A good night’s sleep has been one of the casualties of the pandemic, causing many to suffer from vivid and disconcerting dreams or endless bouts of insomnia.
According to research conducted by the Lockdown Dreams Project over the past year, three-quarters of people around the world have been experiencing more vivid dreams.
So, to mark World Sleep Day on 19 March, here are seven destinations that really are something to dream about.
Hotel Imperial, Vienna – enjoy a sleep fit for royalty
Originally built as a palace for Prince Philipp of Württemberg in 1863, the majestic Hotel Imperial was transformed into one of Vienna’s most distinguished five star hotels. As Austria’s official residence for state visits and events, the hotel has been host to countless kings, queens, presidents and emperors over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II in 1969 and the Emperor and Empress of Japan in 2002.
The hotel has 138 lavish rooms including 62 suites, with the latter offering a personal butler service, opulent decor and jewel-toned silk sheets. The ‘crown jewels’ in the collection are the two Royal Suites, the former private apartments of Prince Phillipp. Exquisite crystal chandeliers gleam from seven-metre high stucco ceilings, offering the ultimate suite experience for sweet dreams. Hotel
Imperial was also often frequented by Viennese icon Sigmund Freud, the founding father of psychoanalysis, whose seminal work The Interpretation of Dreams’ celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2020. By day, travellers can enjoy an educational and enlightening trip to the newly renovated Sigmund Freud Museum to learn more about Freud’s dream work, and by night, enjoy restful relaxation in true Viennese style.
Little Kulala, Namibia – drift off under a ceiling of stars
Sleeping under the stars is an experience high on every travellers bucket list and with its vast landscapes and minimal light pollution, Namibia boasts some of the darkest skies measured on earth, allowing visitors to fall asleep while looking deep into the atmosphere almost every night of the year.
Little Kulala, situated along the dry Auab riverbed in the 27,000-hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve, provides guests with the chance to turn their stargazing dreams into a reality with each of the lodge’s 11 luxury desert suites offering a private rooftop deck equipped with a luxurious Star Bed, guaranteeing a perfect night’s sleep under a twinkling sky with the soothing sound of nature as the perfect lullaby.
Windmill Campersite, Isle of Wight – unwind in a static helicopter
Located in the heart of the Isle of Wight, Windmill Campersite is a small, family run, exclusive site offering an enjoyable escape from some of the Island’s more populated sites. It isn’t hard to see why it’s heralded as one of the quirkiest glamp sites on the Isle of Wight, as accommodation options include Galahad – a Westland Wessex XT469 Helicopter.
Designed to sleep up to four guests, the main Copter is home to a small bedroom for one adult, or alternatively two children; and although this helicopter may be static, just off the Cockpit is a double bed which offers breath-taking views into the starry-night sky.
The Cockpit is also complete with two seats, a champagne holder and a sound system, making for a truly memorable Island escape. Wightlink offers car ferry day return crossings from Portsmouth to Fishbourne from £52.50 with short break car ferry return crossings from £65.50. For foot passengers Wightlink’s tickets cost £14.40 per person.
Morromico Lodge, Colombia – switch off to the soundtrack of rolling waves
Located on a private volcanic beach and hidden within miles of thick jungle on Colombia’s Pacific coast, Morromico Lodge is a small eco-resort perfect for travellers looking to disconnect in an awe-inspiring setting. The remote lodge is surrounded by lush vegetation, waterfalls and miles of ocean views.
Reached by boat ride only, Morromico Lodge has semi-open rooms with balconies overlooking the beach, hammocks for relaxing and big windows for guests to fall asleep to the soundtrack of the jungle wildlife and ocean waves. By day, travellers can explore nearby biodiverse-rich Utria National Park, a rainforest packed with mangroves, waterfalls and wildlife galore, or take a 45-minute boat to Nuqui to spot humpback whales between the months of July and September.
Colombia’s Pacific coast playground and the stunning Morromico Lodge offer an idyllic destination for a spectacular nature escape, perfect for travellers to switch off and sleep soundly in the jungle.
The Russell, Nashville – snooze to the sound of church bells
Imagine sleeping in a 115-year-old church with stained glass windows, exposed brick walls, beams and even pew headboards. Quirky boutique hotel The Russell offers exactly that, in the heart of East Nashville.
Part of a mid-century modern renovation, the church’s old bell tower has been transformed into an insta-worthy suite, boasting an interior balcony to wake up in with views of pastel tinted stained glass. Catering for social media savvy guests, The Russell features digital check-in, a ‘Smile Booth’ in the lobby to snap a picture, plus an in-house podcasting station to record. The hotel also supports local non-profit organisations that provide resources to the homeless.
Jebel Hafit Desert Park, Abu Dhabi – for majestic mountain views
For a five-star sleep in the heart of nature, Jebel Hafit Desert Park, above and top of page, is located at the base of Abu Dhabi’s highest mountain in the outskirts of the city of Al Ain, offering guests the ultimate glamping experience amid the majestic rocky landscape.
With several camping options to suit every kind of traveller, the glamping bubble pods are perfect for those seeking a true camping experience without having to compromise a good night’s sleep and a touch of luxury. The camp’s five fully furnished and air-conditioned bubble tents which sleep up to four people, come well-equipped with fridges, hairdryers and bathroom amenities as well as a fully transparent ceiling, ideal for travellers wishing to fall asleep while gazing at the night sky in all its glory.
Before retiring for the night, guests can head outdoors to enjoy the small terrace and fire pit – perfect for toasting marshmallows amidst the beautiful natural surroundings.
The Hacienda del Sol Ranch Resort, Arizona – a relaxing refuge in Arizona
Nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountain Range in the heart of Tucson’s Sonoran Desert, Hacienda Del Sol is a relaxing refuge with breathtaking views and a storied history. The resort offers the best of both worlds, showcasing stunning views over both the sparkling cityscape and the majestic Santa Catalina Mountain Range.
The resort’s interior features ten-foot ceilings; hand-crafted furniture; talavera tiles; gorgeous wooden flooring and beds lined with luxurious, crisp linen, making it the ideal place for travellers to rest their heads after a day of exploring the local area. Some of the first floor ‘Catalina Rooms’ also include a private, outdoor shower, where guests can experience the natural beauty of the surrounding Sonoran Desert first hand – a morning shower that will convince anyone they’re still dreaming.
