Getting to know True REST Float Spa – A conversation with the owners

1.What inspired you to start a floatation therapy spa business?

To answer that, we can go back to the early 90’s, when float therapy was in its infancy. One of our owners, Marie-Pier, tried floating for the first time. After thoroughly enjoying her experience, she tossed around the idea of opening a float spa of her own, but with so little known about the industry at that time, she decided to pass on the idea. Fast-forward to 2015. While browsing through things to do in Sedona on Groupon, a True REST Float Spa popped up. Remembering Marie-Pier having talked about the benefits of floating, while doubtful, I (Tim, Owner) reserved a spot for us. What an experience! After a day of horseback riding and ATVing, a simple one hour float treatment, allowed us to recover fully. My obsession with floating began. For the next 4 years, I floated at every opportunity, while traveling for business. While planning our move to the Cornwall area in 2019, I asked Marie-Pier, “What are we going to do for work?”, then I said, “Would you ever consider opening a float spa?” Marie-Pier had been diagnosed with severe anxiety/depression and during our research into opening an independent float spa versus a franchise, we discovered that it was a very effective treatment for anxiety, depression, PTSD, anorexia nervosa, chronic pain, etc., pushing us to investigate more. Shortly thereafter, we decided to open a True REST Float Spa, the world’s largest and fastest growing chain of float spas. In August 2019, we signed the franchise agreement. Initially, we were opening the spa to provide relief from the aforementioned illnesses for the society we were living in at the time. Little did we realize that the next 3-4 years would make this treatment an even greater necessity. Due to the effects the pandemic had on the hospitality industry, we searched out a partner to strengthen our financial position with the bank. Fortunately, we found Donna Benoit, a PSW for the past 20 years in Cornwall to partner with. Her partnership enabled us to secure funding in these difficult times and start construction March 13, 2023.

2.Can you explain the benefits of floating for those unfamiliar with it?

Where do we start? Many studies have proven the benefits of floatation therapy for the treatment of anxiety, depression, stress, sleep disorders, anorexia nervosa, addiction recovery, chronic pain, arthritis, osteoarthritis, eczema, athletic recovery, etc. Floating weightlessly in 1200 lbs of Epsom Salts and Magnesium, allows the body and mind to reset, recover and relax. Some people have compared the experience in the float pod as like being in the comfort and security of the womb. After an hour or more, you exit the pod suite refreshed and renewed. With the water of the pod kept at normal body temperature, while floating, you can’t tell where your body ends, and the water begins.

3.Can you walk us through the typical first-time experience for a customer at your Float Spa?

Your journey begins with being greeted by one of our Float Consultants. After changing into spa sandals, you enter our video room to view a short 5 minute video, explaining what to expect while floating and some dos and don’ts. From there, your float consultant will direct you to your pod suite and provide instruction on use of all the items in the suite. After locking your suite door, you take a body-temperature shower to rid yourself of body oils prior to entering the pristine water of the pod. Once in the pod, you lay back, relax, and let the cares of the world “float” away. As your float comes to an end, soft music will fill the pod to let you know it is time. Upon exiting, you take another shower to rinse of the salt that has accumulated on your body. After getting dressed, you exit your suite and enter the Oasis Room to continue your experience, with an aromatherapy oxygen treatment. After the Oasis Room, you pass by the reception area, make your next appointment with your float consultant, then step out the front door relaxed, refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to face the world again!

4.What kind of clientele are you targeting and do you offer any specialized programs or discounts for specific groups?

Our focus is on anyone that suffers from any of the aforementioned illnesses, however it is beneficial to each and every person. We all need some time to ourselves to reset. One group that we will be providing a specialized program for are our frontline workers, who worked tirelessly for the last 3 plus years. We will be providing special pricing for them for the first 3 years of our opening to match the 3 years that we weren’t able to be open and provide them with some relief. Additionally, we will have corporate packages available for business to purchase multiple floats at a discounted rate for their employee’s well-being.

5.What is your vision for the future growth and expansion of your Float Spa business?

We are building the spa with space for installing a 5th pod, if required. We already have considerations of opening 1 or 2 more locations, either in Ontario or Quebec. Much will depend on the success of our float spa, the first
True REST Float Spa in Canada, however, honestly, based on the 1000+ followers we have on Facebook and the incredible response received on social media over the past 3 years, we have no doubt that our decision to open a True REST here in Cornwall, was the right one.

For info visit www.truerest.com