Frequently asked

Questions

General

What is Koan Float?

At Koan Float, we warmly welcome you to enjoy our diverse treatments. Whether you choose a floatsession or a professional massage, we offer sessions of 60, 90, and 120 minutes, with longer sessions available upon request. Feel free to ask our hotel staff for more information, or visit our Float & Massage Center located just a stone’s throw from the hotel.

Where is Koan Float located?

The address is as follows: Herengracht 321, 1016 AW in Amsterdam.

What are the opening hours of Koan Float?

The opening hours are from Monday to Sunday, 09:00 am to 22:30 pm.

What are the opening hours of Koan Float during the holiday season?

April 27th (King’s Day): Closed
December 25th (Christmas Day): Closed
December 31st (New Year’s Eve): Open until 18:00
January 1st (New Year’s Day): Open from 12:00

Do you have a lost and found section?

If you have lost something, we keep found items for up to one year. These can be picked up during our opening hours.

Reservations

How can I book a float session or massage at Koan Float?

You can book a float session, massage, or combination session through our website. Alternatively, you can send us an email at info@koanfloat.nl.

Do I need to pay in advance when making a reservation?

When you book through our website, you pay immediately.

If you request a booking via email, we can send you an invoice so you can pay for the sessions before your visit.

It is also possible to pay at our center.

My payment isn’t going through, what should I do?

If your payment through the website fails, the desired time slot will remain marked as ‘unavailable’ for about 10 minutes. We recommend waiting for 10 minutes before trying to book again. After this period, the time slot will either become available again, or the payment will have gone through. You can now make your booking.

Is it possible to use a combination of a gift card and a payment method?

You can pay using a gift card and a payment method.

If I have booked a combination, what is the order of the sessions?

You can choose the order of the sessions when making your appointment. We recommend that, especially for your first float session, you have the massage first and then the float session. However, this is entirely up to your personal preference, as some people prefer to enjoy the massage after floating for an extra level of relaxation.

What are the cancellation policies?

You can change and/or cancel your reservations free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.

What should I do if I have a nut allergy and want to book a massage?

If you have a nut allergy, please mention it when making your booking. The massage therapist can then take this into account when choosing the oil to use during the massage.

Floating

What is floating and how does it work?

Floating is a unique form of relaxation. Imagine drifting weightlessly on a cushion of warm salt water, allowing all the stress and worries of everyday life to wash away. The float cabin is located in your own private room and is specially designed to block out external stimuli, such as sound, visual distractions, gravity, and temperature variations. During a float session, you will experience a unique sensation of weightlessness and relaxation unlike anything you’ve felt before.

What are the benefits of floating?

Floating can help reduce stress, alleviate pain, improve sleep quality, and enhance creativity and mental clarity.

What is the minimum age to float?

Floating is not age-restricted; children and teenagers often enjoy it. However, it’s advisable not to float with very young children, as their playful nature might lead them to find it boring and tempt them to splash around or submerge their heads, which is not recommended due to the salt content in the water. If you would like to accompany your young child during the float session, please contact us in advance.

How many people can float at the same time?

You can float with a maximum of three people at the same time, each in a separate float room with a private tank.

The principle of floating is to eliminate influences such as light, sound, and gravity. If two people were to float in one cabin, there’s a high chance of distraction, making it difficult to achieve total relaxation. Additionally, there isn’t enough space for two people in a float cabin, which is why floating with two people in one cabin is not allowed.

Do I need to wear swimwear?

Swimwear is not necessary, as the float cabin is located in a private space with its own shower facilities. Towels, a bathrobe, slippers, and toiletries are also provided for you. Everything is included in the price, so you only need to focus on relaxing.

I wear contact lenses; can I keep them in while floating?

We recommend removing your contact lenses while floating. We suggest bringing your own lens case and solution with you.

Is floating bad for my hair?

The high salt content in the float tank can cause your hair to dry out. We recommend thoroughly wetting your hair during the shower before your float session. Hair that is saturated with water cannot absorb salt, which helps reduce dryness.

I have long hair; will it be easy to rinse it out after floating?

We recommend thoroughly wetting your hair during the shower before your float session and tying long hair back in a ponytail or bun during the session. This way, your hair won’t absorb salt, making it much easier to rinse out after floating.

I have dyed my hair. Is floating bad for the color?

The high salt content in the water can fade the color of your hair. You can float as long as the color doesn’t transfer to a towel. You also have the option to wear a swim cap while floating; feel free to ask about the available caps.

How can I best prepare my hair for a float session?

We recommend thoroughly wetting your hair during the shower before floating and tying long hair back in a ponytail or bun. This helps care for your hair, as hair that is saturated with clean water will not absorb salt. Please note that using hair masks before your float session is not allowed.

Do I need to bring anything else?

You don’t need to bring anything for your visit to Koan Float; everything you need is provided. This includes towels, shampoo/body wash, hair dryers, skincare products, and earplugs. If you prefer to use your own products, you are welcome to bring them. If you wear contact lenses, it’s recommended to bring a lens case as well.

What should I be aware of when I go floating?

Due to the high salt content, it is recommended that you avoid shaving (for men) or hair removal (for women) for at least 3 hours before floating. We also advise having a light meal beforehand and limiting or avoiding coffee. The use of alcohol or drugs before a float session or massage is prohibited.

I have a skin condition; can I still float?

You can float with a mild form of psoriasis. If you have any doubts, please contact us or consult your doctor.

I suffer from claustrophobia; would you recommend that I still try floating?

Due to the dimensions of the float cabin (210 cm long, 160 cm wide, and 155 cm high) and the option to keep the lid open while floating, you won’t feel confined in a small space. Additionally, you can maintain contact with the reception staff via the intercom system in the cabin. You also have control over the light, sound, and access to the cabin. In practice, many people who are sensitive to claustrophobia find floating to be a very pleasant experience.

Can I keep the lid open while floating?

We recommend keeping the lid of the float cabin closed during the session, as this contributes to a more beneficial experience. You have the control to open or close the lid as you wish.

Is it safe to float while pregnant?

Due to the relaxation and tranquility that floating offers, it can have beneficial effects on “hard bellies.” It may also reduce edema and the risk of varicose veins, as well as improve the exchange of nutrients and waste in the placenta due to better blood flow in the tissues. Floating is also a unique way to achieve mental peace, allowing you to fully relax and take time for yourself and your unborn child. Frequent floaters often describe it as a feeling of “being back in the womb.” However, if you are experiencing significant nausea during pregnancy, we advise against floating. In that case, please consult your midwife or doctor beforehand.

Can I eat before a float session?

Yes, it is recommended to have a light, easily digestible meal before a float session. However, make sure you don’t start the session feeling too full.

Is drug use allowed while floating?

The use of alcohol and drugs before or during floating or a massage is strictly prohibited.

Is the water cleaned after every float session?

Koan Float places a high value on hygiene. After each session, the entire contents of the float cabin are filtered. The water is deeply purified using pumps and filters, including UV light and hydrogen peroxide. We test the quality, salt content, pH level, and temperature of the water daily. Additionally, monthly hygiene and water quality checks are conducted by the independent laboratory Omegam.

What are the dimensions of the cabin, considering my height?

The interior dimensions of the float cabin are quite spacious: 210 cm long, 160 cm wide, and 155 cm high.

Can I float during my menstrual period?

Yes, you can float during your menstrual period if you take the same precautions as you would in a swimming pool.

Can I drown if I fall asleep while floating?

No, this is not possible. Some people do fall asleep while floating when they are fully relaxed, and that’s actually very pleasant! The salt content in the water provides ample buoyancy, making it impossible to turn over without actively trying to do so.

Massages

What types of massages does Koan Float offer?

We offer the following professional massages: Aqama, Boja, Cranio-Sacral Balancing, Deep Tissue, Energetic Massage, Hot Stone, Classic Relaxation Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Rebalancing, Shiatsu, Sports Massage, Thai Yoga, Lua Lomilomi, Reflexology, and Pregnancy Massage.

How do I know which massage is right for me?

Before your massage session, you will always have a brief intake conversation with the therapist, during which they will ask about any specific concerns or focus areas. The therapist will provide a “tailored” massage, using various techniques to ensure it meets your preferences.

How long do the massage sessions last?

Massage sessions last at least 60 minutes or longer.

Can I book a massage without floating?

Yes, that is certainly possible!

Can I decide on the spot if I want to choose a special massage?

Koan Float offers you many options regarding different massage techniques. However, these types of massages are provided on different days. If you would like to book a specific massage, we recommend doing so in advance to ensure you can choose from the available time slots.

Payments

What payment methods does Koan Float accept?

Koan Float accepts the following payment methods:

Credit card (Amex, Mastercard, Visa)
Debit card (Maestro, Mastercard, Visa)
Cash payment (We cannot accept €200 and €500 bills)
In advance of your visit, via invoice and bank transfer.

Is a deposit required when booking?

A deposit is required for large group bookings. If applicable, you will be informed accordingly.

Giftcard

Does Koan Float offer gift cards?

Give the gift of a float session, massage session, or a combination of both. You can also choose a custom amount. The gift card (in credit card format) comes in a beautiful gift package with additional information and is sent to an address you specify in the Netherlands. Additionally, you have the option to include a personal message.

How can I purchase a gift card from Koan Float?

You can purchase a gift card in the following ways:

Via the website: Choose to have the gift card sent by post, digitally, or both.
Pick Up: You can also select the Pick Up option on the website. You can visit Koan Float, where we will create the gift card for you on-site. Please note that you may have to wait if it is busy.
Email: Send us an email with your details, and we will send you an invoice. Please note that we will only create the gift card after the payment has been received. (Note: we do not have access to bank details on weekends.)

How long is a gift card valid for?

A gift card is valid for one year.

Membercard/packages

Does Koan Float offer memberships?

There is an option to become a KoanFloat Member.

Welke voordelen biedt de membercard van Koan Float?

Als Member kunt u profiteren van kortingen op floatpakketten. Voor elke floatsessie ontvangt u een punt. Bij 10 punten krijgt u een gratis floatsessie. Helaas kunnen we geen korting geven op massages, maar als Member ontvangt u wel een punt voor elke massage. Met deze punten kunt u profiteren van kortingen op floatpakketten.

Does Koan Float offer special packages or deals for regular customers?

If you do not wish to become a member, you can still purchase float packages. However, you will miss out on the benefits of the special pricing for floating and the accumulation of points.

Do you have any other questions?

Feel free to contact us at:
+31 (0)20 555 0 333

info@koanfloat.nl

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