I tried Fort Lauderdale's new coworking wellness lounge. Here's what it's like.
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Why not take care of your skin while getting some work done? Photo: Naomi Feinstein/Axios
Fort Lauderdale's newest wellness lounge mixes work and self-care.
Why it matters: South Florida has no shortage of coworking and wellness spaces, but Calma is bringing the two concepts together under one roof.
Driving the news: Former professional baseball player Alex Liddi and his wife Rosy opened Calma in the Thrive District in June, aiming to create a space where entrepreneurs and remote workers can balance work and recovery.
- Rosy tells Axios Calma took four years to bring to life.
What to expect: The space, at 710 NW 5th Ave., has a coworking lounge, a red light therapy room, an infrared sauna, cold plunges, a walking pad and IV therapy.
- It also offers red- and blue-light face masks.
By the numbers: Monthly memberships range from $149 to $299, with day passes also available.
- $149/month: Eight contrast therapy sessions.
- $199/month (three-month commitment) or $222/month: Eight contrast therapy sessions and coworking lounge visits, a welcome red light session, activation classes, and first-time guest passes.
- $299/month: unlimited contrast therapy and red light room and mask use, walking pad access, priority event booking, 20% off eligible IV therapy, guest passes, partner discounts and founders rate locked for life.
Day passes cost $59, while five-day passes and 19-day passes are $199 and $329, respectively.
👩💻 Naomi's thought bubble: I bought a day pass to see what it was like to mix work and wellness in a space that wasn't a loud, bustling gym.
- I started in the red light therapy room catching up on my emails. There are two comfy seats and sunglasses if the lights bother your eyes.
- After a quick session on the walking pad, I spent a few hours moving around the lounge, working from the couch, swinging chair and one of the two phone booths to take some calls.
- I even tried the light therapy mask, which didn't get in the way of my productivity.
- I capped off the day with a quick session in the sauna and a dip in the 45-degree cold plunge.
The bottom line: It was a welcome change from working at home or a coffee shop. I got just as much work done, with a little relaxation built into my day.