There are a variety of therapies we lean on to help us cope with life, one that probably isn’t on anyone’s radar is float therapy. That’s right, rather than talking it out, this one promotes tuning it out.
City Cave in Broadway is the most rejuvenating oasis in the middle of this big city you probably never knew about. The Float tank was first developed in the 1950s by Dr. John C. Lilly, who explored the boundaries of consciousness by creating a system that restricts environmental stimuli, leading to profound mental discoveries. ‘Floaters’ get hooked on the meditative state it induces, which is known to improve both circulation and mental well-being.
This is not my first rodeo, while curious I was wary having had a previous experience in a coffin-like structure that was boring and very claustrophobic. It was an experience I didn’t plan embarking on, ever again. Not only am I a hesitant participant but I am the type of ‘active relaxer’ that switches off through stimulation not isolation.
The moment I stepped into City Cave however my apprehensions began to fade. With warm lighting, lush plants and herbal diffusers, it looks and smells like a day spa. The fit out appears new but it has been in this location for over 3 years. Franchise owner Kris McLean welcomed me and provided an overview of the space and what their clients love most about their services. With over 75 City Caves nationwide, each location is independently owned, ensuring a personal connection to the community it serves.
Amongst the treatments are:
Individual floats
Flauna – Float + sauna
Saunage – Sauna + massage and
Floatage – Massage + float. This is what I’m here for.
Ryan who is wearing some cool ink with strong hands is my massage therapist. I’m led to a luxe room with plush linen and robes. The ambience is spot on from lighting to temperature and even the day spa music is contemporary, which is a relief – no wind chimes here. It’s 10 out of 10, the kind you never want to end. Firm but not painful, well a little, but the good kind and was delivered by a therapist who has some healing qualities. I feel like a new woman as I head to the float.
What is unique and inviting about the floats at City Cave is there is no tank in sight. Elegant, private, inviting, ambient pools. Scandi design features floor to ceiling grey tiles, wooden seating and moody blue lighting. I lock the door, peel off my fluffy robe, follow the protocol to shower first and slip into the pool nude.
Unless you are European, swimming au naturel is atypical behaviour. It takes me a few minutes to get down with it and to adjust to laying on top of the water. That’s right, on the surface. If you’ve had the rare experience of swimming in the Dead Sea, then you will understand what this is like. With 450kg of Epsom salts in this shallow pool you are suspended on the water. 35.5 degrees in the water sounds hot, it is however perfect. An infrared panel on the ceiling emanates a sense of sunshine beaming in. I bounce myself off the walls as I acclimatise to the space until I close my eyes and surrender myself to the experience – I let go. Tranquil music plays through the water and to my astonishment, I’m capable of relaxing so deeply that I fall asleep, a few times.
A dulcet voice gently awakens me through the speaker that it is time to wrap it up and for the second time at the Broadway City Cave I’m devastated to have to leave. I arrived harried and strung out and leave blissed out and hooked. The packages include combos and couples or just check in for a float. This one hour of total well being which would equate to 10 therapist sessions is only $79, it’s extraordinary value delivering mental health balance. This former critic is now a convert.
Broadway City Cave
Address: 1-5 Wentworth St, Glebe NSW 2037
Hours: Open 7 days | 9am – 9pm
And to find other City Cave locations https://www.citycave.com.au/
