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Spa Floatation Pool

This relatively new therapy is a unique and pleasant way of enjoying a deep state of relaxation in a primal element, while letting stress and health complaints float away.

Floating for an hour in a tank of salty water in darkness and silence may sound strange, scary or just plain boring, but many who use a flotation tank say it can give them feelings of deep relaxation - even euphoria. `The induced state of relaxation prompts the body to release "happy hormones" called endorphins,' says Tim Strudwick, owner of Floatworks in south London. `But floating is more than achieving a natural high. It can help relieve everything from anxiety, depression and stress-related ailments to rheumatism and sporting injuries.'

The water used in flotation tanks contains huge amounts of salts, approx. 2.5 tonnes, which make it as buoyant as the Dead Sea, allowing you to float effortlessly and feel completely weightless. It's impossible to sink and, as soon as your body registers this, your muscles begin to relax and tension just oozes away. Not being able to see or hear anything has a similar effect on the mind. The experience is heightened by the environment in the tank, where the air is warm and the water is kept at skin temperature (34.5'C) so that after a while, you are barely aware of your physical body. You drift into a meditative state and, as an abundance of research has shown, this can boost the immune system and optimize self-healing. Studies have also shown that this relaxed mental state - which is also induced in hypnotherapy - makes the mind more open to suggestion.

As well as keeping you buoyant, the salts in the water are also renowned for their detoxifying effects, helping to draw out toxic waste from the muscles, organs and circulatory system.

The Athenaeum Spa has a float room, the only one of its kind in the Mediterranean, instead of a capsules, to reduce any possible claustrophobic feelings. You may be asked if you'd like to choose some music, or you my bring along a favourite CD.
After a shower you simply lie back in the water and relax. You're advised to float naked, as part of the sensory deprivation concept, but you can wear a swimsuit if you wish. For the same reason, it's best to float with the light off, but again this is optional.
At the beginning of the session, you may be played some soothing music to help you relax. Focusing on your breathing, mentally repeating a word such as `love' or `peace', or imagining you are lying in a beautiful and tranquil place, such as a beach or field of flowers, can also help. The music will then fade and you'll be left, for about an hour, either in total silence or watching or listening to your chosen tape. At the end of the session, which may be signaled by more music, it's a good idea to rinse the salt off under the shower.

The float room at the Athenaeum can accommodate up to four people. You may find a float with your loved one extremely intimate and enriching. Equally you may decide to look at the light hearted side of things and indulge in a fun float party with a group of your friends.

People's experiences while in the tank, and after a session, vary enormously from person to person - and from float to float. On first entering the tank you may feel a bit nervous, but this will usually pass quickly. Most people say they feel warm and safe, and the experience has been likened to being in the womb. If you feel at all claustrophobic you can switch on the light. After a while in the tank, you are likely to enter a dream-like state, when thoughts and images drift in and out of your mind. Some people have profound spiritual experiences, while others recall long-forgotten people and events.

Immediately afterwards, you are likely to feel relaxed, energized, more focused and possibly euphoric. Any aches, pains and stiffness will probably have eased. These benefits can last for days. There can also be a release of suppressed emotions, following a divorce or bereavement, for example. This may be very cathartic and could leave you feeling better able to cope.