SCIENCE OF SLEEP
has been known for its bespoke Ayurvedic retreat. The boutique wellness retreat in Ubud provides a healing sanctuary for those who wish to embark on three, five or seven days of retreat. In one of its spacious 42 rooms, one can rest, relax and unplug. Why Ayurveda?
“Ayurveda is an ancient healing system that dates back 5,000 years, taking into account our body, emotion, and spirit. It focuses on three different energies that we have: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These three energies are known as doshas and we all have varying proportions of each one. Our doshas can fall in and out of balance, affected by the environment we live in, the foods we eat, and time of the year. When our doshas are out of balance, we see the impact in our health, our mood, and our overall well-being,” explains Kadek Adnyani, the corporate spa manager of Adiwana Hotels & Resorts. After determining the doshas through a wellness consultation, a programme would be tailored according to one’s need. There are daily yoga practices, spa treatments at Tejas Spa and nourishing daily nosh from Herb Library, the resort’s on-site restaurant to be experienced.
There is no better time to observe Ayurvedic Dinacharya (daily routine) than now. “Good habits that add health to your years and prevent illness includes waking up early in the morning, brushing your teeth, scraping your tongue, rinsing your mouth, and drinking hot or warm water. Also, eat three balanced meals at the same time every day. Lunch should be the heaviest meal and dinner the lightest, three hours before bedtime. Daily moderate exercise is a must, as is meditation. Aid your agni (digestive fire) with herbal tea made of ginger, mint, cinnamon and cardamom tea; as well as regular chai made with tulsi (holy basil).” advises Adnyani.
If there is one resort that has perfected the art of getting a good night’s sleep, it would be The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali. Improving the quality of one’s slumber benefits the body. It has proven to lower the blood pressure, maintain blood circulation, increase immune system, reduce the chance of type 2 diabetes, lower the level of inflammation in the cardiovascular system, and reduce stress.
Situated in the verdant hills of Lodtunduh, the resort offers an escape to refresh one’s mind during this challenging time. Take a dip in the vast infinity pool, and choose from the myriad wellness programmes curated by Ni Nengah Susiani, the spa & activity manager. “As a brand, Westin has actively promoted and celebrated the bedtime call since 2016. We encourage our guests on a daily basis to enjoy their eight hours of sleep on our Heavenly® Bed, and we provide amenities such as the Lavender Balm by the bed and Westin Sleep Well Menu snacks that promote rest and recovery,” explains Susiani.
As a Wellness Concierge, she also advises guests to take part in the Move Well programme. Guests can take light evening walks at the surrounding rice field as a way to wind down before bed. The resort is also equipped with a 24-hour The Westin WORKOUT® fitness centre and a team of Run Concierge to accompany guests while they run along a picturesque five-kilometre trail. End the night on the Heavenly® Bed with its crisp, white, 250-thread-count sheet as well as plush pillows.
Having worked with several sleep experts over the years, there are several top sleep tips that one can replicate at home: set the room at 19 degrees Celsius, close blackout curtains and any window coverings, cover ambient light sources like alarm clocks or TV lights, have a protein-rich snack before bedtime and warm herbal teas such as chamomile or passionflower and honey, and last but not least, have a light exercise in the evening such as a walk, or a yoga and meditation session.