Sleep may be one of the most important things we need in life, but it’s often in short supply. Good quality sleep is considered a factor in longevity. And when you’re putting in long days traveling, a good night’s sleep is a must. But how to get it? Hyatt Hotels have come to the rescue at many of their brands.
I had a chance to tour what they call a Wellness Suite at Hyatt’s 4-star Andaz Hotel in New York City. Walk in, and you may not want to leave. (Room service is available.) When I entered, I walked into a living room area equipped with a large mirror, designed by Lululemon.
On the floor next to the mirror were adjustable weights. I could choose from sets of five-pounders up to 25 pounds each. There was also a yoga mat, a foam roller, and resistance bands. The mirrored walls, of course, would make it easy to check your form as you exercise. And that’s just the Entry Room!
After a workout, feel like a relaxing bath? The next room stars an oversized soaking tub. (The better to prepare you for sleep, my dear.)
The third room IS for sleep. It features an inviting king-size bed with an Airweave Mattress near the window. This kind of mattress provides support so that your spine stays in alignment, which enhances quality sleep.
Andaz seems to have thought of everything – blackout curtains, sleep-inducing emollients to sniff, and even a white noise machine – all conducive to catching an excellent 40 (or more) winks.
And when you awaken: this is a corner room with a view. The Wellness Suite looks out onto Fifth Avenue at 41st Street where I could see the Empire State Building and the stately and famed 42nd Street New York Public Library branch. Exhibits at the library are free (there are always a few), plus its renowned Reading Room is free to visit.
Bryant Park is also across the street behind the library. You can buy souvenirs there, join a fitness class, see a movie on a summer night, and savor everything from a snack to an elegant meal.
While I was at the Andaz, I got a delicious hand massage from an Andaz massage therapist. If you’re staying in the Sleep Suite or anywhere in the hotel for that matter, you can book a full body massage with just two hours’ notice, even on the same day. Normal business hours tend to be easiest to book, but earlier/later slots are possible. It’s all, dare I say – dreamy!
The Hyatt folks say there are Wellness Suites at other Andaz properties, including one that is “desert-inspired” – the 5-star Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows.
That suite boasts an in-room Tonal smart-gym system and cruiser bikes, plus an outdoor patio. Wow! Maybe I should consider a trip to Arizona? Hmm… think I will sleep on that.
As a television producer and on-camera reporter, traveling to Asia, Europe, and around the U.S., Norma Davidoff got hooked on travel. She loved her work on television projects in Italy, France, Spain, Indonesia, India, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Norma liked nothing better than being on-location with a small camera crew, meeting locals to learn about their lives. Among many positions, she was producer/on-camera reporter for Newsweek Broadcasting, Director of Program Development for The Travel Channel, and Senior Producer for Ted Turner’s Better World Society. She is particularly proud of her work in public television in its infancy. These days, she writes feature and travel articles, many with her own photos. That has brought Norma to still more places to satisfy her curiosity about the world.
How Great it is to know about the mission of this great hotel–in my neighborhood of Murray Hill–and their mission to provide good sleep. Norma Davidoff’s informed and fun writing were a treat to read, so thanks to her!