Reservations: 757-229-1022
Williamsburg Salt Spa offers the ultimate relaxation experience by having you float in tanks of silky, skin temperature water, which have been saturated with the purest quality salt. For maximum comfort, our tanks are located in private rooms with a shower. Floating is a perfectly calming experience having no contact points, no movement, no postural muscle action. You will be fully supported, and will expend no physical energy to maintain your position in the water. The tank can be closed to take advantage of the full experience, or it can be left open for your comfort.The water is kept at a constant temperature of 94.5 degrees, which feels warm at first, but soon becomes almost imperceptible. The line between the air and the water becomes blurred. For your protection, the water in the float tank is completely filtered 5 times through a high-tech filtration system following each float session. The cleaning process includes 1 micron filtration, Germicidal UV lamps, and an Advanced Oxidation Process, making the water more sanitary than any swimming pool or hot tub. To schedule an appointment please call at: 757.229.1022
We have dissolved 900lbs of Epsom salt in 11 inches of water in each of our salt tanks!
Williamsburg Salt Spa offers the ultimate relaxation experience by having you float in tanks of silky, skin temperature water, which have been saturated with the purest quality salt. For maximum comfort, our tanks are located in private rooms with a shower.
Floating is a perfectly calming experience having no contact points, no movement, no postural muscle action. You will be fully supported, and will expend no physical energy to maintain your position in the water. The tank can be closed to take advantage of the full experience, or it can be left open for your comfort. The water is kept at a constant temperature of 94.5 degrees, which feels warm at first, but soon becomes almost imperceptible. The line between the air and the water becomes blurred.
For your protection, the water in the float tank is completely filtered 5 times through a high-tech filtration system following each float session. The cleaning process includes 1 micron filtration, Germicidal UV lamps, and an Advanced Oxidation Process, making the water more sanitary than any swimming pool or hot tub.
Research indicates increased visual acuity, improved tactile perception, improved auditory sensitivity, and increased taste sensitivities after floating.
Arthritis, back pain, neck pain, tendinitis, bursitis, inflammation, and psychosomatic pain relief have all been documented via tank use.
The tank suppresses the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system which when active produces our fight or flight response. And it then activates the parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for relaxation, healing, replenishment, etc. Some physical symptoms of the relaxation response are decreased muscle tension, decreased blood pressure, decreased stress hormones, and increased endorphins.
Immune function is enhanced by suppressing stress hormones which not only weaken the immune system but also suppress the digestion and reproductive systems, affect regeneration processes, and decrease insulin sensitivity.
Floating increases circulation to extremities, promotes greater elimination of metabolic by products, decreases the forces of gravity to help promote greater muscular relaxation, and it can prevent adrenal fatigue.
Floating decreases chronic muscle tension and creates greater awareness of less noticeable areas of muscle tension and imbalances.
Although floating is not zero-gravity (like outer space), the density of the Salt solution does create the maximal amount of the forces of gravity to be dispersed across the greatest surface area of the body. Rigid postures and chronic muscular tension from daily life can cause ailments such as lower-back pain, neck pain, shallow breathing, high blood pressure, etc. The anti-gravity environment of the float tank disperses forces to the smallest amount and thus decreases the source of gravity-related stimulation to the minimum possible value providing relief to these specific areas.
Regular floating can alter the set-points in the endocrine homeostatic mechanism which can cause adjustments such as a lower adrenal activation threshold. This means that we become more resistant to the stimuli of chronic stressors bombarding us in modern urban settings and modern lifestyles and literally we have a physiological higher threshold. The modern urban life-style wont affect our stress response as much.
Meditation has a plethora of researched benefits and floating is a unique and phenomenal tool to cultivate mental stillness. It often generates a sensation of being intensely awake yet extremely relaxed; presence. It can induce theta-state brainwaves and allows for one to remain conscious in this frequency instead of falling asleep. Floating may induce an altered state of consciousness.
The tanks environment eliminates as much external input as possible. It lets your nervous system have a break. In a city with a constant buzz or hum, our systems rarely experience (if ever) the isolation and silence that the tanks environment provides. Having this experience can be very refreshing, nourishing and healthy for our bodies and minds. We are well adapted for acute stress, however, for chronic stressors such as noise and air pollution; business, social, and family pressures; war; unemployment; street crime fear; general antagonism between the sexes; we are not well adapted and have been cited to be a cause of several forms of disease.
Floating is a great way to bring greater awareness to various patterns of behavior. Floating has shown to have beneficial effects such as decreased anxiety and depression; increased calmness or sense of well-being; it has shown fantastic results towards anti-smoking assistance as well as positive effects on weight-loss programs.
After settling into the floating experience research has shown greater hemisphere synchronization (promoting greater communication between the right (creative-side) and left (analytical-side) lobes; the majority of people are left-dominated. Also, people experience increased vertical communication between the primitive reptilian brain, the limbic middle or mammalian brain and the conscious neocortex. These synchronizing reactions can cause elevated states of creativity, greater non-linear connections, and deeper realizations.
The combination of being extremely relaxed while intensely awake allows techniques of visualization to become very powerful. From athletes preparing for competition to public speakers rehearsing a presentation, the tank can induce the calm needed to perform at ones best. Mental rehearsal research has shown it to be just as practical as physical rehearsal.
Some of us are known as introverts while others are extroverts. Introverts who float can gain a feeling of safety and security, they often enjoy the break from constant stimulation in which they are usually hypersensitive to. No person or thing will disturb you while in the tank. Extroverts can develop greater internal sensitivity from floating, typically they are always seeking extra stimulation and paradoxically through depriving the senses the nervous systems response is to (turn up the volume) to try and feel more. Since minimal input is coming in they are able to develop greater sensitivity to their internal reality and over time they may not feel the need to be constantly stimulated; i.e. it may heighten their (dulled) senses, and wont need to be constantly stimulated.
From managing chronic stress and inducing a natural calm, to facilitating introspection and identifying various less-serving modes of thinking, many people report drastically improved sleeping abilities. The change in your physical state and your mental outlook may provide you with a healthier perspective in which to put your body and mind to rest much easier each night if sleeping is an issue. Also, 90 minutes in the tank can feel like 6-8 hours of sleep. It is extremely therapeutic, refreshing and rejuvenating. So if you pulled an all-nighter, suffer from insomnia or have a baby who never lets you sleep the night through, floating can help make up for any lack of sleep you may experiencing.
The history of floatation begins in early 50s. In neurophysiology, there had been an open question about what keeps the brain going and the origin of its energy sources. One hypothesis was that the energy sources are biological and internal and do not depend upon the outside environment. It was argued that if all stimuli are cut off to the brain then the brain would go to sleep. John C. Lilly, a medical practitioner and neuropsychiatrist, decided to test this hypothesis and, with this in mind, created an environment which isolated an individual from external stimulation. From here, he studied the origin of consciousness and its relation to the brain. The first isolation tank (float tank)was built in 1954 in the US National Institute of Mental Health . After 10 years of experimentation without taking any psychoactive substances, he tried floating in combination with a psychedelic agent. He found that floating alone, without taking any substances, was a much better experience because of non-disturbed consciousness. Floating remained exclusively in the laboratory setting, until 1972, when Lilly partnered up with Glenn and Lee Perry. The first commercial float tank was developed a year later.
Peter Suedfeld and Roderick Borrie of the University of British Columbia began experimenting on the therapeutic benefits of isolation tanks in the late 1970s. They named their technique "Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy" (REST). The 80’s truly became a decade of growth for floatation. The research was continued by testing the float tank’s effect on anything from physical recovery to stress relief to smoking cessation to susceptibility to hypnosis. The new chapter for the float tank industry began again in the early 2000's offering the highest technology float tanks promoting the utmost relaxing spa experience.
# float session |
|
1 session | $59.00 |
5 sessions | $225.00 |
10 sessions | $400.00 |
Body Renewal Cycle Includes:
HEAT UP | Infrared Sauna | 30 Minutes
COOL DOWN | Shower | 3-5 Minutes
RELAX |Float Tank | 60 Minutes
COOL DOWN | Shower | 3-5 Minutes
REBALANCE | Salt Cave | 45 Minutes
$119.00
Special includes a Salt Spa water bottle with electrolyte
and aromatherapy nose ring ( while supplies last).
Special must be used by one person.
***
Session in the Infrared Salt Sauna for two Guests:
1 session: $45
Enjoy two services in one visit!
30-minute Infrared Salt Sauna
$20
when you book any other service.
Package must be used in one visit by one recipient.
Enjoy two services in one visit!
45 minute Salt Therapy session followed by a 60-minute Float Tank session
$79
Package must be used in one visit by one recipient.
Enjoy two services in one visit!
45 minute Salt Therapy session
$20
when you book a 60 or 90-minute massage
Package must be used in one visit by one recipient.
45-minute Swedish massage inside the Salt Cave
$160*
*Monday-Friday only
6-month MEMBERSHIP
Temporarily unavailable
Single membership: One Adult/ Senior: $80/month
Couples membership: Two Adults/ Seniors: $150/month
Benefits of having 6-month membership:
8 Salt Therapy sessions/month Mon-Fri ONLY*
10% off any purchase in our gift shop**
10% off single massage in our Massage Rooms.
$25 for Infrared Sauna session.
$45 for a Float Tank session.
$17.50 for a Salt Therapy session for friends and family.
Monthly specials for members only.
*Subject to availability
**Cannot be combined with any other specials
Visit us at the spa to sign up for this special offer!!!
General rules:
Membership is not transferable to another person, picture ID could be required.
Booking depends on availability. Membership includes Adult Group Salt Therapy sessions Mon- Fri only,
excluding massages in the Salt Cave and children Salt therapy sessions (12 and under).
Unused sessions expire by the end of the month.
Appointments:
Member is required to give Williamsburg Salt Spa 24 hours notice for any appointment which can't be kept. Otherwise, one of the 8 sessions can be redeemed.
Cancellation:
If a member decides to cancel the contract before the end of the membership period, a $150.00 cancellation fee per member will apply to the credit card.
Current capacity: 6 people (12 years old and up) per session
| # session | per person | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 session | $25.00 | |||
| 5 sessions | $115.00 | |||
| 10 sessions | $200.00 |
| 45-minute private session (up to 8 people) starting 7/1/21 | $160 |
| 45-minute Swedish massage inside the Salt Cave* | $160 |
| 45-minute Swedish massage inside the Salt Cave- couple* | $260 |
* Restrictions may apply
| 60 min | 90 min | |
| Swedish massage | $90.00 | $120.00 |
| Deep tissue massage | $100.00 | $140.00 |
| Prenatal massage | $100.00 | $140.00 |
| Hot Salt Rocks add on | $15 | $15 |
| 30 min | |
| Foot Reflexology | $55.00 |
| Foot Reflexology add on | $45.00 |
PACKAGES
PACKAGE HAS TO BE USED BY ONE PERSON ONLY
| 60 min | 90 min | |
| 5 Swedish massages | $360.00/$72 | $500.00/$100 |
| 5 Deep tissue massages | $400.00/$80 | $575.00/$115 |
| 5 Hot Salt Rocks add on | $50/$10 | $50/$10 |
| 45-minute Swedish massage inside the Salt Cave | $160 |
| 45-minute Swedish massage inside the Salt Cave- couple* | $260 |
1 session | $35 |
5 sessions | $125 |
10 sessions | $200 |
Packages of 5 sessions are for the recipient only and cannot be shared.
Come to Williamsburg Salt Spa with an open and positive state-of-mind. Most importantly…relax. The tank will enhance that experience if you arrive relaxed; the experience will be more beneficial to you. There are a few additional things to consider:
Floating is an experience of ultimate peace and relaxation in which you spend one-hour in a private, specialized pod, filled with ten inches of highly-saturated salt water. This causes you to float completely and effortlessly atop the water, experiencing near zero-gravity.
There are no typical isolation tank users. People of all ages and walks of life enjoy the experience equally. Floating can be done by nearly anyone from stressed-out managers, overworked moms, athletes, to most individuals just wanting to escape from everyday life to experience a state of complete physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. We do, however, highly recommend that if you suffer from any medical conditions (clinically-diagnosed depression or others) that you consult your primary care physician prior to floating. For guests from ages 13-18 we require parental presence, or written permission. Due to the comfort of all our guests, all of our float sessions are quiet sessions so we don't offer them to young children.
People who say they are afraid to use the tank because they are claustrophobic probably assume that they will be confined to an enclosed space. Our float pods are spacious (8ft long and 5ft wide), allowing one to put his/her arms over their head, out to the sides, and sit up in the pod if necessary. Although many choose to float in complete darkness, inside lighting is available and at the control of the floater. You can also use the tank with the door open if you wish. You are in control of the situation, and can get in and out whenever you want. Use the floating experience in a way that is comfortable for you.
Yes. We do, however, recommend that pregnant women avoid floating during the first trimester. If you have any concerns about the effects of floating on your pregnancy, consult your physician and get permission from them before you float. It is interesting that pregnant women probably get more relief from floating than most people. The extra weight carried by the mother-to-be can be very stressful, due to the forces of gravity. Floating eliminates the negative effects of gravity which can cause joint pain, inflammation, and stress on the organs, as well as on the unborn baby.
For your protection, the water in the float tank is completely filtered 5 times through a high-tech filtration system after each float session. The cleaning process includes 1 micron filtration, Germicidal UV lamps, and an Advanced Oxidation Process, making the water more sanitary than a swimming pool or hot tub.
Our floatation tank sessions last 60 minutes. You will have a few extra minutes to take a quick shower before and after your session.
We will not allow you to float if you have any of the following conditions:
If you have long hair, you may want to bring a comb. Also, something in which to put your contact lenses while you are in the tank. Other than that, we provide everything you need (towels, earplugs, body wash/shampoo).
Yes. It is impossible not to float in the tank. Eight hundred pounds of salt dissolved in the water makes the solution so much denser than your body, that your body is pushed to the surface like a cork. Your face is out of the solution and your ears are underwater. So no matter your weight or height, you will float on your back like a cork.
All the ways are right. Each person should find whatever position is comfortable for them. Some people float with their hands at their sides, some with their hands folded across their chest or abdomen, or even behind their heads. You can keep your head at either end or sit up if you like. You may float with the door open or closed. Float the way which is comfortable for you and explore this unique experience.
It is such an individual experience. Not only will it be different for you than it is for anyone else, it will be different each time. The most common reports are profound peace and relaxation, deep concentration, and renewed creativity.
No. It is safe to sleep in the tank. In fact, many people safely fall asleep in the tank as a result of being so relaxed. Even those who say they never sleep on their backs in bed, do so very easily in the tank. People may think it is unsafe due to the fear of rolling over, but because of the solutions density, it is very difficult to turn over. If this were ever to happen the salinity of the water would irritate the eyes and nose, immediately waking the floater.
Yes. The tank is designed not to be airtight, so there is a plentiful supply of air. In addition, here is a vent across the rear of the tank for plenty of air.
No. This is a matter of individual preference. Some people prefer morning, some prefer evening. The best way to find out, is to experiment by using the tank at different times of the day.
The floatation pod is only filled with 11 inches of water and has such a high-density of salt that any individual, big or small, will float like a cork on top of the water. Many people even restfully sleep while in the floatation pod.
Yes. Many people enjoy savoring peace and relaxation before having to do something hectic or tedious. However, some first-time floaters may experience a “detox effect” as a result of the detoxification power of the salts. Take note: The detox effect can leave one feeling fatigued, so first-time floaters should plan their day accordingly.
While you can float every day without harm, we find that the relaxing effects of a one-hour float typically lasts beyond that day. For best results, we recommend regular sessions, and many clients find that floating once or twice a week provides the most benefits.
You will feel neither hot nor cold. The self-monitoring, homeostatic tank, continuously regulates the temperature of the water to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the temperature of the surface of the skin, creating a feeling of truly floating in the air.
Floating has been around for over 40 years and has countless published research to back it up. The first float tank was developed in 1954. These involved full submersion in water, and a breathing device which completely covered the face. The first “lay down” commercial tanks were invented in the early 70s.
No, they can't. Floating in the tank is intended to be a private, individual experience. We have two tanks so you can reserve the session at the same time, but you will be in different rooms.
Since it is a private experience, most people don't wear anything. Anything you wear will press against your body, becoming a distraction. In this regard, imagine it to be similar to getting into your bathtub.
Yes, you need to shower before and after you float. We have a private shower in each tank room for your comfort and convenience. Shampoo, soap, and conditioner are also provided.
Yes. The floatation tanks are in private rooms with a shower in the same room.
Yes, if you choose, but it won't keep your hair dry. It would have to be too tight around your head to keep your hair dry.
The salt solution is beneficial to the skin. The solution will leave your skin silky smooth, and not dry it out. The high salt content of the water means that the water will not draw the salt from your skin and cause wrinkles, like a long bath does. Salt has been used for centuries as a medicinal treatment for various skin conditions, including in the ancient Roman Empire. It is non-toxic and is not harmful if swallowed.
While there is no guarantee that the salt won’t strip color from your hair, we recommend that you check if the water running through your hair in the shower at home is fully clear. If there is still some color coming out, you should wait a couple more days/showers.
While a Band-Aid will come off in the water, a liquid bandage would be acceptable. However, it is not recommended that you float if you have an open, bleeding wound, in the process of healing.
Follow the swimming pool guidelines.
No, but it can be a little uncomfortable. So keep your hair pushed back and your hands away from your eyes to avoid it. We provide a spray bottle with clean water on the side of the tanks, so you can always clean your eyes during your float session if necessary.
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