Turn-down service used to be little more than a polite nighttime gesture — a neatly folded duvet, a chocolate resting on the pillow. But in the world of modern luxury hospitality, this once-simple ritual has transformed into something far more intentional: a blend of wellness, place-making, and quiet storytelling delivered at the end of each day.
Hotels are now redefining the moment between day and night with touches that feel deeply personal and rooted in a sense of care. Aromatherapy blends crafted to calm the nervous system, locally inspired treats that celebrate regional flavor, and thoughtful mindfulness prompts are replacing the standard sweets and slippers. The result is a nightly experience shaped by brand ethos, cultural connection, and a growing focus on guest wellbeing — all designed to help travelers unwind with purpose.
Around the world, this evolution is taking on beautifully distinct forms. Think Ayurvedic self-care kits in the foothills of the Himalayas, culinary turn-down narratives unfolding in Amsterdam, and an inspired new ritual set to debut on Costa Rica’s coast in January. More than amenities, these offerings create moments of grounding, deepen relaxation, and reflect a rising commitment to sustainability and guest-centered design.
Ananda in the Himalayas
At Ananda in the Himalayas, turndown becomes a nightly ritual rooted in personalization and holistic wellness. Guests ease into evening with a Dinacharya Kit — an introduction to Ayurvedic self-care featuring a tongue cleaner, oil for pulling, nasal drops, and soothing foot relief oil, replenished as needed. Thoughtfully portioned bedtime snacks made with jaggery, honey, and dates offer nourishing sweetness, all sourced locally and wrapped in biodegradable or reusable packaging.
Comfort continues with a five-option pillow menu tailored to individual sleep styles, from the goose-down Classic Pillow to contouring Memory Foam and allergy-friendly Supersoft options. A curated bath menu deepens the sense of restoration, with blends like Purifying juniper and cypress, calming Nurturing vetiver and lemon, invigorating Awakening citrus and peppermint, and the warming, spice-infused Ananda bath inspired by the Indian subcontinent.
Every element, from Ayurvedic kits to wholesome treats, bespoke pillows, and mindful bathing rituals, reflects Ananda’s philosophy of care, transforming a simple turndown into an immersive expression of mindful luxury.
The Dylan Amsterdam
At The Dylan Amsterdam, turndown evolves into a quiet nightly ritual of discovery, shaped by the hotel’s understated elegance and deep ties to the city’s creative heritage. Guests return each evening to personal touches—a handwritten card, a curated playlist—that set the stage for a week-long narrative told through flavors, textures, and keepsakes.
Monday begins with sweets from The Dylan’s kitchen, while Tuesday brings a modern interpretation of the Dutch Klompje. Midweek, guests enjoy a confection crafted by the hotel’s pastry team, followed by Amsterdam icons such as the molten-centered Van Stapele cookie on Thursday and Lanskroon’s century-old stroopwafel on Friday. Saturday offers Vinoos wine gums in a custom Dylan box, and Sunday concludes with a bespoke Dylan gate keychain—a stylish memento of the stay.
By partnering with cherished local artisans and culinary institutions, The Dylan infuses its turndown with a true sense of place. Soon, the narrative will expand with a collaboration with Aesop, introducing “A Scent of Place” and inviting guests to explore the brand’s nearby boutique. The result is a nightly moment that feels intimate, sensory, and distinctly Amsterdam.
Hotel Belmar, Costa Rica
Launching January 10, 2026, Hotel Belmar’s new Deep Sleep Ritual transforms bedtime into a mindful celebration of rest, inspired by the rhythms of Monteverde’s cloud forest. What began as a simple gesture—kettle sets paired with herbal blends—has evolved into a nightly tradition shaped by guest feedback and the healing power of botanicals grown at the hotel’s regenerative farm, Finca Madre Tierra.
Upon arrival, guests discover a beautifully printed Good Night Guide offering gentle, circadian-inspired tips for better sleep and a warm welcome from the hotel. A QR code leads to a 10-minute meditation or Yin Yoga session, encouraging a quiet wind-down. Beside it, a sachet of herbal tea, often lemongrass, chamomile, or mint, reflects the seasons of the garden and invites guests to slow down with a restorative infusion.
Rooted in sustainability and crafted with intention, the Deep Sleep Ritual honors the natural calm of Monteverde. It turns turndown into an invitation to breathe, reset, and embrace sleep as one of travel’s deepest luxuries.
Imperial Hotel, Tokyo
At Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, turndown is a refined expression of omotenashi, Japan’s philosophy of thoughtful, anticipatory hospitality. Guests staying on the Imperial Floors return to rooms prepared with quiet precision: a handwritten note, a hand-folded origami figure in place of a chocolate, and a pot of freshly brewed green tea to encourage a moment of calm. Pajamas and slippers are arranged with care, their textures soft and soothing.
Sustainability is seamlessly woven into this elegance. With its Forbes Travel Guide Verified Responsible Hospitality Certification, the hotel reduces plastic use by about 90 percent through bamboo, wood, and biomass amenities, refillable bath product dispensers, and paper-based water containers. Even the smallest evening touches, from cutlery to take-away packaging, follow plant-based principles. Guests are also invited to participate in an opt-in linen reuse program, balancing comfort with environmental responsibility.
For deeper cultural connection, guests can book a private tea ceremony, attend an origami workshop, or arrange a kimono fitting, experiences that echo the hotel’s dedication to heritage. Every detail, from the origami on the pillow to the eco-conscious amenities, transforms turndown into a nightly celebration of artistry, culture, and timeless hospitality.
