physical, mental, emotional and social health.
- DIY cosmetic workshops
- Belly Dancing: to enhance positive energy, embrace the joy of life and connect with the very essence of your femininity. To improve flexibility and body awareness.
- Hike on Sun Mountain
- Transformational yoga dance
- Wellness lectures
Catching Zzzzs
Preidlhof is dedicated to making a profound, long-term impact on the lives of guests, guiding them towards better sleep, improved health and a renewed sense of purpose. We provide a serene and nurturing environment that allows guests to focus on themselves and become immersed in a journey of self-discovery and growth. Our hotel is on grounds certified as a “Quiet Place” by the Quiet Park Association because of the silent, serene beauty of its natural surroundings. In terms of amenities, Preidlhof has special mattresses, a menu of mattress covers and pillows, sleep well tea, ear plugs and sleep masks.
We also provide a sleep box with specific essential oils to burn in the room, pillow spray and inspirational, relaxing wellness tools. At night, we turn off the hotel’s wireless connection to ensure electromagnetic-free sleep in all rooms; only the isolated bathroom light turns on automatically when needed. Guests can further enhance their transformational journey by trading in their smartphone with a Digital Detox kit. In doing so, we encourage them to rediscover the joy of vintage travel and to be in the moment. For those who wish, we offer the opportunity to sleep outside under the stars in the fresh, mountain air. Most importantly, guests are encouraged to experience their stay mindfully and to expand their inner presence sensorally and creatively.
With over thirty years of experience, Patrizia Bortolin has worked with many of the world’s leading tour operators, travel companies, destination spas and wellness centers. At Preidlhof, Bortolin introduced nine Transformational Wellness Retreats with the intention of making travel an unforgettable experience. Prior to joining Preidlhof, Bortolin served as Launch Director, Wellness Concept Designer and Director, Hotel General Manager, Medical Thermal Spa Manager (and more) across Italy, Greece and Switzerland.