Editor's Diaries: My World Sleep Day Experience at Westin Manila

Sleep is something I’ve been working on lately. As simple as it sounds, a good night’s rest is sometimes elusive for the modern-day adult, what with countless distractions like smartphones, busy lifestyles, and a busy mind.

Truth be told, I’m the type of person who really makes it a point to be in bed by 11 p.m. at the latest, to guarantee that I’ll be able to function at my best the next day. This doesn’t happen all the time, though, as my day-to-day schedule varies a lot. When I end up getting less than eight hours of quality ZZZs, I have to rely on power naps and a matcha latte (I quit coffee four years ago) to function well. I just know I had a good night's sleep when I feel amazing as soon as I wake up. Ever feel that way? 

Photo by Ketut Sibuyanto on Pexels  But since I am a big believer in good quality sleep and don’t want to rely on quick fixes, I am always up for a good lesson on how to make sleep better. Just recently, I interviewed some of our favorite wellness experts about their best sleep tips, and this is what they had to say.

I was invited to experience World Sleep Day at the Westin Manila last March 14, an establishment that truly values its customers’ well-being. I, along with a makeup artist friend, had been having a pretty busy and packed schedule, so the invite was a welcome break for both of us. Staycation? Count us in!

Apart from their Heavenly Sleep exhibit on the ground floor of the hotel, a lineup of relaxing activities was in store. Keep scrolling to check out how our overnight stay went and what I learned in the process!

Photo: Kate Paras-Santiago

Time to check in!

Early that afternoon, we checked into a room on the 25th floor overlooking the Ortigas neighborhood. The room was spacious and had enough daylight to help with regulating my circadian rhythm. I am aware that proper sunlight exposure throughout the day, and tapering off harsh lighting at night is important for the body's circadian rhythm to function properly, prompting a good bedtime sleep time and wake-up time.
Photo: Westin Manila

The Heavenly Bed

The Westin Manila’s commitment to your well-being includes providing the ultimate comfort so you can look forward to the rest of your day. All 303 rooms and suites are furnished with the Westin Next Generation Heavenly® Bed developed in partnership with leading sleep experts while incorporating guest feedback and the latest in sleep science to deliver a refreshed design and enhanced features. Many guests and travelers from all over the world have attested to the comfort and support of the iconic Heavenly Bed, comparing it to sleeping on a cloud. It is specially made for a luxurious and restorative sleep, with superior construction and a plush, pillow-top mattress made from high-quality materials. The bed also has a quilted top that adds an extra layer of comfort.

I can attest to the "heavenly" feeling of this bed—you do not feel any movement from your bedmate at all! For someone who gets interrupted from sleep easily, this is such a godsend!

In-room dining for a late lunch 

Soon after, it was time to have a late lunch. We decided to sample several dishes from their In-Room Dining Menu and their Vegan, Vegetarian, and Pescatarian Menu—something unique to Westin, and something they're truly proud of. Rather than having to opt for bland "healthy" food, Westin prides itself in serving nutritious yet delicious meals like Cauliflower Inasal (a MUST-try) and Squash Hummus—light yet filling and full of plant-based flavor!

Photos and layout: Kate Paras-Santiago

After our hearty meal, we decided to take a stroll around the hotel's vicinity, acting like tourists in our own country! The breeze was good—it was not that hot, and the wind was just right for walking around and taking in the sights. Westin Manila is just a stone's throw away from the major malls in Ortigas, so we were also able to squeeze in some quick essentials shopping.

The Primavera experience at Cantabria by Chele Gonzalez

At around 6 p.m., we went to the hotel to freshen up and prepare for a special dinner. We were in store for a mouthwatering Primavera menu at Cantabria by Chele Gonzalez at the hotel's top floor. This menu runs until March 31, 2025 only, so hurry! Chef Chele Gonzalez is known for his amazing ability to meld contrasting flavors well, but in Cantabria, the restaurant named after his hometown in the Northern Coast of Spain, seafood is the star of the show!

After the 5-course dinner, we went for another walk on the hotel's ground floor, where there was an open space facing Ortigas Avenue. The weather was nice, and so was the ambiance. It was a perfect place to pause and chat about life and realize how fortunate it is to get a day to rest. In a day and age where everything seems like a rush, slowing down and pausing amidst a bustling city is a real luxury.

The Westin at night | Photo: Kate Paras-SantiagoThe Ortigas neighborhood at sunset | Photo: Kate Paras-Santiago

The Westin wind-down

The night was young, but we knew we wanted to focus on winding down and getting in the mood for good sleep. Our room was already prepared for bedtime, with the hotel's signature Sleep Well Lavender Balm, the Sleep Infusion Tea, and a bedside meditation guide. But first things first—we headed to the hotel's Heavenly Spa to try their hour-long full body massage that helped ease tension from the past busy week. For those who get hungry before bed, they also offer light meals from their Sleep Well Menu just before you hit the sack, such as the Baked Barramundi dish—light, nutritious, and full of flavor! 

Photo and layout: Kate Paras-SantiagoBaked Barramundi & Greens | Photo: Kate Paras-Santiago

The Sleep Well Menu

Choose a lighter meal ahead of bedtime and rest easy with nourishment from the Sleep Well Menu, which is packed with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that promote sleep and recovery. This selection of superfoods can help ease you into a good night’s sleep, so you can naturally adjust to a new time zone, recover from a hectic day of travel, or prepare for an active day ahead.

Sleep Well Lavender Balm

Room amenities include Westin’s signature Sleep Well Lavender Balm, which is infused with calming essential oils of lavender and chamomile. You can apply it to your temples and wrists to help you unwind naturally and drift off to dreamland.

Sleep Infusion Tea

Sip, relax, and drift into deep rest. The hotel’s Sleep Well selection also includes Sleep Infusion Tea, which is designed to soothe your nights and help you wind down for sleep. 

Meditation Guide

The best days start with good nights. Meditation can help you sleep well and have a restorative night's rest. The hotel created an in-room Meditation Guide that you can follow to calm the mind and body and help you wind down at the end of the day.

Photo: Kate Paras-Santiago

Good night, sleep tight, good morning!

The next day was a Saturday, so I was energized for a full day of activities. I had plans with my family, so I was glad to have been able to fuel up on rest, good food, and a workout before heading out. After an hour at the gym, I tried their In-Room breakfast dining options, which included a Tofu Scramble and delicious Vegan Pancakes! We love our Filipino silog breakfasts, but from time to time, it's good to try lighter, meat-free options as well. Safe to say it was one of the yummiest breakfasts I've had in a long while! 

Photos and layout: Kate Paras-SantiagoI believe that a good morning routine sets us up for success for the day ahead. Personally, I like to have my quiet time in the morning, doing some form of movement, stretching, getting some sun, and eating a hearty breakfast. This way, my mind and body are nourished and ready to face the day's challenges. 

Wellness Tips the Westin Way

In addition to their wellness initiatives, the hotel recently introduced their “Wellness Tip in a Minute” video series, which offers practical tips to help improve your well-being and that of those around you. Each video is short and easy to watch, so you can focus on valuable insights on how you can sleep, eat, move, feel, work, and play well. For tips on better sleep quality, guests can watch the episode with Dr. Jimmy V. Chang, Vice President of the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine. The episode is accessible via https://qrco.de/SleepTips.

Whether you're already a sleep pro or someone who's trying to improve your routine, these tiny, little details and practices help a great deal. Winding down with aromatherapy, meditation, a light meal, massages, and a good bed are key to a good night's sleep. Let's make sure every single day is #WorldSleepDay!

Visit www.westinmanilahotel.com to know more about the hotel and book the best available rates. For inquiries and other reservations, contact +632 8256 2020 or westinmanila@westin.com, or follow @westinmanilahotel on Facebook and Instagram for updates and announcements.