Float Therapy
In a private float pool filled with magnesium-enriched water, the body becomes effortlessly buoyant and the mind, given almost nothing to respond to, finds a quality of quiet like no other.
Experience deep rest and relaxation
Float therapy is built on a simple principle: remove gravity, reduce sensory input, and let your body and mind drift into a state of calm.
The science
The water in each private pool is heated to skin temperature and supersaturated with pharmaceutical-grade Epsom salts, creating conditions in which you float without any effort. The spine decompresses, muscles release tension, and the brain gradually settles.
The experience
VELA's float pools are open in design with no lid, capsule or enclosure of any kind. Each pool sits in its own private suite, fitted with an automated starry ceiling that you can leave on or switch off as they prefer.
Float session pricing
Whether you're ready to build your float ritual or just testing the waters, we have single session and multi-session passes to suit your needs.
Each session includes
1 hour per float session
Slippers, robe, towel
Relaxation lounge & courtyard access
1 light refreshmentThe benefits
[01]
Profound full-body relaxation
Removing gravity decompresses the spine, joints and muscles in a way that nothing else quite replicates. Guests regularly describe it as the most physically rested they've felt in years.
[02]
Measurable stress and anxiety relief
Float therapy measurably reduces cortisol levels and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, producing a physiological state of calm that many guests notice within the first 20 minutes of a session.
[03]
Chronic pain relief
Research consistently shows meaningful benefits for chronic pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, muscle tension and inflammation. The effects tend to be particularly significant for back pain and sports injuries.
[04]
Mental clarity and focus
During float, the brain naturally moves into a theta brainwave state, the same state associated with deep meditation.
[05]
Magnesium absorption
Magnesium is absorbed transdermally during the float session, supporting muscle and nerve function, reducing inflammation, improving sleep quality and assisting with collagen production.
[06]
Accelerated recovery
Athletes and sports teams have used floatation therapy for recovery for decades, with documented benefits including faster recovery times, reduced blood lactate and improved performance markers.
[07]
Better sleep
Regular floating supports deeper, more restorative sleep, with many guests reporting improvements after just one or two sessions.
Your float session, step by step
First time floating? Not a problem. Here's what to expect.
Arrival and preparation
Arrive 10 minutes early, place belongings in your personal locker, and use the shower to rinse.
The float
Lie back in warm salt water, enjoy sixty minutes of silence, darkness, and weightlessness.
Emergence
Shower and dress slowly. Unwind in the relaxation lounge before returning to the world.
After the float
Drink some water and let the calm settle. Most people feel the benefits for days after the session
Become a Foundation Member
Foundation Memberships are now open at exclusive pre-sale rates, with daily bathhouse access, weekly floats, treatment discounts and more from $40 per week.
Questions
Everything you need to know about float therapy at VELA
Our float pools are approximately 134cm wide by 220cm long
Bring comfortable swimmers. We provide towels, earplugs, and a private changing room. Leave your phone and valuables in your locker. Arrive 15 minutes early to settle in.
Yes. The salt solution supports your body completely. You control the experience and can exit anytime. Our tanks are filtered and sanitised between every session. Consult your doctor if pregnant or have open wounds.
You'll enter a private shallow pool filled with warm salt water. Lie back and float effortlessly in darkness and silence for 60 minutes. Most people drift into deep relaxation or light sleep. There's no right way to float.
The benefits are cumulative, so the more regularly you float, the deeper and more lasting the results tend to be. Starting with once a week or once a fortnight is a sensible approach, particularly for guests managing chronic pain, stress or poor sleep.
The pools are entirely open with no lid, capsule or walls closing in around you. You can extend your body fully, shift positions freely and adjust the lighting and sound throughout the session. Many guests who expected to feel anxious find the open design changes the experience completely.
The salt concentration means everyone floats effortlessly. However, we recommend people be comfortable in water before trying float therapy.
Sessions are 60 minutes. Arriving at least 15 minutes beforehand is recommended, and it's worth giving yourself some time afterwards to transition gently rather than heading straight back into a busy day.
Yes. Each float pool is in its own private suite.
Avoid caffeine for a few hours before your session. Avoid shaving on the day, as the salt can sting small cuts. A light meal rather than a heavy one is advisable. We provide everything you need at the spa.
Please consult your doctor or midwife before booking.
Please contact us to discuss your condition prior to booking. We recommend consulting your doctor or allied health specialist for further advice.