As you most likely saw (and felt extremely jealous of!) via Trouble Sleeping’s Instagram, Dr Lindsay Browning spent one month in the Maldives, as the resident sleep therapist at the Patina Hotel.
In this blog, she tells us all about her experience and the services offered whilst at the well-being, eco-friendly resort.
Sleep Therapy in the Maldives…just!
The truth is that I nearly didn’t get to go to the Maldives at all. I received a completely unexpected message via Instagram and my first reaction was to think it was spam! I was literally hovering over the delete button when I thought I would reply to find out more about the Patina Hotel and their out-of-the-blue request for a sleep therapist, during the festive period.
I received a reply and was shown around the luxurious hotel via a Zoom call. They asked if I would be the hotel’s ‘Resident Sleep Therapist’ to offer workshops, 1-2-1 sessions and consultancy services to the hotel from 20th December to the 19th January. …it just had to be a yes! …and thank goodness I didn’t delete that initial message!
Surrounded by beauty
On arrival, it was with a huge apology that I was told that I would be in one of the smaller rooms. Looking around me, it was not something I was concerned by. The sky was blue, the sea was crystal clear and the hotel decor was stunning. The “small room” that I subsequently arrived in was the biggest hotel room I had ever seen! My husband and children joined me for Christmas week and there was plenty of room with two good sized single beds, plus a super king size, and still ample space to dance around! Even more luxuriously, the beach and sea were literally on the door step. There really is nothing like waking up, taking a short walk and having a swim before work.
The Patina Hotel itself oozes luxury. I really was so lucky to experience it. More than simply splendour everything in the hotel and on the island is focussed on sustainability and ensuring an eco-friendly co-existence. There is no plastic anywhere. Everything is carved from wood, bamboo and other sustainable sources…even Christmas decorations. There are no cars on the island either, so everyone cycles or walks.
What was lovely to witness was that this environmentally friendly approach truly resonated with both the guests at the hotel, as well as the staff. In fact, the hotel staff have their own island where there are fantastic facilities too. They are treated well and fairly.
I was certainly happy to contribute to this way of living and working.
My work at the hotel
My role was to be the resident sleep therapist. It was a position I truly relished and would love to do more of.
I offered group sleep sessions, which were 30-45 minute workshops, teaching relaxation strategies and how to manage jet lag, as well as specialist topics, such as ‘sleep and stress’ and also ‘children’s sleep’.
I also offered 1-2-1 sessions, which were incredibly popular. Just as you may book in for a massage or spa treatment, at a traditional hotel, the guests took the opportunity at this wellness resort to seek individual advice and support.
For the hotel itself, I also advised on a sleep programme. This included a wide range of consultancy services, including recommending other complementary treatments, for a holistic approach to good sleep, as well suggesting a ‘sleep smoothie recipe’ and other foods to offer; plus providing sleep therapy resources, for the hotel to share electronically (as they are paperless too!).
Wonderful and unique experiences
I really did make memories that will last a life time. As mentioned, I have never seen water so crystal clear. I went snorkelling and saw sharks, and waking up and going straight for a swim before work was just wonderful. I did lots of paddle boarding too…and even did yoga on a paddle board.
The festive celebrations were also so different to what I usually experience in the UK…and not just due to the warm weather. Dancing on the beach on New Year’s Eve was truly magical. The entertainment was out of this world with dancers dressed in phenomenal costumes, which they changed from song to song!
On reflection, it was also the first time I have truly had time to myself. Although, I was working, it was the first time I was ‘living’ on my own and I actually relished the opportunity.
Life offers many strange twists and turns, including returning to the UK and launching straight back into the ups and downs of family life. However, I was so grateful for the opportunity to visit such an incredible part of the world and such an innovative resort. I very much hope to return.
Sleep therapy at your hotel or resort
Working at the Patina has certainly made me realise the value I can bring to a luxury hotel or resort.
As a consultant for a sleep programme, as part of a wellness retreat or as an on-call sleep therapist, I can help guests get more from their stay, as they leave with tools they can implement at home.
Whilst it is true that many of us sleep better when we are holiday (thanks to the removal of everyday chores and commitments), my sleep therapy sessions and resources can ensure that guests receive techniques they can take home with them and put in to practice, continuing with the better sleep and relaxed state we get on holiday. Furthermore, support with coping with jetlag is a very popular topic, particularly for those who travel often for business.
If you run a hotel or resort, or are planning a well-being event or retreat, do get in touch to find out more about my services and how we can work together to help your guests sleep better.