Redmayne Lodge - Strensall

Rev. B. J.

Ever since seeing the excellent film "Altered States" starring William Hurt about twenty years ago, I have dreamed of having an isolation tank experience. Not because I expected to transform into a pure energy being or regress to some prehistoric man, but because the idea of sensory deprivation is supposed to be a good mental tonic that leaves one's mind uncluttered and spring cleaned. Also the warmth, the floating, and the salts are apparently very useful for pain management - and with my disability, I need my pain managed through any and every means possible.

Sadly, since I don't live in California, a big city, or form a vital part of a scientific research team (back to "Altered States" again), I never thought I had a chance. But to my surprise and excitement, my wife discovered Redmayne Lodge in Strensall, just north of York. To get there, you find your way to the York northern bypass, the crumbling and unhappy A1237, and enjoy *that* experience before swinging north a short distance.

Redmayne is a Wellness Centre offering all kinds of therapies from massage to reflexology to beauty treatments to colonic irrigation. The website is expansive and gives you a good idea of what to expect, but for we first timers, the pleasant gentleman at the end of the telephone explained everything in detail, and then proceeded to show us around when we arrived, demonstrating how everything worked.

We chose to visit off peak as it's quieter and there are plenty of time slots to choose. After the tour and demonstration, you are required to shower thoroughly first to remove any oils, after shave or hair products from your body (it interferes with the salt and the filtration system). Only when you enter the pod itself does the clock start, so you do get the entire session time *inside* the tank.

You can set the lighting in the Pod, from a soft coloured glow, down to complete blackout for that total sensory deprivation that I was looking for - but at any time you can switch them on or off, open or close the Pod, depending on your mood or phobias.

I loved it. I've described our first session, but it apparently takes a few sessions to get fully into it. I'm looking forward to our next go as I am certainly hooked! The fluid contains so much salt - which can be beneficial for minor skin problems - it's almost viscous, and maintained at body temperature. I was so excited to actually *be there* at last that I found it hard to clear my mind, in the end I just kept trying to imagine floating in space, visualising scenes from the timeless 1968 Kubrick classic 2001 A Space Odyssey and various bits of NASA footage, which eventually seemed to do the trick!

In summary, the Isolation Tanks at Redmayne Lodge are very reasonably priced, offer a truly unique experience, is something everyone should try at least once, and can be wonderfully addictive! Go on, give it a go!

Joss T.

Came here for a back neck & shoulder massage, and left very happy. All the staff are friendly and welcoming, and Jess was professional and very skilled. Would definitely recommend coming here, as it’s well worth the price.

John R.

Went to see Shaun with lower back pain and reduced movement and pains in my neck. After two treatments, I am now pain free for the first time in ages. I have my daily exercises to work with and feel great. Very professional with a host of tools and techniques at his disposal. Very, very impressive 👍

Carolyn B.

Amazing reflexology session with Sam. So relaxing. Sam is so lovely, professional and friendly. Highly recommend

Ruth W.

Early February I woke up with pain in my left hip and left knee. I’ve struggled with walking, climbing stairs and sitting cross legged on the floor in Yoga. Sean was recommended to me. My first visit and after his assessment of me, he knew why I was getting the pain. He did some stretching exercise. At the end of the session my hip was back in line and the pain had gone. AMAZING! Thank you Sean.

Philip D.

I started going for a massage with Jaydean a few years ago when I had some aches in my back which I wanted sorting prior to a wild camping trip to USA. She did such a good job that I continued to have a massage with her and now go for a top up every month. It helps to keep me supple and pain free.

Amanda T.

Two of us went and used the Floatation pods. Very relaxing and will book again. Receptionist was pleasant and happy to help. Useful instruction. You have an hour to float, and it was warm but a little stuffy inside the pod, the lid opens easily and it is fully desensitizing. There is good parking. The place is easy to find. Swedish massage is also offered and I intend to try this. Each room has one pod which also contains a shower. The shower was slippy and there was no grab rail.
The place is modern and clean. The pods have Magnesium sulphate in the water which stings your eyes or any cuts. The pods have a water spray if you get splashed in the eye, and there is an alarm button inside the pod.

Faye J.

Had a mix up with the booking but they were apologetic and quickly fixed the issue. I booked a floatation session for my partner and he loved it. Ther is on site parking and the staff and friendly.