Immerse yourself in relaxation at Zen Float Spa
Words Nicky Adams Photos Salina Galvan
The first time I tried “medicinal” floating was in Israel in the Dead Sea. It wasn’t a hit, as I had open blisters on my feet – which, it turns out, do not mix well with concentrated salt water (ouch!). My second experience took place in a floatation pool, where I realised that effortless (and painless) floating could well be the key to ultimate relaxation.
So when I discovered Tauranga’s Zen Float Spa, I knew I had to get in on the local action.
It’s the go-to for our local elite athletes, from Sarah Hirini and the Black Ferns Sevens team to All Blacks Sam Cane and Brad Weber. Professional sports players are familiar with the benefits of floating for muscle recovery and are aware that magnesium in this quantity (500kg per spa) is incredibly good for easing aches and pains; they are also tuned into the wellness and mindfulness aspects of floating.
Zen Float Spa has been open for three-and-a-half years and is run by owner/operators Reece and Nicole Fleming, based at their home in the Mount. A family business, Reece runs the back office, with Nicole the warm and welcoming face of the business. Clients cover the spectrum of chemotherapy patients looking for pain relief, people needing to destress, and those simply seeking an hour of pure relaxation.
I like to be prepared, so packed everything from towel to toiletries. However, at Zen, everything is provided, right down to ear plugs – in fact, all I needed, Nicole told me, was an open mind. This extends to the dress code; I quickly realised that wearing togs, while a preference for some, for me would feel a bit like jumping into the bath while clothed.
Nicole gave me a thorough rundown of what to expect, explaining how the sensory side of the treatment is vital. The water in the float pod is set to body temperature so you can’t feel where your body starts and ends. The experience is based around sensory deprivation; as you float in healing Epsom salts, gravity-free and in absolute darkness, the weight quite literally drops from you, both physically and mentally. As your body drifts, it absorbs these incredible minerals in the fastest, most efficient way – through your skin’s surface.
Any concerns over hygiene were allayed, as Nicole explained that after each client, the pod undergoes a 15-minute cleansing and filtration cycle. In addition, every visitor is required to shower before floating.
Another question I had was whether I should shut the pod – I can tell you now, if anyone was going to get stuck in one, fumbling to get out, it would be me. It turns out that I had nothing to worry about – if I didn’t feel comfortable, I could prop the pod open, but if I wanted to close it, the lid reopens with ease.
Fully briefed, I was left to my treatment. The water was warm (I was worried I might be cold, as I like my showers white-hot), and I placed a foam halo behind my neck for extra support. I opted to close the lid, and lay back to the sound of the low, melodic background music, in darkness so absolute that I couldn’t tell if my eyes were open or closed.
Sure enough, I floated with ease – initially I didn’t know what to do with my arms, as they felt heavy by my side, so I lifted them above my head like a starfish. Once I found my happy place, I simply drifted – conscious, as the music faded away, that the only sounds were my own breathing and heartbeat.
It is no exaggeration to say that this is, indeed, the epitome of “unplugged”. I felt relaxed but, at the same time, totally in control.
When my float experience ended, I easily found my way out of the pod and, to my surprise, my skin felt silky.
Floating really is an individual experience, and one that I feel everyone will take something unique from. I took bliss – oh, and two pots of calming Magnesium Balm from the Zen Float Spa product range.