In a nutshell: A unique therapy that is good for alleviating stress and muscle fatigue by allowing users to float in salty water in a calm and peaceful environment. Located in DIFC.
 
Competition!
We have five individual flotation sessions to give away, valued at Dhs.350 each. To be in with a chance of winning, choose the correct answer the following question:

A flotation treatment at Point Zero has many benefits, including:

a. Cures baldness
b. Reduces blood pressure
c. Stops hiccups

Email your answer to competitions@askexplorer.com before 30 January 2015. The winner will be chosen at random and informed by email during the first week of February. Include your mobile telephone number in your email and title the email ‘Flotation Competition’.

Read our review below to find the answer to the competition question.

Atmosphere: Quiet and spa-like, with an attentive receptionist and comfortable sofas to sit on while you are briefed about the treatment options. There are four private float rooms – two contain flotation pods and two contain more spacious flotation cabins, for those who think they will feel claustrophobic inside a pod. There’s also a spa bike – an exercise bike inside an aquatic hydro bath.

Treatments: We tried the flotation pod – a space-age-looking capsule filled with Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) and water, big enough for a person to lie down inside and float effortlessly. The pod is inside a private room, where you can first take a shower and then remove and store all clothing and jewellery. The lid opens automatically and you climb into the 25cms of warm water inside and get comfortable while the lid closes – sealing you inside the pod (though you can press a button to open the pod if desired). Optional extras are white or coloured lighting, music, earplugs and an inflatable neck pillow.
 
You can float for up to 120 minutes, during which time every muscle in your body can relax. The centre says that flotation reduces blood pressure, releases natural painkillers, strengthens stress resistance, heightens immune system function and relaxes muscles and joints. It also clears the mind and boosts creative thinking and alertness.

The flotation treatments are based on the ‘Restrictive Environmental Stimulation Therapy’ (REST) concept (a form of sensory deprivation), and Point Zero has already been offering the same treatments at the centre in Abu Dhabi since 2004, where they have proved immensely popular.
 
For a more active treatment, try the spa bike, which is in a separate room. It allows exercise with minimal impact on the joints and can be used to aid weight loss and reduce stress and pain. You also exercise in private, so it’s great for those who are a little gym-shy.

What’s unique? If you have a busy mind, it can take a while to switch off, stop your thoughts racing and relax. We found that for the first 10 minutes we were prone to wriggling around until we accepted that you really can relax every single muscle – that’s certainly unique, and rather like being in zero gravity. When you do lie still, it’s immediately apparent which muscles are sore, cramped or tensed because the related limb will keep moving into an unsymmetrical position – so we found it a great way to pinpoint muscles in need of attention.
 
If you don’t like enclosed spaces, you should start with the cabin as opposed to the pod. Though we admit slight nerves on entering the pod, it is actually fine, and there’s a lot of space above you once inside. You can also keep the lights on, and there’s an emergency call button.
 
Time flies once you let go of all your tension. We only tried 45 minutes, but even so, our muscles were very relaxed afterwards. You finish feeling woozy, yet refreshed, and sporting a healthy glow. The skin absorbs the Epsom salts, which help to detox too.
 
It’s totally different from any massage or Jacuzzi we have tried, and far more effective than just running a hot bath.
 
How much does it cost? A 60-minute float in the pod or a cabin is Dhs.350. Also available are 90 or 120-minute sessions. Rates are reduced between 7am and 9am – a 60-minute float is Dhs.210. See pointzerofloatation.com for more information and bookings, or call 04 457 9991.
 
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