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Testamonials

Testamonials

We have had some fantastic feedback from our client’s over the last few years, see below for a selection of client experience’s here at Driftwood Float Spa

"So this was one of the weirder ones on the list, but I’m glad I’ve done it. I’ve always been curious about them (float tanks), mostly due to them popping up in Sci-Fi shows such as Fringe, and the idea that they help you reach a different state of mind and can be great for reducing stress and feelings of anxiety. As a brief introduction, an Isolation tank is an enclosed(sealed off) tank filled with salt water so that you can float without effort, like the Dead Sea. The water itself is warmed up to body temperature, so that its difficult to sense/feel that you are submerged in water. The lights are then turned off and you are left to float in complete darkness, leaving only your mind to wander, and it certainly does. So I’ll run through my experience (TL:DR at the bottom). My experience I was initially worried that, the experience wouldn’t be much as I tend to approach new ideas scientifically and assume what will happen or that my brain would go full crazy and I’d just panic and bail. So on impulse I booked a 1 hour spot at Driftwood Float Spa, in Heaton (Newcastle). So when I arrived, Andy welcomed me in offering tea and showed me around the store and showed me to “Bertha”, showed me what to do and what I could expect to happen and left me to it. (Which helped to settle any nervousness) Tank_01 Bertha So I showered, put in the ear plugs (to remove my sense of hearing) and got into the tank. The tank itself was actually quite spacious inside, I didn’t feel claustrophobic even when I was fully stretched out I could barely reach the sides. Though for those who are worried about tight spaces, there was a blue light you could turn on and you can leave the door open. Tank_02 Inside of “Bertha” After a few minutes the lights went out and some therapeutic music was slowly introduced into the background which helped to get me calm. The sensation of floating in an endless space is amazing, like living in Zero G I had the sensation that I was slowly moving along the waters surface and rotating ever so slightly. Though I’m not sure if this is simply down to not having any sensory information to determine my position within the tank or my brain was over-reading any movement that was occurring. About 10 minutes in or so, I started to see a small sparks of light like a distant star, nothing massive but bright enough to see and comprehend. Further in I started to see circles of grey/white, brighter on the shapes edges than within forming at the corner of my eye which flickered a few times and burst/dispersed like… ink into water. Ink in Water An example of the colours. After watching these few a while, I started to notice they were now purple and blue in colour and appearing more frequently, and occasionally I could see flash of lightning blue light, not in circular shapes… more like strips of light. After 30 minutes (though it felt much much longer) the music gradually faded out and I was left in silence, and the colour visions increased in frequency and size as they slowly enveloped my vision (for lack of a better was of describing it). Eventually the bursts of colour became one large circle of dim white/grey light focused within the center of my vision, as if I turned my head of closed my eyes the shapes and bursts remained. The tank also plays with your concept of time, with no information to base the passage of time on what I know had to of been 1 Hour in the tank, felt like much longer, maybe 90 minutes or so. Which is weird as knowing you’ll be in the tank for 60 minutes is the one thing you know for sure before getting in. Either way it was very relaxing and enjoyable. After the hour was up, Moby – Everloving starting playing to announce my experience was over, I slowly adjusted to the lights coming back on and hesitantly left the tank with a cheesy grin on my face and massive pupils. (the eyes went back to normal, the grin hasn’t yet). (Summary) It was surreal, I didn’t expect to see or experience anything like this, I had simply hoped to be able to mentally switch off and just enjoy relaxing, but I got more and I’m very happy I did it. Just the idea of seeing colours and shapes in an absence of sensory information is amazing, it was blissful, for lack of a better way of describing it. Once I managed to shut off my brain I was extremely relaxed and feel much better for the experience. If you’ve ever been curious about trying this out, I fully recommend it. Just make sure you go in with an open mind and willing to except a strange but wonderful experience".
Liam Robinson
26th October 2017
"I have wanted to try this for a while – tried it on Wednesday and had an amazing experience. I have an overactive immune system which and am medicated but am keen to be on the least amount of medication possible by including yoga, meditation and diet changes. After a busy day trip to Edinburgh on Tuesday I was suffering quite a bit with exhaustion and severe pain in my joints. I was open to trying the tank, a little apprehensive but it was all explained throughly and was told to trust the water … I did, and thoroughly relaxed in a way I don’t think I have before. I felt like I was wrapped in cotton wool all the way home, slept deeply and without interruption and when waking on Thursday was not without pain but felt freer and more mobile than I have in a long time. This is definitely a regular hobby I will be keeping up".
Donna Smith
3rd March 2017
"It was the first time I have ever ‘floated’ and I LOVED it! The only place I’d ever seen sensory deprivation stuff before was on an episode of the Simpsons, and in that the tanks were much smaller – they were kind of coffin-sized, which is what I was expecting for this (which I thought might make me feel a little claustrophobic), but the tank was much bigger than I was expecting! For reference, I’m about 5ft 3in, and the tank was chest-height on me, and large enough that I could stretch out completely (full starfish!) when I was lying down in the tank. This was a really nice and unexpected aspect, as I ended up moving around a reasonable amount once in the tank, and I don’t think I would have enjoyed it so much otherwise. After having a quick shower and putting in earplugs (to help lessen noise and stop the salty water from getting into my ears), I got into the tank, closed the doors (they don’t lock, and you can leave them open if you want to), turned off the light inside the tank, and lay down. At first, it was pretty disorienting – I kept having “ahh where’s my body gone!?” moments, and it surprised me how loud my breathing and heartbeat were when all other noise was removed. After stretching out a bit, I was able to settle down and stop moving so much, and noticed immediately that all the tension that I had had in my neck, shoulders, and back had seeped away – the feeling of total weightlessness, while still being cradled/supported, allowed me to relax muscles that I didn’t realise I was tensing – and had probably been tensing for months! Mentally, it allowed me to come the closest to what I imagine meditation is supposed to be like (I have a very buzzy brain), thoughts floated across my mind, but then floated away again with little to no judgement or acknowledgement from me. It was very peaceful, and I can’t wait to make another appointment to go – I would love to take a specific goal (something to think about) or problem with me and see what transpires! One small thing I’ll be doing differently – take a proper shower afterwards! I had only a cursory wash down, but as I dried off, I realised that there was SO MUCH SALT left on my skin and hair, and that I should have showered properly – I looked like I had the worst dandruff for the rest of the day! The staff were lovely – I had a cup of herbal tea afterwards (they have a list of teas to try) and an interesting chat while I got ready to leave. In all, the experience was everything I hoped it would be, and I would (and have been) recommend it to everyone"!
Rosie Calvert
28th March 2017
"I’m in the middle of writing a masters dissertation and had been reading about the benefits of floating to induce deep relaxation and boost energy and creativity! As the stress levels are rising I thought now would be a good time to try this out and was not disappointed! It is as good as people say. What a lovely experience. Free from the usual sensory distractions of our mad world, my mind switched off completely…I can only describe it as that dozy state between awake and sleep …but better somehow… like the deep relaxation of lying in the sun all day on your jollies. It’s a lovely warm, safe feeling when you’re in the water, a bit like an hour-long hug. Don’t quite understand the science yet but it’s definitely something special. Go in with an open mind and you will love it. Guaranteed. I’ve felt extremely relaxed all afternoon and have been enjoying that a bit too much… so the masters work hasn’t quite gone the way I wanted it to… oops! But I have a feeling after a good nights sleep I will be ready to rock tomorrow! All very well explained and looked after by Cinzia throughout. Will defo be going back"!
Emma Williams
20th May 2017
"Just had my first float at Driftwood Float Spa! I had no idea it was possible to be that relaxed. A hugely unique experience. Definitely gonna go again soon! If you want to see what it feels like to be warm and relaxed while floating through infinite space then visit them"!
Peter Banks
11th September 2017
"Ultimate Chill. You could be Anywhere and Nowhere. Float Me again"
Ant Martin
25th September 2017
"Wonderful experience! It was my first float and there is nothing that could have been better. Lee gave me a good walk through, answered all my questions, and really put me at ease. The place is absolutely spotless and I really felt valued. I didn’t realise how much I needed an hour to just switch off from everything and simply be. It was so therapeutic and I’m grateful we have this special spot in our city. Thank you! The only problem is that I didn’t realise I was supposed to bring my own towel until I got home, whoops! So sorry driftwood, I just grabbed one of yours. Next time I’ll know and happily reimburse you if there was a fee for borrowing yours. See you again very soon"!
Kate Cowen
August 4th 2018
"Really enjoyed my float today - was the first time I fell asleep during a float! The facilities are really clean and I like the side entrance to the tank instead of a lid (helped me to feel less claustrophobic). When the music and lights went off I felt like I was back in the womb, I used the headrest and floated away, felt incredible peace and barely any thoughts going through my head (which almost never happens). I feel throughly detoxed and lighter and my skin feels great! Highly recommend it"!
Debbie Stockoe
August 22nd 2019
"My first visit to try the floatation tank didn't go that well - it was nothing to do with the spa at all - I just had quite a bit of discomfort in my neck which meant around half way through I had to get out.

I had a good chat with Andy and the owner who had popped in, they listened to what I had experienced and gave some advice as to why it might have happened. I booked up straight away to go back the following week and try again.

I read up on some advice to ease neck pain and discomfort during a float, apparently it's very common and not something to be concerned about. Andy also sent me some information which was really helpful and just showed how much those running Driftwood care about those using their spa.

For those that need it, putting your hands above your head releases tension in your neck �

I had my second float yesterday and it was a completely different experience! The advice I'd been given worked a treat, I had no discomfort whatsoever. I managed to stay in the entire time and felt really relaxed afterwards. I loved it so much I've booked back for my third float at the end of the month.

All in all, I would certainly recommend Driftwood Float Spa! It's a lovely calm environment and well worth trying".

Jen Prince
June 9th 2018
"Brilliant first experience of the floatation. I was given lots of information and had a nice chat with the guy who served me. The room is very clean and hygienic, and the experience was very relaxing and just what I needed. Would recommend to anyone and look forward to returning".
Jamie McElderry
June 16th 2019
"Left with a smile on my face, it gave me a nice after glow feeling. Very relaxing, it creates an interesting state of consciousness that I'm sure could be useful for alot of things, its like hovering on the boarder between being awake and asleep. Highly recommend to anyone who is interested. It was my first time today, 1 and half hours gives you enough time to really get used to it. Thanks"!
Stephen Fowler
August 6th 2019
"I had my first floating experience last Saturday, and ... can't quite put into words how great it was! I was drawn to floating after suffering from depression and finding a loss of motivation to keep up creative work outside of my job. I was looking for some mental space to be able to switch off, and step away from the day to day, and I have to say - that's exactly what I got. There was a little bit of time spent adjusting to the experience once in the tank, but it became comfortable very quickly, and my thoughts seemed suddenly less pressing. I'd think of things lightly, without dwelling on them, and eventually my imagination began to take over. I remember thinking about the shapes water makes, and the way the ripples swirl like birds flying or snakes winding across sand... and then I woke up! When I got out, it almost felt as if I was putting my body back on again - reconnecting to seeing and feeling, but still with a sense of calm. I also felt like I wanted to draw what I'd been thinking about - so, an absolute success! I felt very relaxed for a few days afterwards, and will definitely be coming back to try again (as well as telling anyone who'll listen!). Thanks again for a brilliant experience"!
Ellie Grasswick
March 28th 2017