Improving sleep is the biggest health ambition for a quarter of UK adults over the next 12 months, with nearly a third of adults suffering from insomnia, a 'Wellbeing Report' from Aviva reveals.  With the problem becoming so widespread, a Caribbean resort in St Lucia, Cap Maison, has introduced a new 'Sleep Retreat' for guests to unwind and learn the art of a perfect night's sleep. 

Cap Maison, which enjoys a quiet and idyllic setting in the north of the island, has assembled experts and practitioners to provide a variety of services, to relax the mind and body and to improve the sleep of their guests whilst at the hotel and post-holiday. 

Firstly, guests are accommodated in rooms where the only sounds are of the waves, tropical birds and the gentle call of the indigenous tree frogs. Key to any sleep retreat is a good bed, and the hotel's US King-sized beds get rave reviews from guests. Participants in the programme are encouraged to switch off their phones and devices for a true digital detox and to help the sleep process. 

Services provided by the hotel include: 

One-to-one session with a 'sleep expert' – guests are coached by a sleep expert and can get personalised tips on how to get a better night's sleep.  They then have their sleep monitored and analysed during their stay with a Fitbit that is provided. 

Breathing Workshop – in the morning or at sunset, guests can learn to use their breathing to exfoliate the toxins from the body and improve relaxation.

Sleep-Friendly Pillow Scents – guests are given a choice of fragrance on their pillow. 

Meditation – led by an expert with breathing techniques to calm the mind. 

Personalised Menu –a personalised menu full of healthy choices based around ingredients known to help sleep is devised, and if required, intermittent fasting may be recommended. 

Reiki Healing – a Japanese technique said to cure insomnia and used for stress reduction to help sleep and encourage 'natural healing' of the body. 

Aromatherapy Massage – a treatment based around essential oils that naturally promote sleep, such as lavender or camomile. 

Evening Reflexology Session – a non-invasive treatment, this involves working on certain acupressure points to encourage a deeper state of relaxation and sleep. 

The hotel also offers some nature-based activities to tire the body and sooth the mind: 

Atlantic Coast Hiking and Running

A run or hike along the wilder Atlantic side of the island, where the waves crash against the empty shore, provides a fantastic release of energy in beautiful surroundings and prepares the mind well for good sleep. 

Hiking the Pitons

St Lucia's two volcanic mountains, The Pitons, stand 2,619 feet above sea level and hiking to the top gets the heart pumping and gives unbeatable views over the island. 

Botanical Gardens Visit

Guests can enjoy the beauty and natural warmth of the tropics by walking among the lush fertile vegetation and discover the diverse range of tropical flowers and plant life in this part of the Caribbean. 

Elegant Resorts (01244 897271 or www.elegantresorts.co.uk) offer seven nights at Cap Maison, St Lucia from £2,575.00 per person(saving of £1,290.00 per couple) based on two persons sharing a garden view room on a complimentary half board basis, a special rate reduction, the Sleep Wellness Package for two, economy flights from London Gatwick with British Airways, private transfers and UK lounge passes.   

Price is based on 08 June 2019 departure and must be booked by 28 February 2019. 

The Sleep Retreat package can be booked at any time outside school holiday periods.