Six Years of Float Therapy: Reflections from the Float Room

Revival Floatation Centre, an idea I had one day, is now six years old. Just like that. Time flys.

I’d like to start with a huge thank you to every single person who has supported the business in any way. We’ve had more than 3,000 people through the doors since opening, and a substantial percentage of that is down to word of mouth. When you share your experience or leave a review, you’re also keeping this independent company alive and pushing it forward. We’ve acquired over 250 five-star reviews across different platforms and almost filled up two guest books with absolutely beautiful comments. Thank you.

I can see how floating for an hour in body temperature salt water with zero stimulation is a bit of a strange concept - like something out of an 80s sci-fi movie - so I especially appreciate everyone who has trusted us for their first few float sessions. I still remember how amazing my first few floats were, so guiding people towards having a similar experience has been an absolute pleasure.

We’ve had people snoring so loud they don’t hear the music at the end of their session. Not long after opening in 2019, someone told me they were on all fours in the tank, splashing water all over themselves. I’ve had people say they travelled to different dimensions. One person with a freshly shaved head got into the water and instantly got out again (ouch). Someone once asked if they could bring a snorkel and float face down.

My favourite part of this job is noticing the difference in people before and after their float session. Some people turn up clearly battling anxiety - uncomfortable in their own skin, like startled animals. Others are obviously overworked, under-rested or in real physical pain. A priority of mine has always been creating a comfortable, safe and relaxed environment that feels welcoming and familiar. I’ve always wanted Revival to be a little sanctuary of calm, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the world.

Once I’ve explained how everything works, where things are if they need them, and made sure they feel reassured, I leave them to go on their own journey. A float session is a very personal and private experience. To see them exit the float room an hour or so later with an altogether calmer, less contracted energy is amazing. Floating offers the kind of deep rest the body and mind are often craving.

It can be difficult to articulate how you feel afterwards. Sometimes it brings things to the surface - thoughts, emotions, memories - that have been buried for years. Regaining access to these can be very emotional. Even without saying a word, I can often tell something has shifted. People are lighter, more present, more in tune with their true selves. When everything else is stripped away, what you're left with is just you. And it’s easy to lose sight of yourself when you spend most of your days distracted, performing or prioritising the needs of others.

Over the past six years, I’ve met and gotten to know so many different kinds of people. Most of the time, you don’t know who’s going to turn up at the door. Everyone has a unique story. I don’t like to pry, but if someone’s happy to share, I’m happy to listen. One thing I’ve learned - and it’s stuck with me - is that you really have no idea what people have been through, or what they’re currently going through. There’s almost always a reason for how someone behaves. When you realise that people are subconsciously reacting to their environment based on past experiences and patterns, it changes how you see the world. To some extent, people can’t help but do what they do, moment to moment.

There’s a wide range of reasons why people book a float. Some are treating chronic pain or recovering from injury. Some want relief from the constant mental load. Some are simply curious about what it’s like to experience… nothing. Stillness. What’s that even like?

I often describe it as a feeling that everything else is on pause. It’s a stable, consistent environment where things get a chance to be still. Nothing is going to change so you don’t need to brace yourself or react. In a society that constantly seeks our attention, to be able to disconnect and release the pressure valve for a while is a hugely valuable thing. It has been for me. I’d love everyone to experience it at least once. That said, the real magic usually starts happening during the second, third and fourth floats.

People often ask how often I float. I’d say I’ve settled into once a week or once a fortnight. Even after around 600+ hours in the tank (I wish I’d kept a log), each float session is still unique. How you're sleeping, what you’ve been eating, how stressed you are, what time of day it is - all of these affect what the experience gives you. The environment stays the same - what you bring into it shapes what you get out. I still have the occasional session where I’m too restless to settle. It happens. You just need to listen to what your body is telling you. Forcing relaxation never works. Getting frustrated doesn’t help - you just forgive yourself and try again next time.

I recently had a period of a month or two where I didn’t float - just because I was too busy and didn’t set the time aside. Getting back into it reminded me why I do what I do.

I won’t go into the process of starting up the company right now - we’ll save that for another time. But if you’re interested, here’s how my own float journey began. My first session was at The Lazy Frog in Swansea. It was a surprise birthday present and I didn’t know what I was doing until we arrived. I’d heard about floatation before and was curious, but assumed it was some weird treatment reserved for Hollywood types.

I signed a waiver, popped in the earplugs, had a quick shower, and got in. I was excited to see what would happen, but mostly I was looking forward to letting go and diving into some much-needed deep relaxation.

The first time you lie back and let the warm water take your full weight is something special. It’s like being gently lifted, but with no pressure points - just an even, upward force holding you from underneath. I’d been tolerating some lower back pain at the time, and it wasn’t long before I could feel my spine begin to loosen and my muscles start to let go. Having a really good stretch in zero gravity is blissful.

Gravity keeps us grounded - literally - but it’s also behind so many of our aches and postural problems. These days, bad posture must be one of the biggest culprits… Did you just sit up a little straighter? Me too.

I remember being in awe of the darkness and silence. I thought I knew what silence was, until then. If you live in a built-up area, there’s always some kind of background noise - traffic in the distance, the hum of electronics, muffled voices from neighbours, trees swaying, birds, insects. But this… this was like someone had hit mute on the entire world.

It takes a bit of getting used to, but if you stay with it, you discover there’s peace in the stillness. A calmness in the consistency. As time goes on, your muscles relax more deeply. Your heartbeat slows. Sometimes you can’t even tell whether you’re asleep or not. There’s a sweet spot where your body is deeply relaxed, but you’re still awake. The thoughts in your mind begin to slow, and your imagination is free to wander. You’re not quite dreaming - but you’re drifting.

The first hour seemed to go by quickly (which is something a lot of people say), but when I came out, it felt like I’d just taken off a heavy weighted vest I didn’t realise I’d been wearing. I loved it. I wanted more. And the story unfolded.

Once again, thank you to everyone who has supported Revival up to this point.

Onwards and upwards.

See you soon,

Dan

Owner, Revival Floatation Centre