Magnolia Float Spa — Local services in Gulf Shores

My husband and I booked appointments at Magnolia Float Spa while on vacation, celebrating my 50th birthday. Unfortunately, the entire experience was a complete letdown instead of the relaxation we expected.

On the morning of our scheduled session, we got a text from the manager, Jamie, saying they were sick and had to cancel. While I understand that things happen, we asked if we could reschedule for the next day or the day after—our only remaining days in town. Jamie said they would check and let us know that evening. We never heard back that evening or the next day.

I messaged Jamie the following morning and was told they were back at work but no one could float for 12 hours. We were given the option to come the next morning (which wasn’t possible due to early travel plans) or request a refund. We chose the refund, and Jamie said it would be processed right away. That was Tuesday, July 22.

By Friday, the refund hadn’t appeared. I followed up and was told it takes 5–7 business days. Fair enough. But when August 1st came and still nothing had been refunded—and I received no reply to my message—that changed things. It’s now another full week later, and still no refund, no follow-up, and no communication.

It feels like we were taken advantage of because we were tourists. I would not recommend this business to anyone—especially if you’re from out of town. Instead, treat yourself to a truly professional experience at the Grand Hotel spa in Fairhope—it’s just a short drive away, and the service there was everything Magnolia Float Spa wasn’t: reliable, responsive, and...

When I showed up for my experience, I was greeted with a smile. After confirming my reservation, they ran my card for the reservation and any incidentals (they explained that there are things that you could ruin or break). This was my first time, but I signed the waiver online that they sent to me via email before arriving. They explained the experience to me at a little lobby area with table and chairs, and they gave me some sandals to wear instead of shoes. Then they escorted me to my room, probably about 8x12 (Edit: 8x16 feet per owner response below) feet in size. They show you the preparations you should take on the wall in the room and a few things about operating the pod. They provide everything you need right down to a contacts case and solution. It's a sensory deprivation chamber, but you can choose to have music on in the pod if you prefer. I was in for about an hour. Good experience. They give you everything you need, but it's up to you to relax while floating in the filtered and heavily salted (Epsom salt) water. Afterward, you can go back to the lobby area and are offered a healthy variety of hot tea to continue relaxing. The person in charge joined me for a nice chat, and I left. I do feel relaxed and the experience was as perfect as it can get from beginning to end. Recommended for those that need a break from all the noise...

So I took a daycation for myself. And in doing so I decided to spend the day and doging myself. One of those indulgences was at magnolia float spa where I spent an hour in an isolation tank floating in 10 in of water and body temperature then had a thousand pounds of Epsom salts mixed into the water. Of the experience I can say that it was phenomenal it did not take long for me to completely find my mind and avoid of just nothingness no thoughts no engagements no buzz know anything. I was just in a silent floating sphere of darkness and comfort. What I found to be very unique and peculiar was that my breathing became extremely slowed and shallow and if I had to guess I was taking anywhere between 4:00 to maybe six breaths a minute very shallow very soothing and it was definitely a very relaxing hour. The staff at magnolia floats are extremely helpful kind and receptive to your needs and I definitely recommend anyone looking for a different experience and something an unusually unique to do to give magnolia...