Downtown Buzz News from the Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone SPOTLIGHT


Fluid Float A


Fluid Float Located at Studio 65, 81 Garry Street


nagging back injury led Nick Parisi to try his first f loat. Paired with a new in-home yoga practice, he experienced relief from his chronic pain and


limitations. A newfound believer in the weightless wellness practice,


Parisi set his sights on opening the first float studio in Win- nipeg. But when other float studios popped up before his, he refined his vision. A contractor by trade, Parisi started Fluid Float Studio


and built the first custom “float cabins” in the city – spa- cious seven-foot-high sanctuaries within a private room, equipped with an adjacent shower, optional lighting and music to customize your ambience. Te larger units have removed what Parisi says is the


number one resistance to the concept – the idea that you may feel anxious in a small, dark space. “We opened up the experience to more people,” says


Parisi. “We don’t get any feedback about feeling claustro- phobic.” Plus, the size accommodates people with limited mobility or chronic injuries like Parisi was previously experiencing. With a remote that follows you into the cabin, you can


control all settings – so, you can get situated with some mood lighting and relaxing music before you go sensory- less. Or, you can keep your soundtrack on along with a light glow the entire time. Te float concept was stumbled upon in the ‘50s, while


researching what limiting sensory experience can do to the mind, but the additional physical benefits were undeniable. “It basically does the same thing that people use the Dead


Sea for, or Epsom salts in tubs,” says Parisi. “It relaxes your muscles, decompresses your spine, and can help with day- to-day pain or recovery.” Aiming to supersize the health gains, Fluid Float has


added an infrared option, allowing clients additional perks normally found in dry saunas. Infrared allows your body to heat up from the inside outward which is great for main- taining a comfortable temperature during a float session, and you’re still ridding yourself of toxins. Plus, Fluid Float Studio infuses silver, zinc and copper in


the saline solution, forming a natural sanitizer and allow- ing additional health benefits from these minerals. With three cabins in its location in Fort Garry Place, and a head office just down the hall from the studio, Fluid Float


also extends packages or full space rentals to groups, offer- ing up its comfortable office space for hangouts between sessions. Its corporate memberships have been especially attrac-


tive, even more so for demanding, high-pressure industries like law enforcement and the military. Some of the most rewarding feedback comes from the


clients, or even their spouses: “We’ve had wives call and say: ‘I don’t know what you’re doing over there, but it’s re- ally working.’”


SPOTLIGHT


Inn at the Forks


Inn at the Forks Located at 75 Forks Market Road


I


nn at Te Forks has been part of the landscape of the premier tourism destination since 2004 – and it’s hard to undo the impact the landmark has on business. “We’re an experience-based property,” says Joel Water-


man, general manager at Inn at Te Forks. “All the activities happening at Te Forks… it’s a very positive impact. “Ice Castles was huge for us. Mild weekends in Winnipeg


in winter are a big deal.” Te Forks’ record-setting skating trail and winter park


helps drive a lot of patronage for Inn at Te Forks’ restau- rant, SMITH – and even some overnight stays. “Tere are a ton of Winnipeggers that stay with us and


turn that into a winter staycation, with all the attractions right outside.”


Heading into summer, Inn at Te Forks has even more


experienced-based stays up its sleeves. Connecting the high praise of its restaurant with a


unique experience at Te Forks, the Inn is offering SMITH- crafted picnic baskets for lunch down by the confluence of the rivers, and has bikes on call for guests to meander their way around the grounds. For those more athletically inclined, Inn at Te Forks has


engaged running and cycling concierges for guests to go on guided bikes or runs in the area. It’s even planned a special package for anyone wanting


to enjoy a perfect night’s rest before the Manitoba Mara- thon in June. As much as the location and proximity to all of Win-


nipeg’s major destinations is a draw, Inn at Te Forks is a venue with myriad custom experiences of its own. In a given week, it plays host to everything from well-


catered corporate events; weddings; brunches and birthday dinners – plus, its Riverstone spa lets guests enjoy an exotic


downtownwinnipegbiz.com (204) 958-4640


info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com 426 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0C9 July 2018 www.manitobapost.com Manitoba Post 9


escape while performing ancient practices like Himalayan salt detoxes. Beginning with a hot stone massage and salt scrub, the


ritual is designed to relax while detoxifying the body and giving your metabolism a boost. Tat’s maybe the one missing connection for people to


make between the Inn and Te Forks. “I still don’t think everyone knows we have a spa,”


says Waterman, “and it’s designed around the feel of Te Forks,” acknowledging its importance to the Indigenous community. But as the more than four million visitors make their way


through Te Forks each year, more are bound to discover the deep comforts of Riverstone and the many accommo- dations of the Inn. “Tere’s so many things that you can do now down at Te


Forks,” says Waterman. “And we’ve seen some of the ideas of what Te Forks will look like in the next 10, 20 years… we’re a huge supporter of the vision.”


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