FOR JET LAG
SLEEP WELLNESS AT SIX SENSES ROME
WHAT CAN I EXPECT? Six Senses Rome naturally attracts visitors from all over the world; this three-day plan is designed for them to make the most of the Eternal City without struggling to stay awake. All Sleep Programme guests travelling long-distance are encouraged to use the Timeshifter app to ensure they land on Roman time, but as I flew from Heathrow, it wasn’t required. The schedule started in the spa with a wellness screening to measure my physical fitness, along with levels of dopamine, serotonin and stress, in order to create a bespoke sleep-enhancing regimen. I was also loaned a sleeptracking ring, and given a massage to iron out the post-flight knots.
Given the high stress levels the screening revealed, the following day, I was treated to an hour’s gong bath to send my brain into a relaxed state; then a biohacking treatment aimed at travellers, involving a pair of inflatable Normatec leggings and a massage belt to ease leg and lower-back tension. Later, I went downstairs to the Roman-bath complex, where I spent a happy couple of hours shuttling between the different-temperature pools, sauna, steam-room and scented tropical ‘rainwater’ shower. The day ended with an intense massage, after which I floated off to bed and slept soundly.
BEDROOM AND PILLOW RATING? Despite its central position moments from Rome’s tourist hotspots, Six Senses is an oasis of tranquillity. My suite was decorated in calming hues, with windows furnished with black-out blinds. The pillows are adjustable for back, side and stomach-sleepers, and the mattresses are made from a cooling memory foam. Beside the comfy, king-size bed was a basket of sleep-promoting treats, including a soothing playlist, an eye mask, scented oil, calming tea and a suggested yoga routine.
BEDTIME TIP? Dr Michael Breus, who developed the programme, advises wearing Bose noise-cancelling earbuds, blue-light blocking glasses and socks for long-distance travel. More generally, he recommends no alcohol or exercise within three hours of bedtime. ls Six Senses Rome (sixsenses.com), from about £860 for a classic room, B&B. In addition, the three-day Sleep Programme is about £480 a person.