Drift into relaxation together on this zero gravity float therapy date. Escape the stress of daily life as you become weightless, lost in tranquil bliss.
The Background
For 60 luxurious minutes, True REST gives you the experience of zero gravity. With the help of 1000 pounds of Epsom Salt, you’ll effortlessly float in your own pod. When you step into the pristine water set to your body temperature, you won’t tell the difference between you and your environment.
While weightlessly suspended, your body can fully relax, leaving you refreshed, relieved, and rejuvenated. Benefits of this restricted environmental stimulus therapy include better sleep, reduced anxiety, and physical pain relief, to name a few. Join professional athletes, entrepreneurs, and others who use it to improve focus and creativity.
The Standout Features
- Feel Great: As the tension melts away, you’ll improve your mood, have more mental clarity, reduce any tension, and be in a better headspace to enjoy time with your date.
- Unplug: The average person scrolls through 300 feet of mobile content a day. Floating in a sensory deprivation tank lets you escape distractions, refocus, and reboot your mind. Your brain will thank you.
- Revel in the Adventure: Experiencing weightlessness is an unforgettable and exciting sensation. The act of doing something novel with your partner keeps the spark alive while adding intrigue to the relationship.
- Self Improvement: If you love how you feel after this date, perhaps you’ll decide to go back. Discovering a way to be a better you on a date is a win in my book.
The Experience
Date Lead Up - Pod Prep
As soon as I enter the building, I’m struck by the clean, inviting decor. Seconds later, a wonderful aroma fills my nose. Without thinking, I exclaim, “It smells amazing in here!” The lady at the front desk gives a knowing smile. “We get that a lot,” she says before checking us in. Then, she guides us to another room for an 8-minute video summary of how float therapy works. While she provides more instruction, her warm, soothing voice relaxes me.
After she closes the door, we sink into the plush royal blue chairs and put our feet up on our footrests. By the time I’m done with the clip, I’m buzzing with excitement. When the woman returns, she asks if we’re ready to float. I blurt out, “Yes, let’s do it!” as I pick up my belongings.
I follow her closely as my date trails behind, chuckling at my eagerness. We’re handed off to another woman who is bursting with cheer. It is rare to meet someone beaming with such joy and I wonder if the floats played a role. After a brief restroom stop, she takes us down a calming purple hallway to Pod #5.
Once in the pod room, she walks us through the next steps. I appreciate her clear and comprehensive guidance as we navigate this new experience. Since Pod #6 has darker lighting, I choose it. Then I wave goodbye to my float buddy and go to my private escape.
Date Main Event - Get Immersive
When I’m alone, I take a quick shower without using conditioner since it clogs the pod. Then, I put in my swimmer earplugs and use the provided protectant to cover up a cut. Next, I open my pod, step inside its glowing blue water, and close the doors. Light music is playing while I find my ideal float position. I position a foam ring under my head for neck support and shut my eyes.
As promised, the melody fades away after 10 minutes. Now, I can set the lights on any color or start my playlist. Since I want the sensory deprivation experience, I push a button in the pod to turn off the illumination. My breathing slows and soon, the only sound I hear is my heartbeat. I realize I’ve never listened to my heart this long. In due time, following this beat lulls me to a new place. As I straddle between awake and asleep, my mind goes blank. I let go of deadlines and tasks. At last, I can simply be.
I float in this state for what must be 15 minutes when I detect faint muffled sounds from underwater. As the volume grows louder, I know that’s my cue to exit. I’m stunned time’s up. When I emerge from the pod, I carry the sluggishness of someone awoken from a deep slumber. My muscles relax further as the shower’s warm cascading waterfall wraps around me. The body wash, shampoo, and conditioner smell incredible.
Date Wrap Up - Lounge Time
Next, I dry myself off with their towel, get dressed, and exit the pod room. Lotions, hairdryers, towels, and more are available on a long marble table for me to use. My date pops his head in with a smile. “How was it?”, I inquire as I brush my hair. “It was fantastic and even better than a massage,” he trumpets. Save for slight interruptions, we have the place to ourselves.
When we’re ready, we move to the Oasis Lounge. I grab complimentary water to hydrate and citrus burst tea. While we sip our warm drinks, the check-in women returns. “Did you enjoy it?” she says as we nod in agreement. “Good, I’m happy to hear that. Do you want to try our free oxygen bar? It’s meant to improve mood and boost energy.” Of course we do!
Now she hands us the tubes to carry the flavored O2 to our noses and shows the controls. We can pick one flavor or a combo of the four. Despite my terrible sense of smell, I detect subtle notes of orange in mine. I love the unexpected experience. In the end, we give the front desk our Groupon codes to wrap up our float. Our lingering drowsiness mixes with a newfound relaxation. While exiting, we decide on a quick bite before heading to his house for a nap. When we drift off to sleep together, the result is a new closeness that makes it all worth it.
The Planning
No need to do all the planning yourself. Here are the highlights, though always double check!
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for... | ✔ A few dates in ✔ Steady couple |
| Seasons | Runs year-round |
| Typical Hours | Open Mon: 4-10pm, Tues-Sun: 9am - 10pm |
| Duration | 1.5 hours. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to prepare for your 60-minute session |
| Cost | Regularly $89 but we don’t pay full price here! Buy on Groupon for $49 here. Limit one per customer. |
| Booking | To book on the website, create a login and proceed to checkout here. You can also call for a reservation at (703) 718-6621. If you're using Groupon, call True REST to schedule your appointment and let them know you have a Groupon. They'll give you instructions to redeem. |
| Website | |
| Address | 1640 Belle View Boulevard, Alexandria, VA 22307 |
| Transportation | Recommend driving or Rideshare. There is plenty of parking on site. |
| Attire | Wear comfortable clothing that's easy to change in and out of. Floating nude creates the best experience but if you're more comfortable, bring a swimsuit. |
| To Bring | Bring a comb or brush if needed. The Prep Room includes blow dryers, lotions, sandals, towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and a changing area |
| Contact Info | Phone: (703) 718-6621 Email: Info@trueREST.com |
| Special Features | Hit the free oxygen bar and enjoy complimentary herbal tea in the spa's Oasis Lounge after your float. |
| Special Considerations | Read these tips for your first float to have the best experience. For example, avoid shaving, tanning, waxing, or other activities that can increase skin sensitivity. To fully relax, skip caffeine 2 hours prior and eat something small 30 min or more before. It's important to drink lots of fluids afterwards too! |
| Rescheduling & Cancellation Policies | If you don't arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment, you'll need to reschedule. Please call to cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a $25 fee. If you don't show up without giving notice, there is a $49 fee or you won't be able to redeem the offer you were planning on using to pay for that appointment. Note that women on their menstrual cycle will need to reschedule. See the full policies here. |
The Pre- and Post-Date Options
If you want to keep the date going, we have a cheat sheet to guide you to your next destination. You can visit these places before your date, too. Make this list your own. The map shows the spa (purple), as well as bonus date options (green) in one place. Before you go, though, always check opening times in case something’s changed.
- Belle Haven Pizzeria (14 min walk, 2 min drive): What a cute little family-owned pizza shop! From the sauce to the smoked meats, it’s all made in house for you. Take a bite in front of their firepit or from their outdoor garden. Don’t forget to stop by their Custard Shack for their homemade custards, milkshakes, and sorbets. Easily accommodates gluten free and vegetarian options too. Open Mon-Thurs: 11:30am – 9pm, Fri: 11:30 – 10pm, Sat: 11am – 10pm, Sun: 11am – 9pm. See website for Custard Shack hours which vary by season.
- Dishes of India (5 min walk, 2 min drive): Though the restaurant opened in 1997, the owner started cooking in India at age 16. His passion is fused into every dish, creating a delectable experience. Find them on the lower level, along with a full bar and free parking. Note they are not wheelchair accessible. Open daily 11am – 2:30pm and 4-9pm.
- 2 Jefes Tex-Mex (7 min drive): This unassuming spot boasts 4.7 stars for a reason. Mexican and Latin American food from scratch and homemade margaritas are calling your name. Open Mon-Thurs: 11am – 10pm, Fri-Sat: 10am – 11pm, Sun: 10am – 10pm.
- Helena’s Mexican Restaurant (9 min drive): Their 4.8 stars don’t lie! The owner delivers traditional Mexican dishes just like his mom used to make. Enjoy the vibrant ambiance and warm welcome. Closed Mondays. Open Sat-Thurs: 11am – 9pm, Fridays: 11am – 10pm.