A lodging establishment is providing "solitary pleasure capsules" for individual use. Let me explain the reason behind this trend.
Around a third of American families live alone, marking a historic high. This trend is even more prevalent in Europe, with nearly half of Danish households being occupied by solitary individuals.
People are postponing marriage and having fewer children. Only 37% of American adults aged 25-49 are married with kids, a significant drop from 67% in 1970.
Searches for solo travel have seen a surge post-Covid, and Millennials and Gen Z are spearheading a boom in solo dining, with more individuals eating out alone than ever before.
Making a leap from being a pastime for couples, the concept of a romantic getaway or a sultry weekend getaway for one has gained traction.
In recognition of Sexual Health Awareness Month this September, the Walker Hotel Tribeca in New York has introduced a "Solo Delight" package, primarily for the newly single.
Guests are encouraged to utilize their stay to rediscover their personal sensuality.
This, however, isn't about heartbreaking masturbation in cramped, windowless cubicles in capsule hotels. Rather, it's an elevated experience featuring luxury add-ons to the existing rooms in this chic downtown Manhattan boutique hotel.
The perks include a Recess adaptogenic drink, touted for reducing stress and boosting energy; adaptogens being a major trend in 2024's alcohol-free beverage market.
There are also exotic scented oils, premium soaps from Faberlune skincare, and a personal growth journal from Grow Into. A collection of self-love focused meditations from Cacit Welness awaits guests, alongside a complimentary sauna pass to The Othership in the Flatiron district.
Lastly, an egg-shaped personal massager from sexual wellness brand Maude is included, hinting that this package is geared towards female consumers.
The wellness wave
Women are, indeed, driving the growth of the global wellness industry, with the $1.8 trillion US market being the largest in the world.
In heterosexual relationships, women initiate approximately 70% of divorces in the US.
Due to factors such as longer life expectancy for women and men remarrying after divorce or widowhood, women largely make up the demographic of single-person households.
A stay in the Self-Love Pods at Walker Tribeca costs a hefty $350, not including dinner expenses. However, given that adults without children account for 90% of Hotels.com's hotel searches for September, these affordably priced rooms are attracting many.
Despite the financial burden, single Americans disproportionately bear the cost of what is colloquially known as the "single tax," paying more for rent, mortgages, and household bills.
Single travelers also incur additional expenses, such as the "single supplement" price increase when booking flights and cruises.
A recent breakup can leave your heart and wallet battered, with most Americans spending up to $20,000 on their divorce.
The health advantages of "me time"
Whether your self-discovery journey begins in the sophisticated surroundings of a downtown hotel or in the simple comfort of your own bedroom, the Walker Tribeca is onto something with the numerous physical and mental benefits of a little intimate "me time."
Orgasms can alleviate stress, boost your mood, help you sleep better, ease menstrual cramps, and even strengthen your immune system.
They're beneficial for cardiac health and lower the risk of prostate cancer in men. A 2004 study published in the British Medical Journal found that men with 21 or more orgasms a month had a lower risk of prostate cancer than those with 4-7 orgasms a month.
For women in midlife, sexual activity becomes increasingly crucial. A 2020 study by University College London discovered that women who engaged in sexual activity weekly or monthly (solo or not) were less likely to enter early menopause.
Masturbation is the safest form of sexual activity, being free of risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
A century ago, in 1929, English writer Virginia Woolf suggested that "A Room of One's Own" was essential for women to express themselves freely.
If obtaining quiet solitude to be oneself means booking a "Solo Delight" room in Tribeca, then by all means, seize the opportunity, ladies.
The surge in solo travel post-Covid has led many to explore dining alone, with more individuals embracing this practice than ever before. After a breakup, some individuals might opt for a solo getaway to recharge and find solace.
With the rise of the global wellness industry, numerous hotels, like the Walker Tribeca, are offering packages specifically designed for solo travelers, recognizing the physical and mental benefits of "me time."
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