Justin Morgan-Parmett spent three decades as a competitive debate coach, which often led to sensory overload. After he was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition causing widespread pain, Morgan-Parmett found relief floating in a dark tank of water saturated with 700 pounds of Epsom salts at Satori Float and Mind Spa in Shelburne. Quiet time in the tank helped him reset his nervous system and calm his mind, he said.
When Satori’s owner retired, Morgan-Parmett bought the float tanks and opened Float Away Wellness Spa in Williston in January. In her latest episode of “Stuck in Vermont,” Seven Days senior multimedia producer Eva Sollberger visited the spa and tried a few floats.
She spoke about filming the episode.
Why did you visit Float Away?
I have been struggling with chronic pain and anxiety for years. I manage it with yoga and deep tissue massage, but I was curious about floating and wanted to give it a try. I took two floats and discovered how difficult it is to film yourself floating when you are immersed in silky saltwater and everything you touch gets covered in a layer of brine. My second float was without a camera and bathing suit, and that was far superior. I found that it helped me achieve a deep level of calm. Afterward, I slept soundly for the first time in ages.
Who else frequents the spa?
Edwin Owusu is a friend of Morgan-Parmett’s and has tried floating a number of times. He’s a lecturer and head debate coach at the University of Vermont and also performs and releases music as SINNN. Owusu cannot swim, so his first float involved time acclimating to being in the water. But he said floating has helped quiet his busy mind. Owusu spoke about the difficulty of juggling his roles of teacher, debate coach, father, musician and performer. The process forces calm, he said, “and then I’m able to take that reset.”
How much does a float cost?
A one-hour float costs $89, but there are memberships and packages to bring down the price. You can also try vibroacoustic therapy, which involves lying down on a vibrating table and listening to music while wearing glasses that flash light on your closed eyelids. You can combine this “tabling” experience with a float for $115, or try it independently.
Final thoughts?
Morgan-Parmett floats three times a week and said it has helped him manage his pain. One of the reasons he opened this spa is to have access to the tanks. “It does calm your nervous system down,” he said. At a time when so many people are stressed and overwhelmed, taking a quiet, dark break from all the noise to bob like a cork in salty water may be beneficial.
This article appears in April 8 • 2026.
Got something to say?
Send a letter to the editor and we'll publish your feedback in print!
