When Liz Chamberlain and her husband Russell opened the Buddhist-inspired Bodhi Tree Guesthouse & Studio in 2014, they had the only therapeutic float tank in the area.
A float tank, which is also called a sensory deprivation tank, is a soundproof and lightproof tank of water with a very high salt content. The density of the salt water allows people to float effortlessly on top of the water. A hour-long float is $60.
“It’s our way of offering a meditative experience to people who struggle with meditation, which is basically everybody,” Chamberlain, owner and founder of Bodhi Tree, said. “It’s a really great way to offer people some relief from the overstimulation we get in our everyday lives.”
Since Bodhi Tree, 8950 Lavelle Road, opened its doors to guests, Chamberlain and a team of others trained in relaxation techniques have offered a holistic retreat for people visiting Southeast Ohio. In addition to being a bed and breakfast and offering floats in the float tank, Bodhi Tree’s services include massage therapy, yoga classes and Thai bodywork.
Chamberlain said she and her husband decided to convert their spacious home into an inn and retreat due to their shared interests in meditation and yoga. They recently finished building a new facility to house their float tank, massage sessions and yoga classes. They also finished development of a certified organic farm on the grounds of the inn during the spring, which provides foods that are incorporated into the guesthouse breakfasts.
Most guests to the inn, Chamberlain said, are people who are visiting Ohio University or Hocking Hill State Park.
“We have had a handful of guests who have specifically come for our services, but not very many,” she said. “We’re hoping to attract more guests who are here for personal retreats.”
Carissa Rose has been a massage therapist at Bodhi Tree since it opened in 2014. She said she was excited for the opportunity to work there because she had been waiting for something like Bodhi Tree to open in the Athens area.
“I’ve worked in spas before and I really think it’s important for the therapist to feel relaxed to have a great ambience,” Rose said. “I felt really great working with (the Chamberlains). I know they wanted to create more of an experience than your typical retreat.”
She said although her training is in medical massage, she enjoys the holistic approach to massage therapy and tailors her sessions to each person individually.
“I think we’re dedicated to mindfulness and being present with people and during sessions,” she said. “People walk in and seem to feel relaxed from the get go."
John Stock from Rutland went to Bodhi Tree for a massage and float this summer as a gift from his wife and children. He said he had done floats before, but had an especially good experience at Bodhi Tree.
“It’s like laying on the perfect mattress,” he said. “Every point of your body that’s touching the water has support. It’s fun and it’s interesting to move around in.”
Stock said he would definitely recommend the floats and massage to others, and he plans on giving his wife the same package for her upcoming birthday.
“The float and the massage, that’s a nice combo, and for me it’s kind of a splurge … but it’s really a therapeutic experience," he said.
