I Tried It! Float Spa

First, what even IS float therapy?

In float therapy, you literally float in a tank of salt water to experience sensory deprivation in an effort to calm both your body and mind. John Gianetti, owner of Paradise Float Spa in Eastport (which is where I had my float experience) says, “One hour in a float spa, which allows you to float quietly in a tank and fully relax, has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health.”

What happens when you get there?

I was taken to my very own float room, with a sign that said “Welcome, Lynne!”, which was a nice touch.  The float room is like a nice sized bathroom with a changing area and a shower, where I got undressed, rinsed off and headed into the float tank, which is behind a door in the room. 

WAIT. You did this naked?

Yep. It is suggested that you float with nothing on as wearing anything else would weigh you down. You can wear a bathing suit if that makes you feel more comfortable.

What was the floating experience like? What do you DO in there for an hour?

The float tank at Paradise is like a large sauna, 7.5′ tall, 7.5′ long, and 5.5′ wide, and I didn’t feel claustrophobic at all. Relaxing music was playing over the speakers, and I put in my ear plugs in, laid back, and floated. I chose to keep the stars on the ceiling illuminated, and once the music stopped, I felt so calm. It is hard for me to completely clear my head of all thoughts, but I thought up soothing song lyrics in my head, and whenever my to-do list tried to intrude, I let it go and came back to being present. I don’t think that I fell asleep (some people do), but I was really in a Zen-like state. After an hour, the music came back on to signal that my float was ending, and I rinsed off, got dressed, and had tea in the lounge. I went home relaxed and calm, a feeling that lasted the rest of the day. 

Would you do it again?

I think floating is a really unique experience that I found very relaxing and satisfying, and I think people should try it. I would absolutely do it again! 

Here are some local float spas:

Float Annapolis, Annapolis, https://www.floatannapolis.com/

Paradise Float Spa, Annapolis, https://paradisefloatspa.com/

Red Lotus Float Spa, Hanover, https://www.redlotusfloat.com/