Frequently Asked Questions
Hydrotherapy is the practice of using water to support the body's natural healing process. In fact, it is generally believed that the word spa itself is derived from the Latin phrase "salus per aquam", which means "health through water." The various therapies at The Rise are all rooted in water, harnessing its temperature, buoyancy, pressure and hydration to help you heal and relax.
Flotation Therapy is a natural way to relax your entire body and mind, reduce stress & anxiety, and help your body recover. Each Float Suite is bigger than a King-sized bed, filled with 11 inches of filtered water maintained at skin temperature and saturated with 1,500 lbs of Epsom salts. This allows you to effortlessly float so that your entire body and mind can relax. You’ll feel totally relaxed and as one with the water, likely achieving a calm meditative state.
The most important thing is to listen to your own body! In general, a great way to start is to begin with heat. Spend about 10-20 minutes in the infrared sauna to warm your body and increase blood flow. Then move to cold, stepping into the cold plunge for as long as you're comfortable. For your first few times in the cold plunge, don't worry about the time; getting some part of your body in the water is a fantastic achievement! Over time you will get more comfortable moving between hot and cold and you'll be amazed at how far you've come and how great you feel!
We provide everything you need for a restorative visit. Your private room includes fresh towels and access to a shower with complimentary bath and body products. We do recommend you bring a water bottle and you may wish to bring a bathing suit, though many guests prefer not to wear one. If you're walking in or brought nothing, it's okay - all you truly need to bring is yourself!
We are located at 101 Sunset Boulevard in beautiful West Cape May. You can find us on Google Maps. We have plenty of on-site parking in front of the building.
It's completely normal to have that concern, and we want you to feel totally at ease. Unlike some float tanks, The Rise features floor-to-ceiling float tanks artfully built right into each private spa room, making our float experience much more spacious than a typical standalone pod-style float tank you might have tried. You can also leave the door to the tank open to start if you’d prefer and keep the lights on if you prefer. Many people find that with the lights off and a high ceiling, it feels less like a tank and more like lying on a big bed in an open room. For a good overview, you can watch this ABC News video about a reporter’s first time float - the tanks she’s in are similar to ours in their size.
No need to worry about that! With over 1,500 pounds of dissolved Epsom salt, the water is nearly as buoyant than the Dead Sea. Your body will float on the surface naturally and effortlessly, without you having to do a thing. Just lie back, and the water will completely support you. We also provide an optional flotation ring you can put under your head to make your neck more comfortable.
We recommend floating in a small, comfortable bathing suit or the nude to enjoy a true sensory-free experience without the distraction of excess materials on your body. However, your comfort is our top priority and the entire point is to let your mind and body relax. Each of our float rooms is completely private, so you are welcome to wear whatever feels most comfortable for you in order to completely relax.
Only if you want it to be! You are in complete control of the soft, ambient lighting inside the tank throughout your entire session. You can leave the lights on for your whole float, turn them off to experience true sensory rest, or switch between them. It’s entirely up to you and what feels most relaxing in the moment. For some perspective, we like this article from a Women's Health writer describing her first experience.
Our float tanks are equipped with soft, ambient music specifically chosen to enhance relaxation, which you can listen to or turn off at any time for complete silence. Therefore you cannot plug in your own music. We find that the best experiences come from the music we provide or from the profound power of silence, which allows your mind to truly unwind. Our Saunas do have connections so you can play your own music.
That’s wonderful! It means you’ve reached a state of deep relaxation. It’s perfectly safe to doze off, and many people do. The water is so buoyant from 1,500 pounds of Epsom salt that you’ll continue to float effortlessly. At the end of your session, gentle music and light will fade in to wake you.
It can definitely sting a bit, just like getting ocean water in your eyes. Not to worry, though! We provide a small towel and a fresh water spray bottle right next to the tank, so if you happen to get saltwater in your eyes, you can rinse them easily without interrupting your session.
Absolutely. The Epsom salt solution is actually very nourishing for the skin. Unlike table salt, magnesium sulfate isn't drying and can leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. We provide a full shower with high-quality products for you to rinse the salt from your hair and body afterward, leaving you feeling refreshed.
The Cleveland Clinic has a great summary of the many benefits of Epsom Salt
To ensure your new body art heals perfectly and to prevent infection, we require that tattoos be fully healed (usually 4-6 weeks) before floating. The same applies to new piercings. The highly salty water can be painful on a fresh wound and may damage the ink, so it's best to wait.
To protect your beautiful color and our float tanks, we ask that you wait to float until your hair dye has fully set. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the water runs completely clear when you wash your hair at home. This typically takes about one to two weeks after coloring.
To have the most relaxing experience, we suggest avoiding caffeine for a few hours beforehand. It's also best not to shave right before your float, as the salt water can sting irritated skin. Having a light snack about an hour prior is a great idea so your stomach isn't growling.
We take water purity very seriously. Between every single float, the entire volume of water is filtered three times using a multi-stage system with a micron filter, ozone, and UV light. The high concentration of Epsom salt also creates a sterile environment where bacteria cannot survive, making the water cleaner than any pool. We are fully certified and adhere to New Jersey and Cape May County Health Department Pool Regulations, including regular testing.
We provide everything you need for a wonderful visit. Your private float suite includes fresh towels and high-quality shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for your post-float shower. All you need to bring is yourself!
Every float is unique, but many people describe a feeling of profound peace and weightlessness, as if they're floating effortlessly in space. As your muscles relax and you tune out distractions, you may lose the sensation of where your body ends and the silky water begins.
Mentally, most people experience a tremendous relaxation and de-stressing as their mind “turns off.” If you’re curious how others feel, folks from Joe Rogan (5 min audio) to Steph Curry (3 min video) to NPR Contributor John Henning Schuman, M.D. (4 min audio) have shared their experiences.
Most people feel wonderfully relaxed and refreshed after just one session. Several scientific studies have shown significant reductions in anxiety and stress even after a single float. Time Magazine published an in-depth story (10 min read) about float’s ability to reduce anxiety without medication, or you can watch CBS News’ reporting (6 min video) on the mental & physical effects. Like taking a walk on the Cape May beach, you can certainly expect to leave your first float with a renewed sense of calm.
While float therapy is safe and beneficial for most people, for everyone's safety and comfort we advise against floating if you have any of the following conditions: Infectious Skin Conditions or Open Wounds, Epilepsy or Seizure Disorders, Kidney Disease, Contagious Illnesses, Intoxication: You cannot float while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Your well-being is paramount. If you have any health concerns at all, especially regarding heart conditions or blood pressure, we always recommend speaking with your doctor before scheduling a float.
Many expectant mothers find floating to be a wonderful relief from the aches and pressures of pregnancy! That said, we highly recommend consulting with your doctor before booking a session, particularly if you are in your first trimester, to ensure it is the right choice for you and your baby.
To get the full benefit of the infrared waves on your skin, we recommend wearing as little as you are comfortable with. It is a great environment to deliver infrared heat when you are not wearing any clothing. Many guests wear a bathing suit or simply wrap themselves in the fresh towel we provide. Each of our sauna rooms is completely private, so your comfort is assured.
We use state-of-the-art Clearlight® Sanctuary Professional Infrared Saunas. Think of them as personal "infrared therapy cabins" rather than just saunas. They are designed to provide the maximum therapeutic benefit by using low-EMF heaters that deliver the full spectrum of near, mid, and far infrared heat.
Infrared saunas offer a wealth of benefits! They are wonderful for detoxification, helping your body flush out toxins through sweat. The gentle heat promotes relaxation by helping to balance your body's primary stress hormone, cortisol. It also helps soothe sore muscles , boosts circulation , and helps purify your skin.
Dr. Amy Myers provides an excellent overview of these benefits: 6 Benefits of Infrared Sauna Therapy
It’s a very gentle and pleasant warmth, quite different from a traditional sauna. Because infrared saunas heat your body directly instead of just heating the air , the temperature ranges from 130° - 160°F. This environment allows you to breathe more easily and relax, avoiding that overwhelmingly hot air you might associate with air-heated saunas.
While infrared saunas are safe for most people, your well-being is our top priority. If you have a medical condition, are on medication, or have medical implants, it's always best to talk to your doctor before using a sauna. Though side effects are typically mild, you should avoid sauna use if you are feeling ill or are under the influence of alcohol.
Harvard Health offers a good overview of sauna safety: Sauna Health Benefits: Are saunas healthy or harmful?
For the safety of you and your baby, it is generally recommended that pregnant women avoid using saunas. An increase in the body's core temperature (hyperthermia) can pose risks during fetal development. We always ask that you consult with your OB-GYN for guidance on what is safe during your pregnancy.
The American Pregnancy Association provides helpful information on this topic: Sauna Use During Pregnancy
Yes, we will offer memberships to suit the unique needs of our local community. We will also offer packages for services and one-off bookings. And we’ll accept walk-ins!
Preparation is simple! The most important thing is to be well-hydrated, as your body needs plenty of water to have a healthy sweat. Be sure to drink water throughout the day leading up to your session. We also recommend having a light snack about an hour beforehand so you aren't hungry.
We provide towels, showers, and bath products. You may bring a bathing suit, but many guests go without.
Hydration is absolutely key to a safe and effective sauna session. You will be sweating as a way to detoxify your body, so it is vital to replenish those fluids. We encourage you to drink plenty of water before you arrive, and especially after your session, to help your body rehydrate and continue the cleansing process.
For your first time, we recommend starting with a shorter session of about 20-30 minutes to see how your body feels. Our typical sessions last between 20 to 45 minutes. The goal is to relax and feel refreshed, not depleted, so the most important thing is always to listen to your own body.
After your session, take your time and allow your body to cool down gradually. The most important step is to rehydrate with water to replenish what you've sweat out. Many of our guests enjoy taking a relaxing shower and then lingering for a few moments to extend that wonderful, post-sauna feeling of total relaxation.
The Rise is planned to open in the Fall of 2025.
Our cold plunge water typically ranges between 45–55°F to promote optimal circulation and recovery.
Start with 30 seconds to 2 minutes, and increase gradually as your tolerance builds. Always listen to your body. And remember....when you're just beginning, any time in the cold plunge is a great achievement.
That’s okay! It takes time to adapt. Start slowly and exit when needed. Even short dips offer great benefits.
Our plunge water is regularly filtered, sanitized, and maintained to meet strict health standards.
Yes, hot water hydrotherapy tub bathing is generally safe for most healthy individuals when following proper safety guidelines. We highly recommend that you limit your soak time to 15-20 minutes at a time, and stay hydrated by drinking water before and after your session. You can take breaks and have a seat on our benches in the Hydrotherapy room.
We recommend you consult with a healthcare provider before using a hot tub if you are pregnant, have a heart condition, are being treated for high or low blood pressure, have diabetes, are taking medications that cause drowsiness or affect circulation or impact body temperature regulation, or have certain neurological conditions that affect temperature sensing.
101 Sunset Blvd in West Cape May. Yes, it’s the site of the old, and much loved, Black Duck.
The Rise will host events related to all things health, wellness and community building. We also love to partner with local businesses, so please reach out to us!
We recommend soaking 15–20 minutes depending on your comfort level. Stay hydrated and take breaks if needed - there's plenty of seating around the tub so you can relax and cool off.
Our hot water hydrotherapy tubs are cleaned and sanitized daily, with continuous commercial-grade filtration to ensure a safe, hygienic soak. We adhere to all Cape May County Health Department guidelines in accordance with New Jersey State Sanitary Code, Chapter IX, Public Recreational Bathing.
All of our suites are private, so only you (or your group) will be in the room during your session.
Most rooms accommodate 1–2 guests comfortably. Please contact us in advance for group session availability.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your session to allow time to check in, change, and relax.
Yes, we provide fresh towels in every suite. Robes are available upon request for your comfort.
You can book multiple services online or contact us directly for help scheduling back-to-back sessions.
Each suite includes a private shower and changing space. There’s no need for shared locker rooms.
No. Please contact us about private events where we can accommodate special requests.
Arrive at least 15 minutes early. You’ll have dedicated time afterward to shower, dress, and ease back into your day.
Our showers are stocked with high-quality shampoo, conditioner, and body wash—everything you need post-session.