Absolutely amazing. John at the front desk was so knowledgable and helpful. Everything in the facility is so thoughtfully designed. The whole center is custom-designed around floating. From start to finish, everything is easily within reach and very thoughtfully designed. There is a separate restroom, so be sure to visit it before you go to your float room.
Inside your private room, you can set down your things and lock the door so you have complete privacy as you get ready for your float. There are motion-sensitive LED lights in the ceiling, so those get turned on, and a custom color selected -- I'm a fan of Prince purple -- and I switch off the overhead fluorescent lights. I put in my earplugs and let the shower warm up as I remove clothing (you can float in a bathing suit if it makes you feel more comfortable, but most people go au naturel). You get in the shower and use the pre-float wash. You want to be totally clean and rinsed with your hair soaking wet before you get in the pod or cabin.
Then you get in the pod or step into the spacious cabin, close the door or lid, and carefully lie down in the water. The water is saturated with hundreds of pounds of Epsom salts so you float like a cork. You can shut off the ambient music or lighting as you like.You can keep the light on for as long as you like, but I always switch it off after a few minutes and relax. Removing the distractions of light and sound allows me to relax into a deeply soothing meditative journey. You float on your back in utter, weightless bliss for 90 minutes until the gentle voice tells you that your float session is over. At that time, you get up, open the door or lid, and carefully step into your shower to turn it on and shower (be very careful to not get the Epsom salts water into your eyes). Post-float, you can use shampoo and conditioner. After you towel off and get dressed, you can go down the hall to use the hairdryer if needed, or use the restroom. They even provide some complementary Briogeo hair products to try out, and spray deodorant if you need it.
I started floating when I heard Tim Ferriss recommend it on one of his podcasts as part of his meditation practice. Previously I had been scared of "sensory deprivation tanks" -- I quite like my senses and I certainly didn't want to be deprived of them. The term "sensory deprivation" does not do floating justice. The pod or cabins here are spacious and beautifully appointed. The whole experience feels luxurious and provides deep relaxation. I am claustrophobic and cannot use the antiquated "float tanks", but the pods and cabins are just perfect.
I wish I had tried floating decades ago, because it is seriously the best thing ever for relaxation, stress relief, and relieving pain. The facility at Samana is luxurious and a wonderful, soothing experience.
I have had a daily meditation practice for about 18 years, and the type of high-quality meditation experience that I am able to attain in a float tank is something that I am only able to otherwise attain a few times per year during regular meditation. Floating replenishes our body's magnesium by absorbing some of the Epsom salts in the water through the skin, which is great because most Americans are deficient in magnesium. Floating is so great to repair body and mind and attain deep relaxation.
I have floated before at several other locations, but I've never had an experience this fantastic. I am so impressed and will definitely be back. Thanks again for such a great experience. read more