United Airlines is introducing a new seating option called United Relax Row, designed to give economy passengers more room to rest on long-haul international flights. The product is a dedicated row of three seats in United Economy that can be turned into a sofa-style space after takeoff, creating a flat surface for sleeping, stretching out or relaxing during the journey.
The United Relax Row will use three adjoining economy seats fitted with leg rests that fold up to a 90-degree angle. Once raised, they create a broader platform that works like a mattress-style surface. United says the design is aimed at families with small children, couples and solo travellers who want more space but do not want to pay for a premium cabin.
Passengers booking the United Relax Row will also receive extra bedding and soft furnishings to make the space feel more comfortable. These include a custom-fitted mattress pad, a specially sized blanket and two extra pillows. Families travelling with children will also get a plush toy and a Children’s Travel Kit.
The idea itself is not new, but an iteration of Air New Zealand’s SkyCouch which launched in 2010. In the years since, few airlines have adopted the concept; China Airlines is a rare example, though it appears to have since discontinued the product. United Airlines, also a member of Star Alliance, has licensed the design from Air New Zealand.
The American carrier plans to rollout the United Relax Row in 2027. By 2030, it expects the seating option to be installed on more than 200 Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 widebody aircraft. The rows will sit between United Economy and premium economy, and United says each aircraft will have up to 12 United Relax Row sections.
That rollout is significant because it points to a wider shift in how airlines are thinking about economy travel. Instead of only separating cabins by seat width, legroom and service level, carriers are now looking at more flexible layouts that can answer different passenger needs. United Relax Row is still part of the economy cabin, but it is being positioned as a more adaptable product for long flights where sleep and personal space matter more.
In the announcement, Andrew Nocella, United's executive vice president and chief commercial officer, says: "As a leading premium airline, we're committed to delivering new, industry-leading experiences for all of our customers – and the United Relax Row is the perfect example of that. Customers traveling in United Economy on long-haul flights deserve an option for more space and comfort, and this is one way we can deliver that for them.
"United is the only North American airline offering a product like the United Relax Row and is one of the many reasons why we're continuing to win brand loyal customers."
United says it holds North American exclusivity on the design and is the first airline in the region to introduce this kind of seating option. That gives the carrier a chance to stand out in a competitive long-haul market, especially at a time when airlines are trying to give economy passengers more reasons to stay loyal.
The launch also fits into United’s broader push to make flying easier for families. The airline says children under 12 can be seated next to an adult in their party for free at the time of booking through its family seating policy. It also offers children’s meals on selected flights with complimentary food service, along with a family-focused entertainment section featuring titles such as Bluey, Paw Patrol, Zootopia 2 and Paddington in Peru.
Its Children’s Travel Kit, created with Sesame Street, includes an Oscar the Grouch activity book, a slide puzzle and a sensory calming strip. Seen together with United Relax Row, these details show how airlines are increasingly turning the cabin itself into a more family-focused environment rather than treating children’s comfort as an afterthought.
VistaJet has launched a new sleep programme designed to make long-haul private flights less disruptive to the body’s natural rhythms. The move follows a rise in overnight and multi-time-zone journeys across its network, where more than 58% of flights now cross several time zones.
With many adults affected by poor sleep and irregular rest patterns, the company has created a structured approach that uses lighting, temperature and nutrition to support deeper recovery in the air.
The programme was developed with longevity specialist Peter Attia, working alongside VistaJet’s in-house nutritionist and a team of trained cabin hosts. Together, they have shaped a system that mirrors how the body prepares for rest on the ground. 
Before sleep, the cabin is arranged according to each member’s preferred routine, with lighting softened and sound reduced to support melatonin release. Guests are offered a selection of sleep aids, including an ultra-soft eye mask, bio-based earplugs, Bonsoir pyjamas, baby alpaca throws, hypoallergenic bedding and a choice of calming, non-caffeinated teas served as a bedside drink.
Temperature plays a central role. Cabins are typically set between 18 and 21°C, a range shown to support natural sleep, and can be adjusted on request before settling down. Lighting is gradually dimmed and turned off once passengers are asleep, unless they prefer otherwise. Cabin hosts remain attentive throughout, maintaining the environment so that deep rest is not interrupted.
During sleep, guests can make use of small comforts designed to create a sense of ease, such as cashmere socks, books from the onboard library and soothing playlists available through noise-cancelling headphones. Face cream is provided to help skin recover in the dry cabin air, while a sleep journal encourages travellers to clear their minds before lying down. 
Passengers are also invited to set their devices to the arrival time to help the brain begin adjusting to a new time zone, with charging stations positioned away from the sleeping area to minimise distraction.
Waking is treated as its own phase. Lighting is raised gently and temperature adjusted to mirror a natural morning environment. Cabin hosts ask in advance how each guest wishes to be woken and what they would like to drink, whether an electrolyte beverage, fresh juice or a warm drink. A suggestion to refresh the face with cold water offers a simple way to help skin bounce back before landing.
Gemma-Anne Jones, head of cabin service innovation at VistaJet, says the programme draws on the expertise of crew who experience time-zone shifts regularly. “Their expertise ensures every environment on board is precisely tuned – from light and temperature to texture – ensuring every flight supports complete rest,” she says. This includes support for short naps on daytime flights, which can be set up quickly for travellers needing only a brief reset.
The initiative reflects the needs of high-performing travellers who rely on mental clarity and sustained focus. Racing driver Charles Leclerc, a VistaJet ambassador, describes sleep as essential for staying sharp after long-distance travel. Research from McKinsey supports this, showing that most global executives are dissatisfied with both the amount and quality of sleep they get.
The programme extends beyond the aircraft through VistaJet’s Private World network, connecting members with partners offering recovery-focused experiences. Options include biofeedback-based sleep therapies at Lanserhof in Austria and Germany, restorative rituals at Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman, TAIM-based night-time routines at Zulal Wellness Resort in Qatar, diagnostic-led programmes at Chiva-Som in Thailand, sensory sleep rituals at ÀNI Private Resorts in the Caribbean and Asia, and pre-sleep yoga and hydrotherapy at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
Families and pets have also been considered, with cabins set up to help children follow familiar bedtime patterns and spaces adapted to keep animals calm and comfortable across long journeys.
Known for its high-performance luxury hospitality, Equinox Hotels is now launching a pioneering sleep laboratory at its New York property, where guests will participate in research led by sleep scientist Dr Matthew Walker, professor of neuroscience at UC Berkeley and author of the bestseller Why We Sleep.
The partnership expands the brand's existing wellness offerings, which are focused on movement, nutrition, regeneration and community.
The group's properties already feature AM and PM rituals designed to optimise guests' circadian rhythms, alongside sleep-focused spa treatments. However, a new digital jet lag reset programme will provide personalised strategies for guests arriving at and departing from Equinox properties. 
The hotel group also plans to integrate cutting-edge sleep technologies into future room designs, building on their existing sleep-focused amenities which include scientifically-vetted rooms and recovery-focused minibar offerings.
Chris Norton, CEO of Equinox Hotels, says: "At Equinox Hotels, we understand that sleep isn't just a luxury—it's essential to living a high-performance life. This partnership with Dr Walker extends our leadership in the industry."
Dr Walker, whose TED Talk Sleep is Your Superpower has garnered more than 20 million views, will also create educational content for guests and contribute to the group's second annual Global Sleep Symposium, scheduled for May 1, 2025.
"Sleep is the foundation for everything we do," says Dr Walker. "I'm thrilled to partner with Equinox Hotels to develop innovative sleep solutions that will revolutionise the guest experience in hospitality and empower travellers to achieve their full potential."
Participants at next year's sleep symposium will gain exclusive access to the New York sleep laboratory and participate in immersive programming aimed at redefining the sleep experience.
Jet lag anxiety is casting a shadow over many Britons' travel plans says research by Yotel. The survey found that nearly a third (32%) of Brits have avoided long-haul destinations due to concerns about jet lag.
This travel hesitation comes despite 44% of respondents admitting they would push through jet lag symptoms to avoid missing out on experiences abroad.
Perhaps most strikingly, the research revealed that more than a quarter (27%) of working Britons have called in sick to recover from jet lag after long-haul travel. London and Leeds emerged as the cities where employees are most likely to take a 'jet lag sickie'.
The study also highlighted a gender disparity in handling jet lag at work, with 36% of men more likely to call in sick compared to 27% of women. Moreover, over half (52%) of respondents believe their colleagues lack sympathy for jet lag's impact on work performance.
Jet lag symptoms reported by travellers include exhaustion (25%), headaches (21%), trouble concentrating (15%), and nausea (10%). To combat these effects, some Brits have adopted unconventional methods, including wearing sunglasses indoors (7%), playing loud music (12%), and donning compression socks (18%).
In response to these findings, Yotel has partnered with wellness brands to introduce innovative jet lag solutions. These include Skin Recovery Kits from Urban Jungle, FlyKitt Rescue supplements by Fount, and a specially curated menu featuring jet lag-fighting foods rich in melatonin. Prices for the jet-lag remedies start from £23.
Sleep expert Dr Charlotte Edelsten and McFly drummer Harry Judd have also weighed in, offering advice on managing jet lag. Their tips range from adjusting to destination time zones before travel to staying hydrated and prioritising sleep in the lead-up to flights.
Dr Charlotte Edelsten's top tips for avoiding jet lag
This research sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of holiday planning. With a third of travellers reporting that jet lag negatively impacts their ability to enjoy trips upon arrival, the hospitality industry's focus on combating travel fatigue could not be more timely.
All-villa resort One&Only Kéa Island has partnered with holistic skincare brand Subtle Energies to launch two in-depth wellness retreats on the Cycladic island.
The "ReSet" and "ReEnergise" programmes are three or five day journeys, designed to "restore the body physically, mentally, and emotionally."
All Subtle Energies signature treatments blend ancient healing practices with potent natural ingredients and with modern techniques. 
Along with advanced holistic massages, and comprehensive wellness programmes, every treatment draws on holistic wellness principles and results-based aromatherapy backed by 30 years of clinical research.
Curated exclusively for One&Only Kéa Island, both programmes integrate wellness experiences and tailored fitness activities.
The ReSet programme focuses on restoring balance, easing anxiety and resetting circadian rhythms.
Specialised breathwork and meditation sessions will calm the mind, whilst sleep-supporting techniques will work on hormonal balance, and bring the body into a state of rest, relaxation and repair.
Additional activities include aquatic therapy in the Watsu pool, toning Pilates sessions, and sunset yoga in the resort’s pavilion overlooking the Aegean.
The ReEnergise programme aims to strengthen muscles and joints, combat adrenal fatigue, and support a healthy immune system; it combines ancient and modern therapies with invigorating alfresco fitness experiences.
Fitness offerings include one-to-one personal training sessions, open-air Peloton spin classes, paddle boarding or kayaking, outdoor HIIT workouts and boxing.
Spa treatments and journeys included within the programmes will feature signature experiences such as Muscle De-Stress Poultice Massage and the Detox and Rest Programme, which focuses on renewing the body with exfoliation, specialised muds wraps and massage to support lymphatic flow and kick start the adrenals.
The Sleep Support Therapy features extensive "marma" work – a traditional Ayurvedic technique that involves applying gentle pressure to stimulate energy and promote muscle and tissue healing – and activation of the pineal and pituitary glands.
This unusual treatment includes a signature facial marma massage to release anxiety and stress, while awakening the heart.
The new programmes complement One&Only Kéa Island’s already extensive wellness offering,
A three-storey spa dedicated to holistic well-being is grounded in the notion of sophrosyne (sof-ros-i-nee), an ancient Greek concept of mind-body balance.
The waterfront spa is home to a selection of hot and cold therapy pools, saunas, steam rooms, and an indoor-outdoor pool and six treatment rooms (two couples, and four single cabins).
The three-day ReSet and ReEnergise programmes start from €1,935 per person, and the five-day programmes start from €3,285. Accommodation in the resort’s Sea View Cliff Villas is booked separately.
Luxury fashion house Fendi has partnered with Puente Romano Beach Resort in Marbella, Spain, to transform the resort's La Plaza dining area into a Fendi-themed restaurant.
The reimagined La Plaza showcases Fendi's iconic design elements, with the fashion house's signature Pequin stripes adorning textiles, cushions and sun umbrellas in a vintage summery palette of yellow and beige.
This striking visual transformation extends from day to night, creating an immersive Fendi experience for resort guests.
At the centre of this collaboration is the world's first Fendi gastronomic experience housed within a resort.
The specially curated menu features unique creations such as the Fendi Lobster Club, a luxurious twist on the classic club sandwich, and a Fendi cheeseburger.
A truffle rigatoni is also on offer, alongside a burrata served with grilled peaches and prosciutto.
The drinks menu, meanwhile, features bespoke cocktails that pay homage to Fendi's iconic designs and upcoming fragrance launch.
The "Fendi Perché No", inspired by the fashion house's new perfume, has notes of leather and Italian citrus, while the "Fendi Baguette Paloma" and "Peekaboo Margarita" offer creative nods to the brand's famous handbag designs.
Further enhancing the Fendi presence at Puente Romano Beach Resort, a new pop-up store has been unveiled adjacent to the resort entrance.
The store has key items from Fendi's Summer 2024 Collection, alongside iconic pieces such as the Peekaboo and Baguette bags.
The store's interior design echoes the luxurious aesthetics of the brand, featuring carefully selected materials and furniture elements reminiscent of Ancient Roman architecture.
Design and hospitality collaborations are big business right now. This summer, Four Seasons has collaborated with both Jacquemus and Paper London for exclusive collections and fashion-centric hotel takeovers (find Globetrender's full report here).
Meanwhile, the latest Kimpton x Anthropologie collaboration lets hotel guests borrow on-trend accessories via QR code for the duration of their holiday via its Forgot It? We’ve Got It! initiative. Check it out here.
According to analysis by HTF Market Intelligence, the global sleep tourism market is estimated to increase by almost US$410 billion between 2023 and 2028.
Now, the trend for sleep optimisation has a new hero in the Kimpton Fitzroy London. The hotel is encouraging guests to tap into the surreal world of lucid dreaming with its "Room to Dream" package, a first-of-its-kind initiative that empowers individuals to become conscious within their dream state.
The hotel has partnered with renowned dream expert Charlie Morley and futurist AI artist Sam Potter to create a unique offering that includes bespoke lucid dream-enhancing products and a cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) experience.
Backed by scientific research, lucid dreaming has been shown to help alleviate anxiety and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with the practice gaining significant traction on social media platforms.
On TikTok, the hashtag #luciddreams has over 1.4 billion views, while on Reddit, 494k subscribers discuss their experiences in a group dedicated to the practice.
Charlie Morley says: "Lucid dreaming is a great form of wellness which is often overlooked, helping people reduce stress and enhance their emotional processing, as well as improving their quality of sleep and sleep pattern."
Upon arrival, guests will receive an "Open Your Dreams Kit," which features a headset programmed with Sam's VR lullaby, a dream journal to record their experiences and a lucid dreaming guide from Charlie.
In addition to the expert advice and VR experience, guests can indulge in LabTonica's Unplugged range of wellness products to promote a peaceful slumber, including a sleepy tea, balm and pillow mist.
The package also features limited edition Lucid Dream Drops containing mugwort, a herb known for its association with aiding lucid dreaming.
The VR lullaby takes guests on an immersive AI-driven journey through a surreal, soothing virtual environment inspired by the hotel, enhancing the potential for lucid dream states.
Guests are encouraged to record their dreams in the provided dream journal, with the option to have them visualised by Sam as a beautiful piece of "Dream Art" sent to their home.
The Room To Dream experience can be added to any Kimpton Fitzroy London room or suite booking for £50.
Garreth Walsh, the general manager of the Kimpton Fitzroy London, says: "As wellness trends increasingly focus on dream therapy and manifesting, Kimpton Fitzroy London's Room To Dream campaign aims to offer guests a one-of-a-kind experience.
"The package provides tools and experiences to tap into the power of dreams, leaving guests with not only a restful night's sleep but also a visual representation of the dreams they encountered during their stay."
Emma is taking advantage of the sleep tourism (and "Shoppable Stays") trend by fusing its core direct-to-consumer product – mattresses – with hospitality, to debut two unique sleep-focused hotels in Sydney and Taipei.
The aim is to provide travellers with immersive environments and award-winning sleep products to enhance their overall wellbeing through "transformative rest". And hopefully, they will have such a comfortable night's sleep that they will feel inspired to buy an Emma mattress when they get home. Genius.
"At Emma, we believe that a great night's sleep should be accessible to everyone" says Dr Dennis Schmoltzi, co-founder and CEO of Emma – the Sleep Company. "We're immensely proud to be the first sleep brand to open its own dedicated sleep hotels in Australia and Taiwan.
"Our goal is to offer travelers the chance to immerse themselves in relaxing environments with award-winning Emma sleep products, and to unlock the transformative power of rest for their overall well-being."
Emma Sleep hotel in Sydney
Upon arrival at the Emma Sleep hotel in Sydney, guests are welcomed by a "Snoreman", setting the stage for a sleep-focused adventure.
The "Rest-Ception" area provides a cosy space to unwind, and guests can receive personalised 1:1 sleep consultations from on-site "Snooze-ologists" for valuable insights on optimising their sleep habits.
Each room is furnished with Emma's award-winning mattresses and beds, while a sleep-inspired movie catalogue offers entertainment.
Guests can also choose their perfect Emma pillow based on their preferences. On the rooftop terrace, custom cocktails inspired by Emma's sleep expertise continue the immersive experience. Throughout the hotel, a calming playlist enhances the ambiance for relaxation and enjoyment.
There is also a seven-course "world-first" Sleepgustation menu available at the restaurant. Emma says: "The menu has been meticulously crafted by culinary masters in collaboration with Emma’s sleep scientists to create a truly unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience.
"Guests consumed dishes and drinks such as melatonin margaritas and serotonin-stimulating potatoes – all infused with sleep-inducing ingredients to improve their sleep while they waited at the Emma Sleep hotel.
Emma Sleep hotel in Taipei
Collaborating with Monka hotel in Taipei, Emma introduces the first Emma Sleep hotel in Asia. Located near the iconic Longshan Temple, the hotel has been entirely transformed under Emma's supervision, with even the exterior painted to resemble one of Emma's iconic delivery boxes, setting the tone for the unique experience within.
Every room in the hotel features Emma's award-winning products, ensuring a truly immersive Emma sleep experience from beginning to end.
Ruby sleep-focused hotels
Emma joins a number of hotel brands and sleep-focused products looking to reinvent the way we sleep, such as relatively “no frills” brand, Ruby, which has invested heavily in providing guests with an excellent night’s sleep at its hotels throughout Europe.
Under the guidance of expert sleep scientists, all rooms at Ruby hotels come eqipped with: 30cm deep pocket-sprung mattresses; extra-long duble beds; high quality, ultra-light, hypoallergenic duvets; blackout curtains; dimmable lighting and soundproofing. Read Globetrender's full story here.
Since more than 40 per cent of traveller have reported poorer sleep since the pandemic, says Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, Ruby and Emma could be onto something…
One in three people suffer from poor quality sleep and according to 2020 research published by the Mental Health Foundation, almost half of UK adults (48%) said that sleeping badly has a negative effect on their mental health.
More than a third of adults (35%) said that sleeping poorly had made them feel more anxious and more than four in ten adults (42%) said poor sleep over the previous month had made them feel more stressed and overwhelmed. How can hotels help?
Given that providing someone with a bed for the night is the prime objective of hotels, it's surprising that so few of them have really thought about what makes a good night's sleep. Sure, beautiful sheets and expensive mattresses help but what about the stuffiness of a room with windows you can't open and that annoying red light from the TV?
Now, the Rosewood London has designed two "Alchemy of Sleep" packages that promote rest through sleep-inducing treatments, activities and amenities that promise to "deliver complete restoration and renewal", and help guests "shift attention outward and find ways to be more present".
Available to book throughout January, February and March 2022, there are two options – Sleep Transformation and Dreamscapes – each harnessing the power of CBD (Cannabidiol, a chemical found in cannabis) as the most effective ingredient to induce restorative sleep. (Read more about legally available D9 THC gummies.)
Delivered in partnership with skincare brand Votary, Sleep Transformation features a two-night stay in a Rosewood suite, the Votary Antidote Sleep Journey (see below), a CBD facial or massage, and two private 60-minute "AWE" sessions whereby guests can choose from pranayama breathing, restorative yoga or meditation.
Votary Antidote Sleep Journey
Votary’s "totally immersive and nurturing" sleep journey is the "antidote for those suffering from insomnia, jetlag, frequent night waking, high levels of stress and restlessness, or for those just seeking a cocooning experiential journey that is conducive to profound relaxation and a blissful night’s sleep".
Using Votary’s skincare range with natural plant oils and active ingredients, this soporific treatment incorporates shiatsu, a chakra-balancing massage, touches of reflexology, guided breathing and sound therapy.
Votary’s Antidote Sleep Journey can be experienced at Sense, A Rosewood Spa or as an in-suite/in-room therapy, with the option of a warm bath infused with Antidote Night Oil for 20 minutes prior to treatment.
Votary CBD facial
Designed to soothe the skin and calm the mind, the 60-minute Votary CBD facial employs Votary’s 21 Super Seed oil blend to "restore health and resilience to your skin".
Votary CBD massage
Votary’s "immersive and nurturing" 60-minute sleep massage is enhanced with a selection of Votary sleep amenities such as a Sleeping Beauty wash bag, pillow spray, Antidote Bath & Body oil and Super Sleep supplement.
PRICE: £4,259 for one person per night and from £5,679 for two people per night.
Dreamscapes includes a one-night stay and a selection of Dreem Distillery amenities delivered by a Rosewood Butler during turndown service in the evening. These include Bed Balm and Night Drops, each formulated with broad-spectrum CBD. (The CBD Night Drops encourage an easier and deeper sleep whilst the muscle-relaxing Bed Balm salve will melt aching muscles.)
Guests experiencing Dreamscapes can also select one 60-minute treatment at Sense, A Rosewood Spa, as well as a 60-minute private AWE session.
PRICE: From £1,089 for one person and £1,369 for two people.
Guests who are looking to improve their sleep but have limited time to experience the packages are able to add on the following experiences to their original room or suite booking:
Michael Bonsor, managing director of the Rosewood London says “At a time when our guests are prioritising sleep and wellbeing more than ever, we are delighted to begin the new year with the launch of Alchemy of Sleep Retreats.
"In partnership with Votary and Dreem Distillery, these immersive experiences offer our guests a unique, experiential stay, combining treatments, activities and amenities. Both Votary and Dreem Distillery are perfectly aligned with Rosewood London’s commitment to enhancing our guests' state of rest.”
Alchemy of Sleep is a new global collection of "immersive retreats" across Rosewood Hotels and Resorts. Alchemy of Sleep retreat highlights include:
The Alchemy of Sleep retreats from Rosewood London are featured alongside 19 other Rosewood Hotels and Resorts properties offering sleep focused programming across the globe.
After the opening of Ruby Lucy London in January 2020 and Ruby Zurich Mimi in October 2021, the Ruby Group has announced the arrival of a new hotel in Florence in Q3 2023. (The brand also has hotels in Dussedorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich and Vienna.)
Set to be located on Piazza della Libertà, in the northern part of the historic centre, the 118-room hotel is being built in a historic building from the 19th century, offering exceptionally high ceilings, allowing for some of the rooms to be designed as maisonettes (a first for Ruby). The property will also have a 300 sqm Ruby Workspace, ideal for digital nomads.
Despite being a relatively "no frills" brand, Ruby has invested heavily in providing guests with an excellent night's sleep. Under the guidance of expert sleep scientists, all rooms come eqipped with: 30cm deep pocket-sprung mattresses; extra-long duble beds; high quality, ultra-light, hypoallergenic duvets; blackout curtains; dimmable lighting and soundproofing.
Ruby hotels additionally feature bars open 24-hours that double as breakfast rooms in the morning, snacks and free tea in the Galley and self check-in via tablet computer. Ruby says: "We set out to create the best of both worlds – hotels with style and substance, but none of those expensive extras."
Julian Mörs, group director development at Ruby, says: "We are very excited to enter the Italian market with this great project and bring our Lean Luxury philosophy to Southern Europe.
"By designing and building modularly, centralising more and automating consistently behind the scenes, we are making luxurious and unique hotel experiences affordable for our guests, while creating a leaner and more adaptable cost structure, which in turn means lower risks for our property partners. Benefits like these set us apart from other competitors and support our development activities, especially in unpredictable times."
Founded in 2013, the Ruby Group currently operates 12 Ruby hotels, with a further 19 under construction or in the planning phase. As well as opening new properties in Europe, Ruby is expanding into Asia with a joint venture Ruby Asia, founded in 2018. Ruby also offers Ruby Workspaces in Munich, Hamburg and Dusseldorf.
The first British Airways 'Forty Winks' nap lounge was unveiled on May 17 at the airline First lounge at London Heathrow. When travel restrictions ease and other first and business class lounges open, they will also be installed in the Concorde Room at London Heathrow Terminal 5 and New York’s JFK Terminal 7.
The sleep capsule EnergyPods were created in partnership with workspace sleep technology provider Restworks and feature "gravity neutral positioning and privacy visors". They are free to use but can't be pre-booked. Passengers simply use the "Your Menu" lounge app to check if one is available in real-time. (This information is also displayed on a screen outside the Forty Winks entrance.)
Apparently, the EnergyPod is the "world’s first chair designed exclusively for power napping", although Globetrender has observed similar concepts in the past, such as the Airpod, MinuteSuites, NapCity, GoSleep and Izzzleep.
Christopher Lindholst, Restworks’ global managing director, says: “Being able to rest while travelling is an important way to stay healthy and energised, and what better way to use your dwell time than to catch up on some sleep. We are excited British Airways is making this important investment in customer wellbeing.”
Although Globetrender can't imagine many people will feel relaxed enough to sleep while travelling during the pandemic, this is a trend we have been monitoring for over six years, so it comes as no surprise that a mainstream airline such as BA has finally adopted the innovation.
The Heathrow First Class ‘Forty Winks’ lounge has seven pods available. But a big question for travellers will be "are they Covid-free?"
The airline says that Dettol hand sanitiser stations will be positioned in the nap lounges, and Dettol antibacterial wipes will be used to keep the pod surfaces clean after each use.
Users set a timer on the EnergyPod to wake them up or use the "one-touch" start button for a pre-programmed 20-minute nap. The EnergyPod reclines to elevate the feet and promote relaxation. The adjustable privacy visor can be swiveled into place to block out distractions and free audio content can be downloaded via the Restworks Mobile app.
British Airways says that, when open, Concorde Room customers will be able book an EnergyPod via dedicated hosts, request a time they would like to be woken and choose a hot beverage to enjoy after their rest. Water and hot towels will be provided to add to the refreshing awakening experience.
Tom Stevens, British Airways’ director of brand and customer experience, says: “We can’t wait to welcome our customers back after a very difficult year, and we’re always looking for new ideas to support our customers’ health and wellbeing pre-flight.
“In late 2019 we carried out a survey of over 100,000 lounge guests asking what they would like to see featured in our lounges. Sleep pods were right at the top of their list. Our ’Forty Winks’ nap lounges will offer a dedicated rejuvenation space for customers as they return to the skies. Beating jet lag and catching a snooze on the go has never been easier.
In a world where hotels and resorts are pushing boundaries to offer guests more than ever before, Zedwell hotels is going back to basics – albeit in the most luxurious fashion.
Conceived with health and wellbeing in mind, this boutique brand has overhauled the hotel experience to create urban sanctuaries that place good sleep centerstage.
Each of Zedwell's four properties (the London Piccadilly flagship outpost opened in February 2020 and there are more to come in Greenwich, Tottenham Court Road and Marble Arch) feature windowless, sound insulated "cocoons" with ambient mood lighting and a purified air system to encourage deep sleep. 
Beds crafted in solid oak come courtesy of royal warrant holder Hypnos – another pioneer of sustainable and ethical practices – with mattresses that feature a combination of supportive, engineered pocket springs and hand side-stitching. These are covered with sheets made of fine Egyptian cotton.
The economic and societal effects of sleep deprivation cost the UK up to US$50 billion (or 1.86 per cent of its GDP) every year, according to data by Rand, with sleep deprivation linked to the likes of lower productivity at work and increased mortality risk.
While "sleep retreats" are popping up at luxury hotels around the world including Utah's Amangiri, Kamalaya Koh Samui and Switzerland's Bad Ragaz, the Zedwell has dedicated itself to the goal of making a good night's sleep integral to every stay.
With a mantra of "clean and pure", the brand has removed all hotel clutter to create minimal yet cosy spaces to encourage "clearer thought".
A sense of simplicity to saves both time and energy dictates the in-room functions too, with easy-to-use light and temperature switches for a stress-free, calming experience, and en suite showers that identify guests' ideal water temperate and maintain it throughout their stay.
Architects Neri & Hu have brought the concept to life using a variety of natural and recycled materials to ensure the hotel plays its role in environmental protection.
The window-free design and insulation technology used is energy efficient so that the heat generated remains within the hotel for longer, while additional sustainable elements include refillable in-room toiletries by Malin + Goetz and self-service water stations to help reduce plastic consumption.
The Zedwell also practices a sustainable supply chain by partnering with hotel service suppliers that share its vision and donates 2 per cent of sales to charities that support education for underprivileged and disadvantaged communities across Britain.
According to a review of the Zedwell Piccadilly (located in the former Trocadero building) in The Times by Katie Gatens, the lobby is akin to an Apple store. She says: "A small, discreet doorway on a backstreet transports you into a vast wooden-clad, open-plan lobby with polished concrete floor and walls lined with iPads."
The rooms are small but "restful". Gatens says: "White mood lighting casts a delicate glow and there’s a self-heating eye mask to help you to nod off. Although there are no windows, purified fresh air is pumped into all the bedrooms, which are soundproofed up to 60 decibels."
For those looking for more space, there are family units with bunk beds and ten-person "party rooms" with kitchens, lounges and balconies.
Gatens says that Zedwell plans to provide free yoga classes for guests, a health food bar and "mindfulness gurus". In the spring, a 1,000-person rooftop terrace with a restaurant and cocktail bar will open.
Building on the trend for quality kip, London's Cadogan hotel has partnered with Harley Street hypnotherapist and sleep expert Malminder Gill to provide guests with a 'Sleep Concierge' when the hotel reopens this spring.
The Sleep Concierge offering includes a sleep-inducing meditative recording by Malminder available in-room via the hotel app, a pillow menu and weighted blanket, a bedtime tea blended for the service and a scented pillow mist. Bespoke, in-person experiences can be booked in advance.
Gill comments: "As a Chelsea local, partnering with The Cadogan feels like a wonderful and organic fit. Sleep is the most important thing we can learn to master, and when staying in one of The Cadogan’s sumptuous suites, guests can listen to my exclusive recording and drift off."
