Yue Float invited me to their wellness centre in Wandsworth, to take a dip in their flotation pod. Having never floated in a pod before, I was so excited to see what it was all about. A giant bath tub, that looked like an open mouth, inviting me in to relax; who wouldn’t want to dive step carefully in?
A quick (and blurry!) salty snap before I got out of the pod!
I arrived at Yue Float and to be honest, I didn’t really know what to expect. I guess I thought it would be like having a lovely bath that cocooned you and held you in place; I genuinely had no idea that it was going to be like floating on the Dead Sea and the salt water was going to allow me to feel weightless!
As the pod was filling up, I had a quick rinse and washed off my make-up and body lotion. This is essential to do because Yue Float has a filtration system that cleans and then recycles the pod water and Epsom salts; allowing Yue Float to be thoughtful towards the environment by saving water, rather than letting it go down the drain each time!
Once the pod was ready for me, a gentle music played and soft lighting illuminated the pod for five minutes, before total darkness. This gave me time to turn the room lights off and slowly submerge my naked self into the tub, pulling the lid down as I lay down. I couldn’t believe that I was floating; I was certain that my rotund bottom was going to pull my body down, leaving me resting on the bottom of a giant bathtub! But nope, once I stretched out, my body was held and buoyant, floating on the water; I felt weightless.
The pod, as it began to fill with water.
After five minutes, the pod went silent, except for the echo of water slapping against the side of the pod, as I moved around, getting to know the space. And then it was just me, in a giant pod, floating on very salty water! I was surprised how quickly I relaxed and just allowed my body to float. I’m not the best at shutting off and meditating, but I love being in water, so floating was ideal for me as it put me in a calm space, that was warm and relaxing, plus, it prevented me from reaching for my phone! The pod allowed me to just be alone with my thoughts, to be calm and just chill out.
I did’t fall asleep, but I did calm my hectic mind and managed to just lie there for over half an hour. After about forty minutes though, I did become a little restless and started to move around. I just wanted to see what it was like to create gentle waves and bob about, as if I was on the ocean (but without the fear of sharks below me!). It was fun! I also wanted to see if I could float on my tummy, which I obviously could, but I wasn’t a huge fan of the salt in my eyes! Fortunately, there’s a fresh water spray that relieves the sting.
After almost an hour, the soft lights once again illuminate the pod and the gentle music slowly brings you back to the room, if you have floated away! This is your cue that your session is over and it’s time to get up. I wish I had an alarm clock that could wake me like this each morning! After showering and dressing, I experienced a Dyson hair dryer for the first time; I want one! It took me a while to get my stuff together and leave as I truly was relaxed and calm.
Soft lighting, to guide you to the pod.
So Why Float?
Flotation therapy has been around for a while now, but the recent awareness for the need for more mindfulness and meditation has brought flotation into the forefront of wellness therapy. The warm water in the pod and the added Epsom salts are not only stress reducing and relaxing, but they can also help reduce muscle pain and swelling. It is also said that Epsom salts aid digestion, improves circulation and can help to lower blood pressure, plus the pod water feels super silky on your skin.
In a busy city like London, it’s a welcome retreat to take an hour for yourself in a Yue Float pod. As Christmas draws near and the congested streets build up stress, floating just might be the answer to calm the mind.
Why Yue Float?
500 kilos of Epsom salts and 1000 litres of water per pod are used. This is filtered, cleaned and re-used, so there is less water going down the drain.
With plenty of time between your float and the next person’s booking, you don’t feel rushed at all.
Only five months old, Yue Float is sparkling clean and tidy.
I am grateful to the friendly gentleman on reception, Mike, who answered all my questions as he showed me around Yue Float and explained how the pod worked.
Yue Float offer four wellness treatments; float pod, a sauna, light treatment and a massage chair.
“…the float, sauna, light & massage treatments we offer are designed for you to pause, take some time out and be mindful of what is important to you. everything from the style to the sounds have been carefully designed and chosen to create this sanctuary of serenity…” Yue Float
What Would Make My Experience Even Better?
I didn’t realise that I could connect my iPod or iPhone so that my music could play in the pod! I’ll definitely do this next time.
A large lined basket would be useful to place your possessions in, so that you don’t have to pile them on the floor. My clothes got a bit of salt on them from the floor, as I didn’t hang them up behind the door. I’l know for next time!
I got to try the the massage chair too and it was awesome, even if it did make me look like I was on a mission to Mars!
Find Out More:
How Much? 60 minutes for £50. Call for deals and multi-buy promotions.
Currently, Yue Float are offering 20% off with code NEIGHBOUR20 until the 19th November.
Website – https://yuefloat.com
Instagram – @yuefloat
Address: Yue Float, Unit A Trafalgar House, Juniper Drive, London, SW18 1GY
Contact: hey@yuefloat.com
Have you been in a flotation pod before? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below 👇.
*Health Advice: If you have any concerns, it is advisable to consult with your doctor prior to floating in a pod.
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