Sonam Studio: a suspended gong bath inside a cocoon for a unique and floating wellness experience

Sonam Studio, located in the 16th arrondissement, reimagines the classic gong bath with a one-of-a-kind sound experience. Suspended in a cozy cocoon just inches above the ground, right in the heart of Paris, it offers a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

You may be familiar with gong baths, this ancient Asian practice that promotes deep relaxation of the body and mind through sound vibrations. While several venues around the capital offer this experience, at Sonam Studio, located near the Arc de Triomphe, things feel a bit different. Here, participants are immersed in a cocoon, suspended in mid-air, for a floating experience that feels timeless.

It’s Alexandra, trained in Nepal by masters of gongs and singing bowls, who developed a desire for inner peace through sound therapy. After years working in a very noisy environment, she sought tranquility. Instead of lying on the ground, clients relax comfortably in a hanging hammock suspended from the ceiling, just a few centimeters above the floor. Shaped like a cocoon, it provides a cozy space where you can unwind in a horizontal position.

After storing your belongings in the basement, you step into this dimly lit room and select your floating pod from the eight available. If you're especially sensitive to noise, it's better to choose the second row to avoid sitting directly in front of the gongs. In a cozy setting, you'll spend an hour completely letting go, relaxing like never before, aided by the gentle sensation of weightlessness.

Even though our bodies remain still, we quickly get the sensation of gently swaying, as if guided by the vibrations of gongs. With your eyes closed, there's nothing you need to do—just let yourself be carried along, breathing slowly and disconnecting your mind. This is a unique weightless experience that surprises and helps eliminate pressure points on the body, reducing tension. It effortlessly guides you into a meditative state through the calming influence of deep and high-frequency sounds.

Some hear the echoes of whales or the vastness of space within the sounds of the gongs, and each gong bath offers a unique experience. But for everyone, it's a moment suspended in time. Many drift into a light sleep, and afterward, you feel lighter and more relaxed. Even the ride home on the metro can't take away that sense of calm.

On our end, having already tried the ground activity once before, we were once again filled with waves of well-being throughout the session, accompanied by a heightened awareness of our bodies. In addition to the gongs, you'll also hear Tibetan bowls—clearer, more crystalline sounds—or even the gentle patter of rain, created by other instruments Alexandra uses to diversify the vibrations.

If you're a bit claustrophobic, you might feel a little uneasy at first when settling in, but the cocoon, though black in color, lets some light shine through and is made entirely of fabric. Overall, the experience is more comforting and immersive. Since the studio is very close to the street, you might hear some traffic noise now and then, but just focusing on the chimes can help you forget about it.

It’s also recommended to stay warm during the session, even though blankets are provided, as the body tends to cool down when at rest. The venue offers additional sessions such as Grounding, performed on the floor, as well as a Lunar Experience on full moon and new moon evenings.

Whether you're simply curious, already interested in meditation, or looking to bring some peace to your daily life, it's a fascinating experience — though it does come with some precautions, especially for those with epilepsy, pregnant women, or individuals with a pacemaker.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.