Vessel Floats is a new mindfulness-oriented spa in Brooklyn, New York, that offers sensory deprivation and float therapy.

Located in Brooklyn, New York, Vessel Floats is a new mindfulness-oriented spa that offers sensory deprivation and float therapy—a contact-free experience where guests can relax entirely alone. It’s also the only sensory deprivation and float therapy studio where you can participate in a sound bath while in the tank, as well as choose from a selection of audio journeys, including guided meditations. The practice of floating offers an array of benefits, from alleviating stress to enhancing one’s meditation practice. To learn more about Vessel Floats’ COVID-19 safety precautions, click here.

The spa has luxurious walk-in float tanks that provide guests with a spacious area to enjoy their session in, and each sound and light-proof float tank is filled with 1.5 tons of saltwater that has been heated to 93.5 degrees (the human body’s default temperature) so that a person’s body becomes one with the water. Before entering the tanks, guests can choose a dose of an adaptogen-based tincture (dream, euphoria, soma, or viridem) to amplify their desired intention in the tank. There is also a a membership program to encourage guests’ consistency and help them build their wellness routine.

We chatted with Christian Redding, Founder of Vessel Floats, who took us behind the scenes of his unique spa and shared about its special amenities, how to enhance your sensory deprivation experience, and more.

Prior to their session, guests are served a pre-float "dose," which is an adaptogen-based tincture served in herbal tea to enhance their desired experience.

Why You’ll Love It: Guests really seem to love discovering floating for the first time. It's an incredibly unique, new experience that is hard to come by in many people's lifetimes. Additionally, I think guests really pick up on every detail that we put so much thought into throughout our design process. It's really rewarding to see that spark of joy when they discover something new.

Key Features: First and foremost: the tanks themselves. Vessel is home to four walk-in, room-like float tanks all with 7.5-foot ceilings—much different than the pods or coffins many might be used to seeing—so guests don't need to worry about feeling claustrophobic. Every tank is equipped with underwater speakers, a star ceiling, and underwater lights that guests can control with buttons. Each tank is attached to a private shower suite, which is finished in floor-to-ceiling, cleaved black slate tile, heated floors, and a rain showerhead.

Additionally, before and after their float, guests can relax in our lounge, which is wrapped entirely in glass on two sides with custom banquettes and Bensen lounge chairs.

The hallway leading to the flotation tanks.

Snacks Served: All sessions include a pre-float "dose," which is an adaptogen-based tincture served in herbal tea to enhance the guest's desired experience. You can choose from tincture options like "dream" to enhance a dream state in the tank, or "euphoria" to incite feelings of joy.

After your float session, we serve another complimentary beverage to wind down, or as we like to call it: getting reacquainted with reality. Our drink list includes coffee, espresso, teas by Bellocq Tea Atelier, and our house-made Reverberations (mocktails). The "Dark Waters" drink (basil, kava, charcoal, lemonade) is definitely my favorite.

Bonus: Guests get to take home all the products used throughout their time with us, including Vessel branded socks, and our bath and body regimen by Le Labo.

Insider’s Tip: Definitely book the last session of the night (8:30 p.m.) with a group of friends. Having so many tanks allows us the chance to host little gatherings of close friends. Sharing a big pot of tea and ceremonial cacao is a great, relaxing way to spend an evening together.

Rooms include private showers where guests can rinse off before and after their sessions.

Unique Treatment: To my knowledge, we're the only sensory deprivation and float therapy studio where you can actually participate in a sound bath while in the tank. We worked with a local sound bath practitioner to mix recordings of his performances, specifically attuned to underwater speakers. It adds a whole new layer to meditation and self-reflection.

Each float tank features 7.5’ ceilings, is filled with 1.5 tons of saltwater, heated to 93.5 degrees, and is sound and light proof to allow total elimination of external stimuli.

Splurge Treatment: We don't have anything in additional price add-ons to qualify your typical "splurge" per se, but extending the duration of your time in the tank is a great way to practice additional self-care. A typical session is 60 minutes, but I personally like to float for two hours in the tank when I'm able to. It feels like such an indulgent experience, I definitely recommend trying it out.

The spa also offers original in-tank sound baths and guided meditations to keep you company and help you relax during your flotation session.

Insider’s Favorite: I'm all about the sensory deprivation experience (devoid of all light and sound in the tank), also known as the purist's approach. It's helped me so much with dealing with anxiety, excessive screen time, and provides a safe space to truly enjoy and focus on alone time.

The sensory deprivation experience offers many benefits including relaxation, improved sleep, decreased anxiety, and more.

Featured Products: Le Labo provides our full bath and body regimen (that you get to take home!) Our drink menus offer local, Brooklyn-based brands: Anima Mundi Apothecary, Bellocq Tea Atelier, and Porto Rico Importing.

For more information and to inquire about their membership program, visit the website and follow them on Instagram: @vesselfloats

[Images courtesy of Vessel Floats]