In today’s rapidly evolving wellness industry, staying ahead of the curve is essential for business growth and client retention. Wellness centres and spas must constantly innovate, offering unique and effective treatments that meet the growing demand for holistic health experiences. One such innovation that’s gaining significant traction is float therapy. If you haven’t yet considered adding an Ocean float room to your offerings, now might be the perfect time.
Understanding Float Therapy
What is Float Therapy?
Float therapy, also known as sensory deprivation or flotation therapy, involves lying in a specially designed float tank or float room filled with water and Epsom salt. The high concentration of salt allows clients to effortlessly float, creating a sensation of weightlessness. The environment is typically soundproof and dark, eliminating external stimuli and allowing clients to disconnect from the outside world.
The benefits of float therapy are vast and well-documented. It’s known to promote deep relaxation, reduce stress, alleviate pain, enhance creativity, and improve sleep quality. Some even describe it as a fast track to meditation, providing the mental clarity and peace that can often take years of practice to achieve.
At Ocean Float Rooms, we’ve crafted our float rooms with the client’s experience in mind, ensuring that every aspect—from the reassuring space to the room’s acoustics—is optimised for maximum comfort and relaxation.
Why is Float Therapy Popular?
Float therapy has steadily grown in popularity over the last 15 years, becoming a sought-after treatment for wellness enthusiasts. This rise can be attributed to several key factors:
Increased Awareness
With more celebrities and athletes touting the benefits of float therapy, public interest has surged. Professional athletes like Steph Curry, for example, have openly discussed using float therapy for muscle recovery and mental preparation. His endorsement has sparked curiosity among sports enthusiasts and fitness buffs, driving traffic to float centres nationwide.
Clients who try float therapy often become its biggest advocates. Tara Danielson shared her experience of a float at Modern Gravity Float Studio in Canada:
“Absolutely stunning experience as a first-time floater. I wish I didn’t hesitate for so many months. Don’t wait! Go now! It gave me the mental rejuvenation and emotional rebalance I needed. It even relieved my back pain from the last week. I will be back regularly from now on.”
Testimonials like this highlight the life-changing impact that float therapy can have, further fuelling its popularity.
Scientific Backing
As more studies emerge demonstrating the effectiveness of float therapy, particularly in reducing anxiety and stress, its credibility continues to grow. For instance, a study published in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies showed that regular float therapy sessions significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression depression 1. Sharing this kind of data with your clients can help them understand the tangible benefits of float therapy.
These scientific findings are echoed in real-world experiences. A client from Meraki Health in Scotland noted:
“Very friendly and welcoming. The facilities were clean and the float session itself was amazing. Definitely going back. Muscle tension eased. Mental health better. My new favourite type of self-care.”
Holistic Health Trends
As people seek out natural and non-invasive ways to manage their health, float therapy fits perfectly into the broader trend of holistic wellness. It offers a drug-free alternative for managing physical and mental health challenges, making it an attractive option for those looking to enhance their well-being without relying on medications or invasive treatments.
The personal stories of clients also illustrate this trend. One individual from Modern Gravity Float Studio mentioned:
“I had never heard about floating until my massage therapist suggested it to me. Due to physical disabilities, I was a little nervous. With the help of the staff, they set up my first float. What an amazing experience. The first time in two years that I was pain-free. The room is big enough for two people to help get me in and out. The staff and facility are fantastic. I would recommend this experience to anyone.”
This powerful testimonial not only highlights the accessibility of float therapy but also its profound impact on physical well-being.
These testimonials, coupled with scientific evidence and growing public awareness, demonstrate why float therapy continues to gain traction in the wellness industry. As more people experience its benefits firsthand, float therapy is likely to remain a popular and respected wellness treatment.
How an Ocean Float Room Differentiates Your Business
What are the Benefits of Adding an Ocean float room to My Wellness Centre?
Adding an Ocean float room to your wellness centre or spa allows you to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. It offers a unique experience that many clients may not find elsewhere, giving them a compelling reason to choose your services over others.
If you’re a wellness centre that already offers popular services like massages, facials, infra-red saunas, or yoga classes, float therapy can serve as the next-level offering that draws in a new clientele. It’s not just another service—it’s an experience that clients will talk about, share on social media, and recommend to friends.
How Does Float Therapy Enhance Client Satisfaction and Retention?
When clients visit your wellness centre, they’re seeking more than just a service—they’re looking for a holistic experience that meets their physical and emotional needs. Float therapy can play a crucial role in this by complementing your existing treatments and enhancing the overall client experience.
Pairing with Other Therapies
Clients who receive a massage or infra-red sauna before a float session often report enhanced relaxation and deeper relief from muscle tension. This combination can become a signature offering at your spa, encouraging clients to book multiple services in one visit.
Camille Garel, a client at Floating Away, shared her experience after trying this combination:
“My partner and I had an infra-red sauna followed by a float session and it was amazing! Floating is something everyone should try; it is so relaxing and amazing for your body! The double float room was spacious enough, and you have time to adjust before going in full dark mode! You can also switch the lights back on if you prefer, but a total immersion in the dark is amazing! Highly recommend! We will be back!”
Camille’s experience illustrates how pairing treatments can elevate the overall wellness experience, making it memorable and something clients will want to return for.
Bundling Packages
Another effective strategy is to create wellness packages that include float therapy, acupuncture, and other treatments, providing clients with a comprehensive wellness journey. This approach not only enhances their experience but also encourages repeat visits and higher spending. We believe that by integrating float therapy into your services, you’ll not just meet client expectations—you’ll exceed them. Meaning higher satisfaction, stronger client relationships, and ultimately, better retention rates.
Financial Benefits of Adding an Ocean Float Room
Is Adding an Ocean Float Room a Good Investment?
As a business owner, you’re likely weighing the costs and benefits of adding new services. An Ocean float room does require an initial investment, but the long-term profitability it can bring is well worth considering.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Float therapy sessions can command premium prices due to their unique nature and the profound benefits they offer. Depending on your location and clientele, you might charge anywhere from £50 to £100 per session. With effective marketing and client education, it’s not uncommon to see a significant return on your investment within the first year of operation.
Example: The original London Float Center in Clapham Common was the first float centre to introduce float memberships in 2001. They offered 1, 2, and 4 floats monthly, as well as couple memberships. This approach was a huge success, eventually attracting over 200 members who floated in the centre’s four Ocean float rooms up to four times a month. These memberships became the backbone of their business, supplemented by introductory courses and casual floaters, resulting in a highly profitable operation.
How Can an Ocean Float Room Improve Operational Efficiency?
One of the significant advantages of adding an Ocean float room is its operational efficiency. Unlike other wellness services that may require extensive staffing and resources, float therapy is relatively low maintenance.
Minimal Staffing Requirements
Once the client is settled into the float room, the session requires little to no staff intervention, allowing your team to focus on other areas of the business. This efficiency is a hallmark of the Ocean Float Room design, which prioritises ease of use, client independence, and a client-friendly environment.
Ron Kemeny, owner of the original London Float Centre in the UK, shared his experience:
“We offered 32 natural therapy options in our health centre, which was integrated with the float centre. Compared to our other services and therapies, float therapy using the float rooms was a breeze to manage. The rooms were so easy to use and maintain, and the clients, once floating, were 99% of the time totally content. This allowed our staff to focus their attention on the clients for all the other therapies.”
His insight underscores the operational simplicity and efficiency that Ocean float rooms bring to a wellness business.
Low Upkeep
Ocean float rooms are also designed with durability in mind, requiring minimal maintenance over their lifespan. With proper care, these float rooms can be a long-lasting asset to your business, providing consistent revenue with minimal ongoing costs. In 2019, Ocean Float Rooms received a call from the Scottish hair salon, Rainbow Room International, in Glasgow requesting the price of a new float room. Their first float room, installed 25 years ago, was now showing signs of wear. Given its reliability, durability, and profitability over the years, they decided to upgrade to a new float room without hesitation.
This sentiment is echoed by Gina Antioco of Lift Floats in New York. Reflecting on their decision to expand their float centre, she explained:
“Our first centre had two float rooms and two pods, but after weighing the pros and cons, we decided to go with all float rooms for our second centre, which now has four float rooms and no pods. We feel the maintenance of the float rooms is easier, and while a lot of people are reluctant or unwilling to float in a pod, everyone is comfortable in the float room. We are very happy with our Ocean Float Rooms.”
Her experience highlights the practical benefits of choosing float rooms over other floatation options, both in terms of maintenance and client comfort.
Adding an Ocean float room not only enhances your service offerings but also provides a sound financial investment, supported by real-world experiences of its long-term benefits and operational ease.
Can Float Therapy Drive Profitability Through Cross-Promotion?
As established Float therapy doesn’t just stand alone—it’s an excellent way to promote your other services. For instance, you can offer discounts on float sessions to clients who book other treatments, or vice versa. This encourages clients to explore everything your wellness centre has to offer, increasing overall revenue.
Creating a Tranquil and Inviting Space
How Do I Create the Perfect Floating Environment?
Designing the ideal environment for a float room is essential to providing clients with a serene and relaxing experience. Ocean Float Rooms are experts in helping to craft spaces that serve as sanctuaries of peace, free from distractions, and fully optimized for floatation therapy.
Ambiance and Soundproofing
The ambiance of a float room sets the tone for the client’s entire experience. Soft lighting, calming colors, and a dedicated relaxation area where clients can unwind before and after their session are key elements. Ocean Float Rooms offer customizable ambient (starlight) lighting and high-quality soundproofing materials in their float rooms, that enhance the overall experience, ensuring external noises are kept at bay. As one satisfied floater from Modern Gravity in Edmonton, Canada, shared, “The float itself is incredible. Luxury, friendly service, and a very clean, sophisticated, and cool atmosphere. I really loved the spaciousness of the float tank, and the star lights on the ceiling made my float experience even that much better! I truly felt relaxed and serene!”
Spacious and Comfortable Design
Ocean float rooms stand out for their spacious design, providing more room than traditional float tanks. This added space creates a more comfortable and inviting environment, making floatation therapy accessible to a broader audience, including those who may feel apprehensive about enclosed spaces.
Customization and Durability
Ocean Float Rooms also offer a range of customization options, allowing businesses to tailor the experience to their clients’ preferences, from lighting to music control. This level of personalization enhances client satisfaction and increases the likelihood of repeat visits. Additionally, the float rooms are constructed with high-quality materials designed for durability and ease of maintenance. This results in lower maintenance costs and reduced downtime, making it a wise investment for wellness centers.
Proven Track Record
With a proven track record of success in wellness centers worldwide, Ocean float rooms are a reliable choice for any business looking to incorporate floatation therapy into their services. The combination of thoughtful design, customization options, and durable construction ensures an exceptional client experience and a strong return on investment.
How Can I Tackle Concerns People May Have About Floating?
Some first-time floaters may feel uncertain or even anxious about the experience. Addressing these concerns proactively can make a significant difference in their comfort and willingness to try float therapy.
One effective approach is to offer a brief orientation before the first session. This can include explaining the process, what they can expect, and how to make the most of their float. At Ocean Float Rooms, we provide detailed user guides and staff training resources to help you educate your clients effectively, including pre-float instructions.
A great example of this approach working is from Kari-Ann Kuperis, who shared her experience with Modern Gravity Float Studio. She was initially anxious about floating due to her claustrophobia but felt reassured after a tour and some tips from the staff. Kari-Ann explained:
“Just had my first float. I have claustrophobia and was anxious about how it would go, but I stopped by before booking, and the fantastic young woman at the desk gave me a tour and shared some info on how it would work. She had some great suggestions on how to reduce my anxiety, and I’m so glad I went. I feel AWESOME. Already booked another float. HIGHLY recommend.”
This testimonial highlights the importance of taking the time to educate and reassure clients, which can lead to positive experiences and repeat bookings.
Are Testimonials Important for Promoting Float Therapy?
Absolutely. Sharing success stories from clients like Kari-Ann can be a powerful tool in convincing potential clients to try float therapy. These testimonials can help build trust and interest, especially when they come from individuals who were initially hesitant. Additionally, keeping a float diary in the post-float area is another great way for clients to share their positive experiences with other floaters, further promoting the benefits of float therapy.
Conclusion
Adding an Ocean float room to your wellness centre or spa is more than just a business decision—it’s an opportunity to elevate your client offerings, differentiate your business, and drive profitability. By providing a unique and beneficial service like float therapy, you’re not only meeting the evolving demands of the wellness market but also positioning your business for sustained growth.
We invite you to explore this exciting opportunity further. Whether you’re ready to take the plunge or just have a few questions, the team at Ocean Float Rooms are here to help. Reach out to us today to learn more about how an Ocean float room can transform your business and enhance the lives of your clients.
Free guide
Setting up a floatation centre may feel a little daunting. We’ve created a helpful guide to help put you at ease and create a stress-free experience for you.
Refference:
- Jonsson K and Kjellgren A. Promising effects of treatment with floatation-REST (restricted environmental stimulation technique) as an intervention for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): a randomized controlled pilot trial. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. 2016;16:108.
