10 relaxing VR environments enhanced by fragrances and a gentle breeze.
Esqapes Immersive Relaxation Center opened in Los Angeles this Friday, offering overworked locals the opportunity to lose themselves in a variety of relaxing VR locales, each accompanied by a massage chair routine synced to their in-headset experience.
Located in the SAG-AFTRA building on Wilshire Boulevard, Esqapes Immersive Relaxation Center immerses clients in their own personal VR oasis using a combination of proprietary software, automated massage programs, VR hardware, real fragrances, and various other immersion-enhancing elements. Clients begin the experience by sitting in a specially-designed massage chair and strapping into a VR headset; they are then presented with 10 different calming environments in which to relax:
ALANI GARDEN
You’ve got your own private garden paradise, surrounded by eternally blossoming Cherry trees. The blue-winged butterflies frolic around you as the fresh mountain wind flows through.
DESERT SPA
This lovely spa oasis is located in the middle of a vast desert, complete with sandy dunes and orange skies. The sound of the flowing pool and the warmth of the sun will lull you into sweet relaxation.
HEAVENLY GARDEN
Imagine a peaceful garden surrounded by rolling, green hills and a forest of fall colored trees. The brisk wind carries golden leaves across the valley as the smell of lavender permeates the air.
MOROCCAN TWILIGHT
Bask in the glow of the setting sun as you relax in front of an Olympic-sized pool. This is your own Moroccan resort perched high in the hills. The scent of Jasmine greets you as you kick back.
THE PAGODA
Imagine having an ancient Asian palace garden of your own! The Pagoda is perfectly positioned above a calm, babbling brook which intersects an evergreen valley.
THE SAUNA
Imagine having a private sauna all to yourself! As the fire crackles and the steam rises, you peacefully watch a passing storm roll in. You’re surrounded by warm air and the smell of sandalwood.
TROPICAL RETREAT
You’re comfortably resting in a Koi pond, located in the middle of an island paradise. Macaws are playing in the palm trees above you as the gentle breeze rustles the palm fronds.
SNOWBANK CABIN
Sometimes the comfort of a cozy cabin is all you need to relax. Feel the warmth of the crackling fireplace as you and your furry friend watch the snowfall in the distance.
STANDING ROCK
This private suite perched in the center of a canyon, has a spectacular view of Standing Rock Falls. A calm river flows below as Monarch butterflies explore the red rock formations.
SUNSET BEACH
You’ve got your own floating cabana and beautiful sunset surrounded by a vanilla sky. Just like the dolphins and seagulls, you won’t have a care in the world!
Along with experiencing an automated massage synced to the in-headset experience, fragrances corresponding to each location are pumped into the room, as well as a gentle breeze, further immersing the client in their virtual paradise.
Daniel Cooper of Engadget describes his time inside a 5-minute demo of the experience during which he found himself zenning-out on a beach in Normandy, France.
“I’m seated upright, watching and listening to the waves as they crash against the coast. Soon after, the “masseuse” walks into frame and begins to talk, telling me to relax and breathe deeply. Once they finished speaking, they moved behind the camera, waving their hands into frame as a warning that the program is about to kick in.”
Sessions at Esqapes Immersive Relaxation Center begin at $40 per 30-minutes. Those interested can book their appointments here. Esqapes recommends arriving 10-15 minutes early to your appointment so that you can wind down in their pre-session lounge and properly ready your mind and body for the relaxing experience ahead.
