N.Y.’s Benjamin rolls out on-demand meditation
The Benjamin Hotel in New York City has launched a new in-room, on-demand meditation service as part of an acclaimed rest and renew program, which offers guests various tools to ensure they enjoy a good night’s sleep.
The program has been created in partnership with Dina Kaplan, founder and CEO of the Path, a modern meditation startup, and Dr. Rebecca Robbins, author and sleep medicine expert.
A first-of-its-kind service in the hospitality industry, guests at the Benjamin have private access to two 10-minute guided meditation sessions — mantra or mindfulness — at their fingertips, with the press of a “meditation” button on room phones. The hotel also offers a meditation kit that includes flameless candles and a mediation cushion to enhance the experience.
We asked Robbins to share her secrets on how to get the best night’s sleep while travelling, even in the city that never does. How can travellers ensure they are getting the best sleep possible in a hotel?
It’s key to practise good sleep “hygiene” by staying as close to a normal routine as possible. Try to unwind before bed, take a warm shower and don’t forget to pack a book to help you drift off to sleep. Avoid heavy meals, alcohol and too much television before bed. What should travellers look for in a hotel to ensure they have a restful stay?
If you need to sleep when you check into the hotel, you can opt to have calls not come to your room. This can sometimes alleviate stress related to a middle-ofthe-night awakening.
It’s difficult to predict what the sound level will be in your hotel room, so I always pack ear plugs, an eye mask and some calming aromatherapy oils. You can also bring objects of comfort with you, such as a favourite blanket, to ensure you feel at home. What are the benefits of meditation?
Scientists are starting to uncover the fascinating benefits of meditation and its ability to assist with stress reduction, anxiety and depression. In addition to general health, we see that meditation offers benefits in terms of improved sleep — individuals who meditate regularly have been shown to exhibit less insomnia and report higher sleep quality. Is meditation important while travelling?
Meditation can help travellers stay healthy, balanced and well rested while on the road. Anxiety levels can be elevated when we are in a new environment and it’s generally harder to fall asleep in a hotel room. Even a short meditation exercise can improve focus and clarity of mind, which makes it an excellent habit, especially for business travellers. Denise Dias is a Toronto writer.