If you’re looking for a float spa in Edinburgh, look no further than Float Philosophy. Yes, I floated naked in an egg for an hour. And yes, I liked it.
After an incredibly stressful few months at work, I was looking for a way to unwind and reset. And thanks to a gift from my beautiful girlfriend I found a unique way of doing just that.
I had heard of floating before, but there was nothing really that could prepare me for the experience. Ultimately, I spent an hour floating in an egg naked in the dark.
But there is more to it than that. Let me explain.
The float spa concept has been around for a while. However, due to the recent increase in scientific studies and a new understanding of their benefits, they have spiked in popularity.
So to hop on the bandwagon, I tried out the new float spa in Edinburgh, Float Philosophy.
When I shared on Instagram that I had been, only 13% of people had tried it themselves. And many people had questions. So, whilst this might not be the most travel related blog I’ve ever written, let me break down the experience for you.
What Is A Float Spa?
Flotation spas use Epsom-salts in high quantities to create completely buoyant water. In various spas this is experienced in the form of a mini swimming pool, or egg shaped pod.
Float philosophy in Edinburgh uses flotation pods, which look like giant eggs. The water is filtered heavily, and refreshed between each guest.
What Are The Benefits of Floating?
Flotation spas have recently been on the rise due to the scientific research into the benefits. The Epsom-salt water has a number of beneficial properties including nourishing the skin and hair.
The activity of floating is particularly beneficial for athletes looking to revitalise their muscles and stretch out any aches or pains.
And even for those less athletically inclined, its a marvellous way to rejuvenate the mind, switch off and totally relax.
What To Bring To A Float Spa?
Just yourself! (See below re: nakedness)
In your private room you will be provided with:
- Towel
- Ear plugs
- Vaseline to protect any cuts
- A halo headrest (optional)
- Shampoo & conditioner
Where Is Float Philosophy Edinburgh?
There are a few different float spas in Edinburgh now. However the newest (and one that I can highly recommend is Float Philosophy in Roddinglaw).
The location is a little out of town. However, if you have a car it’s worth the drive to experience the beautiful surroundings and peaceful countryside setting.
What Do You Do At A Float Spa?
Okay, let’s get down to it.
Arriving At Float Philosophy Edinburgh
On arrival to Float Philosophy Edinburgh, I was warmly greeted by the owner, Nick. He offered me a glass of water, and invited me to relax in their chill-out area. This is a chance to unwind and prepare for the experience. So (after snapping a few pics for the blog) I put my phone away and enjoyed a few pages of a mindfulness book.
When it was my time for the session, I was guided through to my room.
At first sight the pod was larger than expected. Which put my mind at ease, given that I would be enclosed in there for an hour.
The tanks are built for athletes up to 7 feet, so the majority of people will enjoy a spacious float.
Nick explained how to open and close the pod, and give me some pointers on what to do (and not to do). Avoiding touching your eyes with the incredibly salty water is a must!
After that, he left the room and closed the door.
Pre-Float Confusion
At this point it hit me, I had no idea what I was supposed to wear (or rather not wear) inside the pod. Despite having resisted using my phone in an attempt to fully embrace the sensory detox, I quickly grabbed it back out of my bag and hopped onto Google.
A quick search of “naked flotation pod” confirmed to me that I should indeed leave my swimming costume in my bag for the next hour.
With that confirmed, I hopped in the shower and the pod began to fill up with water.
Once the pod had around 2 feet of water in it (I expected it to be deeper) the music and lights started. That was my cue to get in.
Although there were multiple mentions of using Vasoline to cover any cuts or scrapes, I still wasn’t prepared for the stinging sensation of the salts in tiny cuts and scrapes I didn’t even know I had.
I laydown on my back and instantly began floating. Which I’m ashamed to say still came as a surprise, despite that being the entire point.
The Float.
The next 10 minutes was accompanied by soft, calming music and changing lights inside the pod, to acclimatise you to being inside such a bizarre space. I really enjoyed this part. Although the lights and music meant it wasn’t full sensory deprivation, it was incredibly relaxing and definitely required to ease into what was coming next.
Floating naked in an egg in the dark.
After what I can only assume was 10 minutes, because that’s what I was told it would be, the music and lights faded out and I was left in complete blackness. The sensation was bizarre.
I’ve had a lot of comments asking if the experience was claustrophobic, but the utter darkness was quite the opposite.
Opening my eyes I felt like I could have been floating in space. Because you can’t see any walls or on lights, my spacial awareness was completely useless. It was impossible to tell whether there was a wall 1 cm or 1 mile away from me.
The water temperature of the pod is cooler than expected, and this is intentional. The water is regulated at body temperature so it too becomes almost impossible to feel. It’s hard to tell where your body ends and the water starts.
Panic (again)
A few minutes into the darkness, I did begin to panic. What on earth do I do it for the next 50 minutes? How long had passed? This was definitely too expensive an experience to finish early.
Being left alone with your own thoughts for 50 minutes and absolutely nothing to distract you is quite a terrifying concept.
However, after thinking through what has been happening at work, my friends and family, things I needed to do this week and various other random thoughts, my mind cleared. And I settled into a state of much deeper relaxation.
Sleeping (maybe)
It’s hard to say whether I fell asleep, or was just deeply relaxed, but the next 40 minutes passed in a blur. Before I knew it I felt fairly wide awake again and began to stretch out all my limbs.
I felt entirely weightless, and so it was possible to stretch my spine and limbs in a way I have never before. I can see why flotation pods are particularly appealing to athletes, or people experiencing back or joint pain. It’s like all the benefits of swimming but multiplied by 100.
Whilst I was stretching out, and wondering whether I had been asleep for 5 minutes or 50 (I was concerned that if it was 5, I still had a long way to go given how awake I felt), the lights began to gradually come back on and the music started again.
At this point all fear of how to spend my time vanished, and I just wanted to stay in for as long as I could.
I immediately didn’t want it to be over.
I enjoyed the final 5 minutes of music and lights and when that came to an end, gradually sat up and opened the lid of the pod.
Are Float Spas Worth It?
Despite having written a lengthy blog about the experience, I still struggle to explain it. The float spa was both enlightening, calming and at times a tad stressful.
An hour long float, with time before and after to set up, and have a cup of tea at the end costs £43. There are discounts for bulk buying multiple sessions or even joining as a monthly member.
It is a reasonable investment for something that you may or may not love. However, I would strongly recommend that anyone considering doing so check that out for themselves to truly see what it is all about.
And if you don’t buy it for yourself, I totally recommend it next time you need a last minute gift idea in Edinburgh.
Let me know if you check it out! I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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