5 Local Spots Where You Can Find Your Zen

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2020, man. We could all use some freakin’ zen right now. And we’re here to help you find it.

Enjoy some well-deserved moments of peace and tranquility at these 5 serene spots around the city and thank us later!

by Alicia Valenski

The Japanese Garden at Maymont

There are so many different peaceful spots to choose from at Maymont, but in my opinion the most tranquil area is the Japanese Garden, pictured above. It’s the oldest public Japanese Garden on the East Coast — and its naturalistic design contrasts strongly with the formality of Maymont’s Italian Garden.

Once you pass through its distinct gates, you’ll find trained and pruned trees and shrubs, raked sand pools, stone groupings, water areas, stone lanterns, and a variety of paths and bridges. Noises are muted aside from the sound of the waterfall.

It almost feels like being in another world.

Location: 1700 Hampton St

Hours: The grounds and gardens are open daily from 10 am - 7 pm from April through September, and daily from 10 am - 5 pm from October through March

Scents of Serenity Organic Spa

Voted best day spa for the past eight years by Virginia Living Magazine, this organic spa is so calming and nourishing you’ll never want to leave! Scents of Serenity is Richmond’s only truly organic spa, specializing in results-oriented organic skincare and massage.

Bliss out with an organic facial, a therapeutic massage (or couple’s massage!), a body wrap or scrub, a mud bath or seaweed soak, and so many more luxurious services at one of their three amazing locations in Richmond’s West End, Short Pump, and Glen Allen.

But before you make your appointment, be sure to use your member perk — members of The Richmond Experience can use code SOSRVAX for 10% off any product or service!

Location: Richmond’s West End, 5707 Grove Ave; Short Pump, 4001 Whittall Way; Glen Allen, 10170 Staples Mill Rd Suite C

Hours: Vary by location; more info here

Humble Haven Yoga

Yeah, “Haven” is right! Even before you roll out your mat, you’ll start feeling zen the second you walk into the lobby at either of the Humble Haven Yoga locations (in Shockoe Slip and in Glenside).

This local hot yoga studio has six in-person class offerings available: Power Vinyasa, Circuit Boot Camp, Yoga Build, Hamstrings + Hips + Spines, Kundalini Yoga, and Prenatal Yoga.

They’re currently also offering live virtual classes as well as access to on-demand yoga flow videos, for those who wish to remain socially distant.

Location: Shockoe Slip, 13 S 13th St; Glenside, 6980 Forest Ave

Hours: Class times vary; see schedule here

Flatwater Kayaking on the James River

If a relaxing paddle is more your speed, then bring your kayak or canoe up to Deep Bottom Park & Four Mile Creek, where you can see waterfowl, songbirds, and other wildlife far from the bustle of the city. The waters here are calm, which is great for novice paddlers or those just looking to take it easy.

Don’t have a kayak or a canoe? You can rent one from RVA Paddlesports ($50 single/$80 tandem). Not confident enough to go without a guide? RVA Paddlesports offers flatwater kayaking tours ($60/person), with the option to use a tandem kayak if you’d prefer to paddle with a partner.

Interested in a zen adventure? — members of The Richmond Experience VAx members get 15% off with code “proudmary.”

Location: 9525 Deep Bottom Rd, Henrico

Hours: Dawn ‘til dusk

Float Therapy at Vitality Float Spa

This wellness studio in Carytown focuses on using alternative spa services like float therapy to take “zen” to a whole new level.

A float tank is a large bathtub designed to reduce distractions like light, sounds, gravity, and tactile sensations. The water is heated to skin temperature and filled with 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt, allowing you to float effortlessly.

As you lie in the float tank, about 80-90% of neuromuscular activity is decreased. Cortisol levels drop significantly, blood pressure lowers, and a deep sense of relaxation starts to take over your body.

Both of the float tanks at Vitality Float Spa offer a light button and music button with high, medium, and low volume levels, so you can create your own environment for relaxation within your tank.

Be sure to use your RVAx member perk when you book — members of The Richmond Experience get 15% off reflexology, AmpCoil, and floatation services!

Location: 202 S Robinson St

Hours: By appointment only