The atmosphere, the energy, the intention.... it was a magical experience. Although I arrived with a bit of fear of what sensory deprivation is like, it didn't last long. I was fortunate enough to have been greeted and escorted through to my private room by the founder, Pedramin. She had a peaceful and safe energy about her. With a safe, clean, modern, cozy space.... the rest was up to me! I closed the lid of my SD tank all the way and was greeted by the healing sounds of dolphins (you get to choose! ) and with faint lights inside. After some time the lights and sounds go off. Hang with the darkness! You can do it! Once the fear leaves you can really go deep. I will absolutely go back again and again. I can't say enough about this experience. …
A comfy, lovely place, with warm but not remarkable service. A good choice if you live nearby—although, with prices as high as Elizabeth Arden, there's no reason to go out of the way. An unexpected oasis in an otherwise dodgy slice of the city—the spa keeps its doors locked during business hours—Soul Day Spa provides earthy indulgences like Tahitian body polishes and milk-and-honeysuckle pedicures for downtown girls. Soul, which opened in July, inhabits a converted brownstone on the corner of Florida Avenue and North Capitol Street, with three floors of pristine but low-tech treatment rooms done up in browns and creams. On two levels are spa areas; on the second floor is a four-station hair studio specializing in African-American styles. When I arrived for a pedicure on a Wednesday afternoon, my nail technician was waiting at the door to escort me in from a pouring rain. I hadn't parked far; I was in an empty gravel lot next door. Nicole—the owner, who occasionally doubles as receptionist—welcomed me warmly and offered me juice or tea.