Floating Spa
Experience Ultimate Relaxation
Stress Free Center is the first dedicated float spa in Gozo. We have brought our expertise and knowledge of the benefits of flotation therapy to our spa so that you can enjoy everything this unique therapy has to offer. From relief from the stresses of everyday life to the improved creativity and athletic performance that flotation therapy can provide, Stress Free Center is happy to bring this unique experience to Gozo.
Once you’ve decided you would like to experience the immense benefits of floating, we will welcome you to our spa with our two float rooms and spacious float cabins. You'll feel weightless floating in a pod with skin-temperature water filled with nearly 500 kg of Epsom salt, removing all outside distractions.
We provide everything you need before and after your float so that you will be able to relax and leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Everyone deserves to feel great in the body, feel healthy in mind, and nourish your soul with a wide range of therapies and massages that would suit your needs.
Relax Float
60min Float Sessions
€55
De-stress with a float for peace and quiet
Kindly Pre-book 24 hrs in advance
Float Packages
For some people getting the full benefits of floating takes multiple sessions. We offer packages at a great discount for first-timers!
Please note that these sessions are not transferable.
60min Packages
3 x 60min - €148 "10% OFF"
1 month expiry
6 x 60min - €280 "15% OFF"
6 months expiry
10 x 60min - €440 "20% OFF"
12 months expiry
Bliss Out Float
90min Float Sessions
€85
Let go of ALL Stress with this total relaxation break
Kindly Pre-book 24 hrs in advance
Float Packages
For some people getting the full benefits of floating takes multiple sessions. We offer packages at a great discount for first-timers!
Please note that these sessions are not transferable.
90min Packages
3 x 90min - €229 "10% OFF"
1 month expiry
6 x 90min - €433 "15% OFF"
6 months expiry
10 x 90min - €680 "20% OFF"
12 months expiry
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Benefits of Floating
Floating is next-level wellness. Our spacious float suites give you genuine time and space completely for yourself with no external stress coming your way. Clinical tests have proven time and again that floating results in a unique and powerful combination of benefits like none other.
The benefits of floatation therapy are plentiful and can differ from person to person or session to session depending on the circumstances of the individual at the time of the float. Some experienced floaters say that each and every float is unique. Below are the benefits that one may gain from floating on a regular cadence. Floating is great for reducing stress. Epsom salts are great for relaxing the body and aching muscles. Read on below!
BODY
▲ Improves muscle performance & recovery
▲ Increases immune function
▲ Regulates blood pressure
▽ Relieves pain & inflammation
▽ Significantly reduces skeletal/joint pressure
▽ Reduces effects of fatigue
MIND
▲ Raises serotonin (mood regulation and much more)
▽ Calms acute stress
▽ Reduces long-term anxiety
▽ Lowers cortisol (the stress hormone)
▽ Eases depression
▽ Reduces power and frequency of panic attacks
SPIRIT
▲ Induces ultra-deep theta wave brain relaxation
▲ Supports deeper & more restorative sleep
▲ Resets Circadian Rhythm (Jet Lag Relief)
▲ Boosts Awareness & Mindfulness
▲ Sets the ideal internal stage for creativity
▽ Removes all external distractions & stresses
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO FLOATING
On the day of your float: Avoid shaving, try not to consume any caffeine 4-5 hours prior, and we’d recommend eating a snack about an hour or two before your float. Arrive at least 15 mins before your float to receive your pre-float orientation. All you have to bring is yourself, positive vibes, and an open mind. Each room is fully private, and you go into the tanks nude, so there’s no need to bring a bathing suit. We provide everything you will need during your visit. We’ll get you all checked in, give you a quick tour, and walk you through the whole process. We’ll give you some helpful tips, answer any questions you may have, and make sure you’re super comfortable before your session.
Before You Float
After using the restroom, remove your contacts and make-up if needed, put in your earplugs, and then take a thorough shower. When you’re ready, dry your face, turn off the room lights if you’d like, and carefully enter the float tank. Slowly lie back, find a comfortable position, and allow your mind and body to relax effortlessly.
During Your Float
Once you’ve settled into a comfortable position, center yourself and breathe easily. As you begin to relax, we recommend a simple body scan from head to toe to check for any tension from your muscles. This can be an interesting process, kind of like a self-diagnostic. Be kind and patient with yourself (It is common to feel the tension in your neck/shoulder region - floating with your hands above your head may naturally provide more neck and shoulder support). When your time’s up, music will fade in, easing you out of your float. Turn on the lights and carefully exit the tank when you’re ready. Shower again to rinse off the saltwater, get dressed, and bask in your post-float glow.
After Your Float
After your session, your mind and body will feel relaxed and refreshed due to the weightlessness and isolation from the outside world. Feel free to unwind on the couch with some water or complimentary tea before continuing your day. We recommend taking a few minutes at least to sit, reflect, and simply notice how you feel.
If you’d like to chat about your experience or have any questions for us afterwards we’re always here for you. We may be able to provide some helpful tips for your next float.
Also, keep in mind that your experience isn’t over after your session. Many of our guests report feelings of clarity as well as pain & stress relief for days afterward. A consistent float practice has tremendous health benefits.
Float Therapy for Anxiety & Stress Relief
Regular float sessions are a holistic way to release stress and anxiety. For example, REST, or Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy, offers decreased sensory input to your nervous system as you float weightlessly in 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt. Floating tank therapy, along with the minimization of movement and speech, allows your mind and body to recalibrate and lower all sensory signals (also known as sensory deprivation).
To illustrate, those who enter a saltwater spa to lower stress and anxiety have experienced added benefits, like reductions in muscle tension, physical pain, and depression. Moreover, those with Generalized Anxiety Disorder have also experienced the positive effects – when coupled with existing treatment.
You can even practice Dr. Herbert Benson’s relaxation response method for further relief, which is essentially the opposite of the fight-or-flight response. In fact, you can utilize this therapeutic relaxation response tool, along with others, while inside your float tank.
In addition, those practicing float therapy for anxiety- and stress-related reasons exit feeling increased positive changes. These include:
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Relaxation and serenity.
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Happiness.
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Overall well-being.
How to Handle Float Tank Anxiety
Although floatation therapy for anxiety may be the underlying purpose for many visitors, floatation may trigger anxiety – especially if you are prone to unease in new situations. However, at The Stress Free Center, our goal is to ensure you reap the comprehensive benefits of our saltwater therapy sessions, including a customized experience that caters to your needs.
Stress & Anxiety Management
If you do not work to relieve stress and anxiety over time, you may acquire chronic health conditions. In fact, those who do not work toward reducing stress and lowering anxiety levels may experience higher risks of:
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Raised blood pressure.
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Diabetes.
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Heart disease.
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Panic disorders.
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Depression.
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Weakened immune systems.
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Cognitive problems.
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Weight fluctuations.
By integrating floatation therapy into your wellness routine – along with other practices and treatments, like meditation, yoga, and psychological therapy – you may be able to mitigate your stress levels, as well as experience the long-lasting benefits of saltwater float therapy and sensory deprivation. Allow this safe, natural remedy to recalibrate your mind and body – when you need it most.
Float Therapy for Arthritis & Chronic Pain
Floating and Inflammation
Floatation therapy has been regularly shown to reduce inflammation. It is thought that sensory deprivation leads to several physiological improvements that contribute to this, and in turn, reduce arthritis pain and chronic pain generally.
Restricted environmental stimulation such as an isolation tank offers, enables the body and mind to switch off from stress, instead focusing energy reserves on recovery – blood pressure decreases, blood flow increases and muscle tension decreases.
Indeed, such deep relaxation is usually achievable that brain waves have even been shown to slow to the ‘Theta State’, during which the body activates healing processes usually only found during sleep.
These various processes usually achieve a reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, and muscle pain, and are a completely natural remedy - simply enabling your body to work on healing itself free from worldly distractions.
Epsom Salt
Float therapy is extremely beneficial for those with arthritis because of the anti-inflammatory properties of Epsom salt. The salt, which is rich in magnesium, is thought to penetrate the skin and help to reduce inflammation in the body.
Magnesium is often deficient due to modern diets, yet is essential for joint repair, and its natural anti–inflammatory–balanced levels reduce pain associated with arthritis, as well as help with pain relief for joints.
Float therapy also has a positive impact on overall well-being, which is essential for those with arthritis who are looking for ways to manage their condition. This therapy can help to improve mood, reduce muscle tension, and increase flexibility and range of motion.
FLOATING THERAPY FOR FIBROMYALGIA
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that affects the muscles, joints, and soft tissue. It’s very painful and affects just about every aspect of daily living.
Our clients with fibromyalgia state that they’ve often tried just about every therapy and any alternative solution they’ve come across before finding floating. Some are reluctant to think that simply floating for one hour would have any impact on their symptoms at all, however, we’ve seen life-changing instances of pain relief and healing!
There are several reasons float therapy is extremely helpful to those with fibromyalgia. An hour of float therapy combines stress and anxiety relief with better quality sleep, significant pain relief, relaxed muscles, and a boost of magnesium.
Benefits of float tanks for fibromyalgia
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Relief of stress
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Alleviation of depression and anxiety
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Promotion of better, more restful sleep
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Pain relief
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Relief of muscle tightness
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Corrects magnesium deficiency
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Performance improvements
True Stories
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'It was like stepping into a warmth that was hard to describe. I felt held, secure, safe, enveloped, and surrounded by this wonderful water that was so good to feel against my painful body. I had immediate pain relief and no breakthrough pain for 17 hours after my first float.'
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'Flotation has made my life considerably better. I feel that it’s easier for me to take each day as it comes, which means that life gets easier. I feel much more positive and happy, and many of my friends confirm that.'
FLOATING THERAPY FOR ATHLETES
Benefits for Athletes
Physical Benefits
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Healing: When faced with injury, many athletes turn to float to help them recover more quickly and return to the game. Researchers believe the high concentration of Epsom salt in a float tank plays a part in helping the body more quickly recover after injury.
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Pain relief: As any longtime runner can tell you, most athletes deal with injury throughout their lives—and even after they’ve hung up the football helmet or tennis racket. Floating, according to many athletes and everyday floaters, gives an instant and immediate release from chronic pain and lingering injury.
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Better sleep: Floating helps improve the quality of sleep, which can be crucial leading up to highly competitive athletic events.
Mental Benefits
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Stress relief: Like in most professions, athletes perform better when they are not plagued by stress! While performing under pressure is unavoidable for most athletes, floating provides a much-needed escape and enhanced sense of relaxation.
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Increased focus & concentration: The meditative-like state of floating may deserve all the credit for providing athletes a boost of focus and concentration. Studies have found that basketball players threw more free throws and archers performed better after floating, indicating a higher level of mental focus during competition.
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Positive visualization: In their detailed document on floating, the Australian Institute of Sports utilizes floating to help promote positive visualization and mental rehearsal during training sessions.
FLOATING THERAPY PREGNANCY
Benefits for Pregnant Women
The weightless relaxation offered by float therapy can help expectant mothers reduce tension from all parts of the body. The benefits of Epsom salt soaking are vast and can range from decreased pain to less inflammation (swelling) of the feet and other parts of the body. And, our saltwater float tanks are rich in magnesium, a mineral supplement commonly prescribed to pregnant women, which can easily be absorbed through the skin.
Take a load off at Float, where we welcome expectant moms into our zero gravity float tanks. With the help of a pool noodle, we can safely coach you on how to flip onto your stomach while floating, which, in the final months of your third trimester can entirely remove the weight of your baby from your body.
Additionally, pregnant women report that float pod therapy can also help you experience a deeper connection with your unborn child. Also referred to as the Mirror Effect, the float tank itself is very womblike, and when paired with the ability to listen to both your own heartbeat and your baby’s heartbeat, can provide a unique and special baby-bonding experience.
Visiting Float Spas After Giving Birth
As a new mom, your floatation journey does not have to end when you give birth. Instead, allow regular float sessions to help you adjust to motherhood. Setting aside time for a saltwater spa can help you:
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Decrease postpartum depression.
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Enjoy much-needed rest.
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Increase self-love.
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Quicken bodily healing.
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Absorb magnesium, which is beneficial to breastfeeding.
There are various Epsom salt benefits for new moms. In fact, soaking in a sitz bath comprised of Epsom salt can help relieve itching, irritation, hemorrhoids, constipation, and minor pain surrounding the perineum after childbirth. However, we recommend speaking with your OBGYN to find out when it is safe for you to enter a full float tank again – especially since our float pods, orbs, and cabins contain 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt that permeate through your entire body. Remember that every birth experience and healing process is different, so it is best to consult with your physician, which will allow you to float with care, as well as peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Phew! No need to plan as we provide everything you'll need. The only thing you really need to bring with you is yourself. Ladies might want to grab some makeup essentials and favorite hair styling products; otherwise, we take care of the fresh towels, sulfate-free bath products, earplugs, ambiance, and some gourmet tea. We even have a powder room with a hair drier and flat iron, hair styling products, and some little necessities to re-enter the world and catch that Happy Hour!
Q: DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING TO PREPARE?
A few tips. Try avoiding caffeine or having a heavy meal 1-2 hrs before your session, as both can inhibit your body's ability to relax. It is also best not to shave or wax right beforehand because the Epsom salt might sting a bit. Staying well hydrated before and after the float helps promote deeper detoxification.
Q: WHAT IF I’M CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
Not to worry - we have "first-timers" every day, and most of them express varying degrees of claustrophobia concerns. We take all the extra time and care explaining the process and showing different modifications to ensure everybody feels empowered and in control when they step into the pod.
For example - our tanks and suites are just about the only ones in town that don't ever automatically turn lights or music OFF. When your session starts, you have beautiful lights and meditative music ON, and they stay on until you manually turn them off using the buttons inside the tank. This means - no surprises for you; you can always adjust what's going on in the tank according to your comfort level.
And of course - nobody locks you in the room or the tanks! You close the lids on the pods and the doors on the suites yourself - meaning, you can leave them cracked- to wide-open, and you can open them and exit the pods at any time.
There is no judgment either! You don't have to turn the lights off during your first (or the twentieth) float! Do what feels right to you.
Q: HOW LONG IS THE FLOAT SESSION?
Our standard sessions are 60 min long. We allow extra time to take a shower before and after. As you develop your practice and get more curious, you might want to experiment with longer sessions (90 min or 2 hours). As you see, we look at sensory deprivation sessions as a tool - which you can master and use to your specific needs. We have members who always need a longer float to reach the levels of relaxation they seek, while some regulars feel great with 60 min sessions. You'll likely experiment and find your "sweet spot" after several sessions.
Q: HOW IS THE WATER CLEANED?
We have the most modern float tanks on the market! The water goes through 3 steps of filtration and sanitation 3 times before every customer. The first step is a physical filter that removes any physical debris, UV, and ozone sanitation to destroy any harmful pathogens. Every time you step into the tank, it's effectively brand new and ready for you!
The whole team takes great care to deliver the best experience to the customers, every time.
Q: DO YOU ACCEPT WALK-INS?
We always try to accommodate our walk-ins for float sessions. It's easier during our slower days (Monday - Thursday). However, since our floats start on schedule, we suggest a call ahead to make sure you don't end up waiting for your session too long. However, in case you do - we have our Tea Temple where you can enjoy a snack, tea, and books to keep you comfortable. In fact, many of our regulars come in a bit earlier for their sessions and stay longer after to cozy up in our Tea Temple. This space is yours!