Leavenworth Named Top “Sleepcation Destination”
AS WELLNESS TRAVEL CONTINUES TO EXPAND, LEAVENWORTH NAMED THE TOP "SLEEPCATION DESTINATION" IN THE U.S., AND NO. 17 IN THE WORLD BY KAYAK
For those looking to capitalize on one of the latest wellness travel trends, Leavenworth’s mountain setting, dark skies, and quiet surroundings provide the ultimate relaxing and restful retreat
(LEAVENWORTH, Wash.) — As wellness travel continues to surge, and the relatively new trend of “sleepcations” emerges within it, the Bavarian-themed mountain town of Leavenworth in Washington’s north-central Cascades has been named the No.1 Sleepcation Destination in the United States and No. 17 in the world according to travel search engine KAYAK.
What exactly is a sleepcation? While wellness travel has historically focused on physical, mental, and emotional well-being, the concept centers around travel that prioritizes sleep recovery as its name implies. Although sleep tourism is relatively new to the scene, the reasons behind it are not. From work and parenting to artificial light, external noise, and even binge-watching shows, our lives are increasingly full of distractions that rob us of restful sleep. Research from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute estimates that 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. report not getting enough rest or sleep every day, and 40 percent report falling asleep during the day without meaning to at least once a month.
By examining factors like air quality, noise pollution, spa availability, safety, and political stability, KAYAK determined that Leavenworth stands out as the country's top destination for those seeking a vacation focused on relaxation and rejuvenation.
“Not surprisingly given the frenetic pace of life that many of us have become accustomed to juggling, our travels are often defined by how much activity we can squeeze into a trip, to the point where vacations become anything but relaxing,” said Troy Campbell, executive director of the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. “While Leavenworth is renowned for its vibrant festivals, celebrations, and outdoor recreation, much of its magic lies in the serene environment and quieter moments it offers. These moments have become a focal point for many travelers when choosing their vacations, and I can think of no better place than Leavenworth to reclaim the sleep they have been deprived of.”
A key factor that helped Leavenworth achieve its ranking is the abundance of accommodations featuring spa amenities. KAYAK shares that half of the town's accommodations feature spa services, meaning there's no shortage of tranquil experiences for guests to pamper themselves with. A few notable spots include Posthotel, which specializes in European spa practices and features a large saltwater pool overlooking the Wenatchee River, and The Springs, where guests can indulge in cold plunges, soaking pools, and cedar saunas while surrounded by towering mountain peaks. Located at two of Levaneworth’s most renowned resorts, Alpine Spa at Icicle Village and Aspen Leaf Day Spa at Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort offer treatments inspired by the breathtaking beauty of nature and the spirit of the surrounding Cascades.
Additionally, Leavenworth’s emphasis on wellness, rest, and recovery is crucial for travelers who value outdoor recreation. As a mecca for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and skiing, a comfortable and restful environment is essential to recharge between adventures, ensuring visitors are at peak energy levels for enjoying their favorite outdoor pursuits. For those looking to enhance their recovery and wellness, Inner Waters IV provides specialized IV drip therapy and cryotherapy treatments designed to hydrate and energize the body and mind before and after tackling even the most intense activities.
For restorative movement that strengthens the body while fostering relaxation and mental peace, Alpine Hot Yoga offers practices suited for all levels, while Deep Springs Wellness offers specialized workshops and retreats focused on the ancient Chinese practice of Qigong, the mother of Tai Chi.
With more than 85 percent of Americans reporting the feeling of sleep deprivation in the last year, and 55 percent expressing a desire to book a vacation aimed at improving sleep, the need to relax and catch up on some Z’s is no longer a vacation afterthought but a priority. For more information or to learn more about how Leavenworth can help fill the sleep void that many Americans face, visit leavenworth.org.
About Leavenworth
Just two hours from Seattle and nestled at the eastern base of the Cascade Mountains, the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth offers year-round festivities, themed attractions, and outdoor recreation for every season. Home to renowned festivals like Oktoberfest, Village of Lights, and Maifest, this charming Christmas town features Alpine-styled buildings, themed shops, and restaurants serving authentic German dishes. Transporting visitors to Western Europe, locals are committed to the town's tourism and are known for their strong sense of community and friendliness. Due to its location, the Alpine village is a mecca for hiking, rock climbing, rafting, snowshoeing, and skiing. Featuring premier lodging and nationally ranked attractions, Leavenworth is a sought-after destination year-round. For more information and to learn more about how to visit Leavenworth responsibly and sustainably, visit www.leavenworth.org/give-a-schnitzel.
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