Hope Floats: New spa relaxes guests in zero gravity

There's a new luxury spa in town and this one offers treatments that are unique. Located at 371 W. Ontario St., Freeze & Float is a little off the beaten path. Head donwstairs by taking an elevator inside a retail store and you will find yourself at the front desk of the spa.

Appointments should be made ahead of time at 312-809-7008 or on the website at FreezeFloatSpa.com. Expect text reminders and a release form can be filled out before arriving to move things along. When entering and exiting the float chamber things can get slippery so the release form is more of a warning to be careful and not hold the venue accountable for careless accidents.

For those of us that haven't had a vacation yet, this place feels like a complete getaway. The staff is friendly and welcoming. They will give first time visitors a tour of the facilities and make them feel right at home. Bathrooms with lockers and showers complete with flip flops start off the experience.

Once comfortalbe, facials and skincare services are offered in a private room for those add on services.

A cryotherapy tank can freeze off your worries as you are surrounded by minus 185 degrees for two to three minutes. Heat things up in an infrared sauna with an adjustable temperature that will sweat out the toxins in your body. Instead of messing with coals and typical steam saunas, this treatment uses heat therapy that is healthy and safe.

It was a different experience than past saunas that I have tried so give it a whirl and find out for yourself.

The main event is the float experience. There are two options with a couple float or solo float. A shower is right outside the entrance to the chamber to clean off beforehand and rinse off afterwards. Not shaving any part of the body is suggested 24 hours beforehand and don't load up on caffeine to enjoy a total relaxion of the mind. Heavy meals the same are also not suggested to not distract from the time in the water.

The idea of being weightless might be new to many, but it allows a person's system to completely relax in that environment.

Earplugs are sitting on the shelf to keep the salt water out of the ears, but keep in mind that blocks out the sound of the music that is playing inside the tank. Floaters may turn off the light completey, leave a blue hue light on or switch to stars. A foam device will keep your head up and a water bottle is on hand in case the high concentration of Epson salt splashes in your eyes.

I had a serene experience until I sat up and took myself out of the peaceful situation. Resist the urge to do this and your daily problems will just wash away.

Finish things off by sitting in a relaxation room where journals for mindfulness are offered along with water and snacks.

Unfortuantely, the spa treatment will have to end at some point and visitors will return to the real world, but keep in mind packages are offered for another visit if so desired.

Freeze & Float makes the perfect spa for sore muscled athletes and stressed out Chicagoans so book a vist today!