Serene Dreams

My husband and I came here for the first time to kick off Valentine’s Day weekend. We have been wanting to come here for a while because other friends had recommended it. Now I want to recommend it to everyone. Serene Dreams is great and helps you feel amazing. You even feel better the next day. We both slept so great last night. And the staff was super knowledgable and awesome. Definitely check it out!

This was my first exposure to floating and the staff made me feel very welcome and explained everything so there were no surprises. After a quick shower, I got into the float pod, which was simple to do. After a bit of floating (which was unnerving at first and very neat once i good used to the sensation) I decided to turn off the «night light» and enjoyed being in total darkness. If you have never floated, it is a fascinating experience of, well, nothing. No body weight, no noise, no light, just nothing. Yes, my brain runs wild for a bit and then things settled down. I could have been in there for 16 minutes or 60, after awhile I just didn’t know.
The experience really has to be something you do vs. read about. I exited the pod very mellow, slightly warm and with very soft skin (all the epsom salts will do that). The space was clean and welcoming and I enjoyed the experience. It’s different from yoga or a massage and worth trying if you are looking for something to provide a calm moment in your life.

I was referred here and I Love it. couple of years ago i was told to come here and After I did this tank I was taken back to when i was in a deep spiritual healing session, wow this is a must do, Serene Dreams is a good choice.

As I was being escorted to a slightly long hallway with rooms and lockers to my left, the smell of salt water, I didn’t know what to expect. Jennifer, the representative in Serene Dreams, professionally told me the ins and outs of what to do, what to be careful of etc., since I am Noob at this. Shower was neat due to the different settings and how quick the temperature went from ice cold to scalding hot by a twist of a knob.
Then the chamber? (I didn’t know what this thing was so I am calling it a chamber) Ear plugs on and Vaseline on my face (to prevent the water getting into your eyes, I’ll get to this later) Temp of the actual water was a comfortable warm, not hot or cold, just right. Then to the experience.
It took me a while to drift away into a slumber due to the ringing of my ears, but as soon as the music came on, it took my mind away from the ringing. I can agree to some reviewers that the music part is essential to relaxing in this chamber throughout but not needed if you can fall asleep rather quickly or you are dead tired from work stress or exercising.
Like most reviews, there are 3 settings of the lights, blue, off, and multi-​color. Facility itself is very clean, spotless even. Staff is very professional and caring to your questions and concerns. Basically agreeing to most reviewers on the facility and staff comments.
Back to the relaxing experience. So the music played and it was like a notification of the timer starting. The music eventually cuts out and back to your own thoughts. Honestly if beds were made to such comfort, the bedroom would be my favorite room. Cliché as it may seem but it felt like I was on clouds or better yet, warm jello. You may laugh but if you do experience this for its entirety, and not because you cannot relax or control your thoughts, this moment is amazing. I eventually snoozed and woke up thinking:
«Crap, did they forget about me!?!»
The I was like «Mehh, I will continue to enjoy this»
Continued with the session and then the 5 minute warning music turned on. As I was getting up, some of the water went to my eyes. Not that bad as being pepper sprayed during my military days, but still stinged bad. My spray bottle didn’t work, most likely because of the salt composites clogging the nozzle. I just rinsed and packed my things afterwards.
Overall my body did feel relaxed and somewhat felt more relaxed compared to a massage. Now its the next day, I feel great, a little too relaxed for work, but great! I would highly recommend this to anyone who works long hours staring at a screen, dealing with crappy people all day or on their feet for an entire 12 hour shift. Key thing is to just be like Peter Pan, just think of happy thoughts and eventually you will fly, float or be on warm jello.

What an amazing experience. Better than most
vacations I’ve taken, and it took just 90 minutes! Float tanks are a fantastic way to unplug from the stressors of life and recharge your batteries! To top it all, the service and instant friendship kindled with Vesna and Michelle sent me over the moon! I’ll will definitely make Serene Dreams a part of my life.

I had my first experience with Serene Dreams yesterday, and my first experience with sensory deprivation in general. The service was excellent, they walked me through the whole process. The facilities were very nice, everything was very clean and comfortable. I was there early, so I was able to park right in front of the location. I would definitely recommend it. I had to drive quite a distance, and it was totally worth it. The whole point is to really isolate your mind and remove any outside stimulation. I had a really hard time totally clearing my head, so I would recommend practicing meditation first before you float to really maximize the experience.

Hey they read Unilocal!reviews, apologies if I got anyone in trouble. No more room issues and I inhale the sweet smell of bleach now (at least it’s clean!). Give it a try, it’s like a 60-​minute insta-​vacation for your mind. As a vet, I recommend more than one float to really get the relaxation effects. Check out some Youtube videos on isolation tank floating tips to maximize your experience and $$.

Went for the 1^st time yesterday and I can’t wait to go back. Very helpful staff and overall excellent experience. I got exactly what I was looking for. I’ve never felt so relaxed and destressed in my life! Highly recommend this place! Going back in 2 week!

Amazing experience. Great facility, clean, awesome staff. The staff explained everything thoroughly & so helpful! I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the process, or what I would experience. I honestly went in a little skeptical, but figured a one hour Epsom salt bath would be a huge relief for my body aches so it was gonna be a winning experience already.
At some point I while my eyes were closed I saw the color violet in what felt like the center of my forehead. I say this because I kept getting my eyes to focus towards the center and I thought to myself «your eyes are closed in a pitch black egg thingy. how can you see such bright violet colors?!» And then I felt a vibration on my left shoulder & side, it felt like when I’m on a massage chair at a nail salon and its on a slow massage vibrate on your back. As we left I asked the staff if they turned on some type of machine to make the water vibrate. She said no. I said… whoa.
Once we left,& walked out the door everything felt so loud and chaotic,& yet I was so relaxed. Much more than having a spa day! Definitely going back.
If you’re open enough to try it, you should. Like I said, at a minimum (which is still a lot) floating in the Epsom salt with heal your body.

Bottom line: A cool experience, but not relaxing enough to try for a second time.
I was lucky enough to score a free gift certificate for a 60-​minute session when I went to the Health and Fitness Expo at Metlife Stadium.
I’m an avid kickboxer, so I thought this water pod filled with Epsom salt would be a great way to relax and soothe my muscles on my off days.
Let me start by saying the front desk receptionists are extremely friendly and take the time to talk you through the entire experience if it’s your first time there.
Onto the facility — it’s spotless! Super clean and very accomodating. There’s water and a variety of tea for you to drink before or after your session; mouthwash, Q-​tips, lotion, and face towels are provided in the locker room for free; and the shower (with different settings for your preference! super cool) in your floatation pod room has shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for you to use. Ear plugs are also available in the room for you to use during your session.
There are different light settings in the pod — no light, a blue light, and a multicolored light. You can play with them and figure out which setting best suits your needs most (e.g. sensory deprivation, relaxation, etc.). You can also choose to close the pod completely, keep it cracked, or keep it wide open if you’re claustrophobic. Eventually, I chose the multicolored light and to close the pod completely.
They play relaxing/​meditation music for the first and last 10 minutes of your session so you know when it’s starting and ending. If you fall asleep and don’t hear the music at the end, the filter (feels like a jet in a jacuzzi) will surely let you know your session is over.
Now for the brutal honesty…
I only truly enjoyed it and was only fully relaxed when the music was playing. I was mostly moving around, trying to get comfortable or feel more relaxed for the other 40 minutes. Didn’t work. Maybe next time, I’ll request music for my entire session. But honestly, I’d rather just take a bath with Epsom salt at home and spend my money elsewhere on a deep tissue massage if I really want to feel relaxed.
I didn’t leave feeling relaxed or less stressed, but I only deducted one star because the staff and facility are still great. Just because it didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it won’t work for someone else. It’s worth a try if you want to cross floatation/​sensory deprivation therapy off your bucket list.

Very clean, well-​kept admissions area and an even nicer back room. After a waiver is filled out, one of the workers will take you to the back where the tank and bathroom/​shower/​dressing areas are and will explain the whole process to you if it’s your first time. The gentleman we had was knowledgable, reassuring and extremely humorous and friendly– all important considering I was a first timer.
I did find the isopod to be very relaxing inside, but I didn’t have the overly spiritual sensation I hear most people experience during their first visit. I did, however, come out feeling more relaxed. For me, I don’t think I’d visit other than on my birthday with the 50% off discount as each hr session is rather expensive.
The room with the isopod tank contains a shower equipped with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. The pod itself is filled with about a foot of water and 1,000 lbs of Epsom salt which offsets gravity and allows you to literally float in the water. You can control the light and whether or not to close/​open the tank. There is also a call button for you to reach the front desk in case of an emergency.

WOW– Sorry it took so long to write this review.
This was my first float. This has been one of the most amazing experiences i had in a long time. During my float i experienced the most amazing sense of calm and relaxation. I felt as if i was rotating through space. I was able to sort through my thoughts and realize most thoughts that were traveling through my mind were so insignificant which gave me the ability to clear my mind and focus on what matters. What a life changing experience.
I am soooo looking forward to my next float!
Thanks so much
Paul

What a wonderful experience!
Friendly staff, beautiful facility, modern equipment, and did I mention the friendly staff? They were extremely polite, well prepared, and talked me through every aspect of my float before it happened.
I would and will absolutely recommend Serene Dreams in Kearny and I will definitely be back again in the very near future! Thank you guys!

This review is long overdue:
I visited Serene Dreams back in February and floated for the first time in my life. It was an incredible and life changing experience.
During my deprivation, I achieved a level on consciousness that was so profound it significantly impacted my life after leaving the tank. Suddenly I became more patient, understanding and overall appreciative of life. I know it sounds like I’ve been drinking the cult Kool-​Aid, but I truly swear on this experience.
The tank allowed me to completely revamp my mental health, reset my sleep cycle and helped to loosen tense muscles. There’s really no reason why you should not experience this phenomenon.
Unfortunately, since visiting I have broken my ankle and have been non-​weight bearing for 5 weeks now. Thankfully, I am able to walk again next week. As soon as I am stable enough to get back into the tank I will return here: exploring my mind, resetting my sleep cycle and now loosening the tense muscles in my ankle.
I can’t say enough positive things about this experience and the staff here.
Serene Dreams is a must visit.

I’ve been going to Serene Dreams for like 3 months now and this place is great. Everyone is very helpful and courteous. Every month they have specials that make it affordable. If you need a relaxing day, an hour here can last days.

Anyone looking to improve their mental and physical health should give isolation tanks a shot. I think everyone should try it at least once. The facility and employees created a wonderful atmosphere which is conducive to the meditative/​restorative acts they are offering. The bathrooms, showers, and changing areas are extremely clean and offer all the necessary items needed before, during and after your float. My one suggestion is for them to offer a scentless soap in the shower (Dr Bronner’s).

Incredible. Healing. Enlightening. Transformative.
An amazing experience. The flotation experience is unlike anything I have ever experienced. There are 2 parts to this experience, 1) the Salt Water Therapy for the body. Physical/​Therapeutic effects deprived from the actual floating in dense high quality salt water. And 2) The Sensory Deprivation Experience, and its effects on the mind.
Part I– Salt Water Therapy I felt relief & release from the debilitating pain in my hips, neck, shoulders & back caused by sciatica and years of severe muscle tension and spasms. The salt has a detox effect on your muscles & tissue, drawing out toxins while absorbing minerals & magnesium through your skin, the body’s largest organ. After the session you will feel really comfortable, relaxed, lighter, freer, with more range of motion in your joints. I find my skin glows for days, and very soft. My nails get stronger and stop peeling and it seems like my hair gets longer too. Salt water is great for everything.
Part II– Sensory Deprivation.
An amazing experience. There is nothing to stimulate or take your attention away leaving your mind free to wander to wonderous places. It may seem awkward for the first time for your first 30 minutes or so. You’re not really sure what to do or think about. So you’re mind starts racing as it normally does. Eventually it surrenders to the lack of stimulation, and calming effects of the salt & magnesium. You forget you’re floating because the water and your skin are the same temp. (my first float, I couldn’t «let go» for probably three quarters of the session. I was pretty mentally congested. The more stuff on your mind, the more stuff you’ve been carrying around, the longer it takes to unravel and get to that chill state. My 2^nd float, i «let go» much quicker and actually feel asleep, which was hard to believe considering how much it felt like my mind fought and resisted the relaxation the first session. The first time, maybe I was just excited about the whole experience and kept «anticipating» the chill state)
You leave feeling freer & clearer in body & mind, super relaxed. The results linger for about up to 2 weeks. After the first session, you’ll have the best sleep of your life. If you’re new to floating I recommend 90 minute sessions as opposed to 60, to again give your mind and body some time to settle in. Go more than once, it really does get better every time.
The staff is really great and accommodating. The facility is awesome, spa like. Best showers anywhere, ever. Very clean. Worth the traffic and drive from Manhattan!

What a cool experience. This was like nothing I have ever done before and I can’t wait to go back!
As some of the previous reviews indicated the waiting area wasn’t very spa-​like. I agree with that, but the staff was so nice and full of information about what I was about the experience that I didn’t feel awkward. But some nice soothing music may have been a good idea. Once I got into my room I went right for the shower, which was incredible. They provide shampoo, conditioner and body wash (all good brands). The shower head is amazing! I guess I took a quick shower because I got done and got into the pod and then the introduction music started about 10 minutes later. I thought I was missing something but then the music started.
Once the music stopped, I had turned off the light and was able to clear my mind almost immediately. Everything else seemed to slip away and the floating sensation was so unique. At some points I couldn’t tell what parts of my body were under water and what was exposed to the pod. I relaxed so much that I even fell asleep my first time. (I woke up to the light going on and the music coming back.) I felt so refreshed and like I had slept a full night.
After I got out, I took another shower to get all of the salt off and my body felt like Jell-​O. My body was so relaxed but my mind was alert. Once I got redressed I went back out to the waiting area/​lobby and was immediately greeted with a glass of water (which was much needed). Once I got home I slept like a rock and I have the feeling I will sleep well again tonight.
I can’t wait to go back!

I had heard of floating and sensory deprivation tanks from Joe Rogan Experience Podcast. After wanting to do it for years,
My 2 friends and I booked a float.
If its your first time, this is the way to go. With 2 friends, you have the whole facility to yourselves. This offers a certain level of comfort knowing you are not with a bunch of strangers, which really helped me focus right from the beginning of my float session.
I didn’t have many expectations, which may be why i was blown away at the level of amenities and all the thought and planning that went into Serene Dreams. The place was impeccably clean and the owner was very professional. Every thing is explained to you, even some things that you think aren’t necessary but end up being very valuable information.
You get a locker and locks in locker room area. Being that I had the place to myself with 2 friends, there was no need to worry about locks or having anything taken. We each had our own room with the coolest shower ever. I spent 10 minutes in the shower prior to my float, and almost forgot i was there for the float, not the awesome shower.
Finally it was float time. I got in, shut the lid, turned off the lights and went for full sensory deprivation. The music really helps you prepare.
I played around with different ways to lay and hold my head so i’d be most comfortable. The hour blew by. I thought I was only in for 30 minutes, but my clock said it was 75 minutes later. I couldn’t believe it.
The immediate effects were 0 back and knee soreness that i normally have. Being in an environment with no pressure points on your body, i felt like i had gone through a massage. My sleep that night was some of the best i ever had.
NYCers — they have a shuttle from the Harrison train station that will pick you up and drop you off if you book in advanced. I can’t wait to go again

I floated for the first time while out in Portland, OR and absolutely loved it. When I learned that a place had opened up close to home, I was super excited to test it out.
Overall, the place is great! It’s new, and clean and the service was super friendly.
About the rooms: The room is completely private with a large shower (you’re supposed to shower before and after entering the tank). It was very clean and you could tell that everything was brand new. There are floor mats down so you don’t slip, and they are kinda rough on the feet, so bring some flip flops or shower shoes with you. They provide all the toiletries, so no need to bring your own unless you’re particular.
The Tank: As a new place, the tank was brand new. There is a water bottle inside in case you get any salt on your face. The last float place i went to had an inflatable pillow, this one didn’t so if its something you want, I suggest you bring your own. They play music at the beginning and end of each float so you know when your time is staring and up. The music in the beginning went on way too long and I found it annoying. I’m sure I can ask that it not be played next time. The music at the end is of course essential so you know your time is up :)
Overall, I really loved this place and I plan on going back again, and again. If I had to change anything, it would be the waiting room experience. It felt very clinical like I was waiting at a doctor’s office. I wish it were a little bit more spa-​like, with relaxing music, dim light and some water/​tea. Not a deal breaker at all, but if you’re used to typical spas, don’t freak when you walk in and it feels a bit sterile.