Float towards your wellness goals

Owner of Float Marlborough, Tash Wakelin, remembers being blown away the first time she ‘floated’. “The experience was completely unique. After researching the many health benefits of floating, I knew I wanted to bring it to Blenheim,” she says. “As people all around the world look to find more natural ways to take care of themselves, floatation therapy has maintained steady growth as a practice for overall wellness and, although fairly new in New Zealand, is really taking off.”

The concept of Sensory Deprivation therapy was first tested in the Virgin Islands in 1954 and as float tanks were further developed to use commercially, word of the health benefits spread. It has since become a well-respected holistic wellness tool.

The spacious fibreglass float tank contains a solution of five hundred kilograms of Epsom Salts (Magnesium Sulphate), dissolved in water which is heated to skin temperature. This provides the user with a feeling of weightlessness, as they float on the surface of the water due to its density.

“Living as we do in such a fast-paced world where we are relentlessly bombarded with external stimulation, we can easily become exhausted and stressed,” says Tash.

The environment in the float tank removes this external stimulus, and allows the mind to rest. When light, sound and gravity are removed, it allows the mind to drift into different brainwave states and rest a lot more efficiently, enhancing creativity and lowering cortisol levels. In addition to its popularity as a meditation aid, improved absorption of Magnesium Sulphate also achieves benefits such as improved sleep quality, reduced muscle and joint pain, and reduced blood pressure.

“Floating is the ultimate self-care experience,” says Tash. “Everyone takes something different from it whether it is help with muscle aches, trouble sleeping or just providing a time to be completely alone and close their eyes for an hour. It’s an opportunity to shut the world away and reset.”

Float Marlborough operates from Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 by appointment and the staff along with other health-focused services onsite, have been supportive of a new wellness service in the building. The space is convenient and welcoming. Everything is provided, so you can book online at a time that suits you and turn up without needing to bring anything.

“We are really enjoying meeting so many different people from all sorts of backgrounds, a lot of them trying a float for the first time,” says Tash. “The reaction to having this experience available in Marlborough has been extremely positive.” floatmarlborough.co.nz

STYLE Q&A

As a recent Victoria University graduate, Henry Thompson has moved back to Blenheim to find his next calling. Henry has developed a city-cool style, influenced by Tom Ford and Jeff Goldblum. He discusses his love of quality garments and style tips for someone who is 6’4”.

What are you wearing today?

I am wearing a Rembrandt corduroy suit with a Merino roll neck. Paired with a mid-1990s Oris Big Crown Pointer watch, Florsheim oxford shoes and Ray-Ban tortoiseshell glasses.

What is your style?

Somewhat eccentric, formal and colourful – while respecting the guidelines of classic menswear. I am heavily inspired by Tom Ford; he is quoted as saying, “Dressing well is a form of good manners”, and I couldn’t agree more.

What is most of your wardrobe made up of?

Mostly patterned Cuban collared shirts. I love their versatility, you can wear them all year round, formally or informally, and in almost any setting.

What are you loving at the moment?

A good, tailored suit. I’ve been really into Rembrandt suits in particular, as they offer tall sizing options, something that, at 6’4”, is highly appreciated.

What are you dressed for today?

Going out for a drink or two.

Where do you buy most of your clothes from?

Most of my clothes have come from Thomas’s over the years. With a few online shopping sprees mixed in for good measure.

What is your approach to shopping?

Whenever I find a piece that interests me, I reflect on how it will pair with the rest of my wardrobe. If something is incompatible with my selection of other clothes, I don’t buy it. I generally look for quality materials and designs that stand the test of time rather than something you’ll want to discard after a year.

What is your all-time favourite purchase?

A Wolf Kanat coat I bought in my first year at university. It’s been with me throughout my whole degree and has managed to see it all – yet it still looks as crisp and clean as the day I bought it.

What has been your worst clothing disaster?

When I was younger, I had one look that consisted of sandals, sweatpants and a t-shirt paired with a blazer - safe to say I wouldn’t quite rock that nowadays.

What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?

A good coat made from quality materials. It will last you for years and almost become an extension of yourself. Do you have a style rule you always obey?

Never do up both buttons on a suit jacket.

If you could raid one person’s wardrobe, who would it be?

Jeff Goldblum – I love the eccentricity and jazziness of his style. Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…

Fast fashion.