I have been wanting to try out floatation tanks ever since they came onto the mainstream scene a couple of years ago. So, having not got round to it yet, I was thrilled when Sam Spacey, owner of Wellington’s most specialised floatation centre Float Well (just off Cuba Street), invited me to come along and try out the float experience. I was so intrigued about this whole thing before I went and thought you my lovely readers might be too, so here is my experience of the floating phenomenon at Float Well.

What is a floatation tank?

First things first, you might be wondering, what the heck is a floatation tank?! I have to be honest, it really does seem like quite a bizarre notion on paper! A floatation tank is a human-sized pod of warm salt water that one lies in for an hour or so, with the aim of achieving ultimate relaxation and sensory deprivation. The tank is lightless (optional) and soundproof and you float naked (optional) on top of the water. This lying lifeless in a dark, silent tank deprives you of all your senses and short-term sessions of this are intended to be relaxing, conducive to meditation and are said to have positive effects on the human brain and mind such as anxiety relief and stress reduction. Sounds a little bit bizarre I know, but if you’re anything like me, the strangeness and cool factor will have you wanting to try it!

My experience of floating at Float Well

So what was it really like? First of all, going to Float Well is a lovely experience. Owners Sam and Kevin have taken great care to make sure the space is tranquil, beautiful and informative. You have an hour in the tank but there is also a chill out area where you can sit and relax with a Libertine Blend tea or homemade Kombucha afterwards and try out a Shakti Mat. The four pod rooms are fully equipped with showers and there is a vanity area so you don’t need to worry about what time of the day you come and float, everything you need is there.

And the floating itself? It was really quite cool! I chose to have music playing into the tank to ease me in and out of the session with the majority of the time spent in silence. You can choose which type of music you want to go for, I went for rainforest so ease me into my upcoming trip to Borne. Then, you just pop yourself into the tank and float away. There are changing coloured lights that you can choose to have on, but for the full effect, it is recommended to be in complete darkness, so this is what I did.

float well

float well

Letting go

For the first half hour of my time in the tank, it took me a while to get settled. I felt a bit antsy and worried about spending a whole hour alone in there and wriggled around quite a lot (for that image, you are welcome!). But, after a little time spent in my usual stress head zone, I made an effort to totally relax into it and let go of the experience.

This was absolutely the best thing to do because I spent the final half hour in the tank feeling totally zoned out. I was in that beautiful space of being half asleep and half awake and I just let my thoughts take me away. I didn’t practise any specific meditation but decided to just completely let go. It was amazing and I was feeling so zoned out by the time the music came on at the end that I could totally see why people get hooked on this form of relaxation. It’s like no other!

One of the most strikingly positive effects of floating for me was the way that lying on the water allows all your muscles to completely relax into their natural floating form. As I spend so much time sitting these days, I can find that I get quite a lot of lower back pain. Although massage and yoga are amazing, nothing has allowed the tension in my lower back to melt away quite like the float did.

My experience of floating was really positive, I slept so incredibly well that night and my mood was elevated for the rest of the evening. I definitely want to do it again. Not only because my overall experience was great, but also because now I know what to expect, I know that I will be able to get even more out of it next time.

Quick tips for floating:

I’m no expert but here are a few of my tips for floating should you choose to try it:

  • Let it be, what it will be! – don’t expect too much or too little.
  • Keep an open mind.
  • Have a Luke warm shower beforehand so you don’t feel cold in the tank
  • If you prefer warmer water tell reception beforehand so they can set the temp for you.
  • Don’t have any plans afterwards apart from relaxing and some good food.
  • Drink lots of water
  • Try not to get the salt in your eyes/mouth/nose/ears (earplugs and spray water are provided)
  • Bring your favourite body lotion for afterwards because the salt water can dry the skin.
  • Let go!

If you feel like floating you can find Float Well at Level 1 James Smith Building on the corner of Cuba and Manners (Basically above Rebel Sport). The hours are Mondays 3pm-6pm, Tuesdays-Fridays and Sundays 10am-8pm and Saturdays 8am-8pm

You can find all the booking info and more on their website: Float Well or give them a call on 04 470 7729.

float well

float well

float well

float well

float well

Thanks for reading guys and come back soon.

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For similar things to do in Wellington, you might like to check out the following posts:

Reviewing Grace Massage at Wellington Apothecary

The Yoga Spa Day at Pause Yoga Days Bay

My 5 Favourite Restaurants in Wellington

You can follow me for updates on Instagram @lostinsilverfern Twitter @lostsilverfern and Facebook @lostinsilverfern and subscribe using the form below.Josie x