The Most Luxurious Hotel Amenity of the Year: A Good Night's Sleep

As hectic school schedules, in-office work and social events roared back to life in the years following the pandemic, Americans have found themselves, well, exhausted by the daily grind.

It's why, say trend experts, that sleep tourism — vacationing with the intention of getting some quality slumber while away from the every day demands of life — has become a popular travel movement in 2025.

Planning a rest-filled vacation is a distinct shift from post-pandemic Revenge Travel, where travelers craved unique experiences and bucket list adventures to make up for months of locked-down life. In fact, according to Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report, there’s an increase in the number of travelers who are prioritizing better sleep and relaxation on their vacations. Almost half (49 percent) of responders said one of the reasons they plan to travel is to rest and recharge, and two-thirds of Americans sleep better in hotels.

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"It's a form of self-care to give our bodies rest," wellness expert and influencer Phyllicia Victoria tells PEOPLE. "We've all come to understand that eating well and moving our bodies are important for overall wellbeing, but giving ourselves time to reset and restore is an important component too."

Says Victoria, "Sleep is a basic need but, when things are busy and many of us are caught in the hustle and bustle, it's often the first thing we sacrifice — and it can also feel indulgent when we allow ourselves to have it."

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To satisfy that desire, hotels are making sleep easier and more luxurious to achieve. At resorts like the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, relaxation is woven throughout — offering a retreat that infuses physical, mental and spiritual restoration in almost every aspect of their guests' stays.

Located on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, the resort's peaceful experience begins the moment guests drive through the Dos Mares private rock tunnel entrance accented with dangling chandeliers — leaving the bustling downtown behind to catch their first views of the shimmering, deep blue Pacific Ocean ahead. The property, an architectural marvel built along jagged, towering cliffs, is dotted with gently swaying palm trees, meticulously-curated lawns and tranquil adults-only and family pools — all set against the meditative soundtrack of the lapping ocean waves.

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The spacious guest rooms keep the serene vibe going, featuring luxe details like hand-loomed and stitched bedding by local Mexican artisans, plush cloud-like beds, verandas with private plunge pools that overlook the ocean and bathrooms featuring deep soaking tubs. Each night, guests are encouraged to order a warm, custom-drawn bath from the in-room “soak ritual" menu, which includes an array of fragrant bath oils and salt-and-sugar scrubs as well as candles and flower petals to set the relaxing mood before bedtime.

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While "bed rotting" away the day may be an attractive option, the resort's immersive spa also beckons tired travelers. Services are inspired by the moon and sea "to deliver a distinctive approach to wellness that revolves around the phases of the moon," according to the website. Signature offerings include The Calming Moon (a combination of an exfoliation with rose petals and brown sugar, a hydrating rose mud wrap and a full-body massage) and Mezcal Therapy (a mezcal-infused rub for muscle relaxation and a calming herbal body massage).

Before and after treatments, guests can lounge in the steam rooms, saunas, ice rooms and whirlpools or relax in the salt-water meditation pool. As an added benefit, guests with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card can earn 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on purchases — including on spa treatments — at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal and other properties. Meditative sound healing and cacao ceremonies in the evenings send guests off to their rooms for a night of sweet slumber .

Mezcal isn't only reserved for the spa. The regional spirit of choice is highlighted at the resort's eateries, which offer delicious, fresh dishes inspired by regional Mexican culinary traditions. At Travesia restaurant, diners can feast on a nine- course tacos flight— from wagyu birria to lamb barbacoa — where each one is paired with a custom mezcal or tequila cocktail. Nearby, El Farallon, a stunning cliffside restaurant tucked below a towering rock wall, features seafood caught in the local waters. For more casual options, poolside dining spot Crudo serves up fresh ceviche, sushi and briny oysters.

For the ultimate indulgence, guests can order a "floating" breakfast or sundown room service meal, which is delivered in a floating basket straight to the private plunge pool. As a bonus treat: A delivery of guacamole, tortilla chips and bottled beer arrives at guests' rooms every evening around 4 p.m. for lazy, in-room happy hours.

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The type of vacation experience offered at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is the difference, experts say, between vacationing and traveling. According to the annual Hilton survey, "vacationing" is about relaxing and recharging with a slow pace and loose agenda while "traveling" focus on experiencing different cultures and exploring new environments (67 percent of travelers say they like to have a daily itinerary.)

And while these luxe vacations can often cost more than the average hotel stay, there are ways to make the trip more accessible. Guests with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card can earn points on all purchases, including 4X Hilton Honors Bonus Points, on U.S. online retail purchases — which can help them enjoy a pampering, sleep-filled vacation sooner. 

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