Water is not only the origin and source of life, but it is also the fundamental force that nurtures, nourishes, strengthens, drives, sustains, and proliferates it. As is the case with the natural ecosystem of the Earth, human health and wellness are also directly connected with the type of water it gets, uses and consumes.
When it comes to healing your health and your holistic wellness, one of the most recognized and proven techniques is float therapy. “Floating in our Made in India Relaxopods, you will experience that the R.E.S.T aka Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy is like nothing you’ve experienced before,” assures Binny Paul, the Founder-Director, who established Relaxopod Systems India Pvt Ltd, a leading manufacturer of sensory deprivation tanks. The company stands as a pioneer of the first commercial floatation pod—Relaxopod in Asia. Subsequently, it added a Relaxo-room, which is an open floatation tank. A certified water specialist with more than 20 years of experience in commercial and industrial water treatment systems, Binny is a second-generation leader of his family-owned business, manufacturing water treatment systems for more than 30 years.
Binny Paul is very passionate about floatation therapy and experienced it in his self-designed Relaxopod. He informs, “We opened the first dedicated float centre in India at Pune named Shalom Float and Mind Spa in 2015. We received excellent reviews as this modern wellness therapy was well accepted and appreciated by our float customers.”
It encouraged Binny and his team and as a result, they established these centres in Pune, Bengaluru, Delhi, Nashik, Mumbai(Juhu), and Mumbai (Thane), to name a few (also now in Mumbai (Mahalaxmi), Udaipur, Trivandrum. The company is also planning to expand and setup these centers in tier 1 and 2 cities across the country. Binny says that through Relaxopod, they would like to help spas, wellness centres, clinics and hospitals add a new revenue stream to their existing business by adding a float tank. “We would also invite budding and aspiring entrepreneurs who would like to enter the lucrative health and wellness business with this innovative business idea. We execute the complete float centre project from design to execution, installation and after-sales service. Our pods and rooms are of international quality with state-of-the-art filtration systems.”
Crafting Calm in a Fast-Paced World
In the advancing landscape of health and wellness, Binny Paul stands out as a visionary who transformed a spark of curiosity into a nationally recognized wellness innovation. Before launching Relaxopod Systems India, Binny had already established himself in the field of water treatment solutions, leading his family-owned manufacturing business with a certified specialization from WQA,US. However, after over a decade in the sector, Binny found himself yearning for a new challenge—something with a deeper societal impact.
The turning point came in 2013 when an industry acquaintance introduced him to the concept of floatation therapy. Initially approached to design a water filtration system for the therapy, Binny quickly became intrigued by the global popularity of sensory deprivation tanks—especially in countries like the UK and Ireland. He was struck by their potential to combat the mental fatigue, anxiety, stress, and overstimulation so prevalent in modern life. “The idea fascinated me, especially given the screen-heavy, fast-paced society we live in,” he later reflected.
Combining his technical acumen in water systems with his personal inclination toward meditation and mindfulness, Binny envisioned a unique wellness experience for the Indian market. By 2014, he had designed the first Relaxopod, inspired by the form of an oyster—symbolizing a quiet, protective space where one could turn inward. “Just as pearls are formed inside an oyster, we wanted our pods to be places where people could rediscover their inner calm,” Binny believed.
And with that fusion of science, spirituality, and design, Relaxopod was born—ushering in a new era of therapeutic wellness in India.
The Spark of an Idea
From the very beginning, Binny knew that bringing something as unique as Relaxopod to life would not be an easy feat. What began as a spark of curiosity in 2013 quickly evolved into a mission that tested his conviction, creativity, and commitment to wellness innovation. The real turning point came not from a grand business plan but from a simple conversation within his professional network—someone casually floated the idea of floatation therapy and asked Binny if he could design a suitable filtration system for it.
Challenges Without a Blueprint
Intrigued, Binny immersed himself in research. With a background in water treatment solutions and a deep interest in meditation and spiritual wellness, he saw an opportunity to blend both worlds. However, the challenges that followed were immense. There were no references in India, no ready-made templates to work from, and very little awareness about floatation therapy. “It was all self-driven,” Binny recalls. “There was no one to consult, no product to examine. Everything was drawn from what I could understand from international standards.”
A Test of Conviction and Support
His family’s initial support soon turned into concern as they witnessed his all-consuming commitment—late nights, constant design iterations, and endless brainstorming. “They saw the struggle and wondered if it was worth it,” he says. But Binny Paul pressed on, determined to develop something India had never seen before. And in 2015, the first Relaxopod Experience Centre was launched in Pune. It was more than a product showcase—it was a public beta lab where real users gave real feedback. That feedback helped shape and fine-tune the Relaxopod into what it is today.
Early Validation and Market Launch
Two customers placed orders immediately after their first float. That early validation was all Binny Paul needed. “That’s when I knew this wasn’t just an idea—it was a solution people were waiting for,” he says.
Building a Product that Redefined Standards
From the start, Binny’s approach to innovation was deliberate. Rather than replicate what existed internationally, he aimed to create something better. “Why import a product when we can set a new benchmark here in India?” he often asks. He introduced IRDMS—a proprietary system integrating advanced filtration, disinfection, and heating technologies—all designed with his expertise in water treatment at the core. Unlike international models that require frequent salt changes, Relaxopod’s system maintained water clarity and hygiene for years with only minor top-ups, dramatically reducing maintenance costs for customers.
The Power of a Young, Dynamic Team
Such breakthroughs didn’t happen in isolation. Binny Paul built a team that mirrored his vision: a blend of experienced professionals and young minds full of fresh ideas. “Innovation thrives when experience meets enthusiasm,” he says. His team included interns and young engineers who weren’t afraid to challenge norms. One such idea led to the incorporation of electrical actuators in the pod doors, allowing floaters to adjust the lid themselves without staff intervention—a game-changer in user comfort and independence.
Continuous Innovation for Deeper Wellness
Continuous improvements kept coming. Underwater audio was replaced with bone-conduction sound systems that transformed the entire pod into a speaker. What started as a wellness pod became an immersive sensory cocoon—designed to soothe the mind, elevate the spirit, and redefine relaxation.
A Leader Shaping Wellness Innovation
Today, Relaxopod stands as a reflection of Binny’s resilience and vision. He not only introduced a new category of wellness to India but also set new benchmarks for quality, user experience, and technological excellence. In doing so, he has earned his place among the most impactful leaders in health and wellness—one innovation at a time.
Purpose Over Profit: The Soul Behind Relaxopod
For Binny Paul, leadership is not defined by boardrooms or bottom lines—it is grounded in purpose. Relaxopod was never conceived as a purely commercial venture; it was born from a place of deep personal passion. Despite running a successful water treatment manufacturing business, Binny Paul chose to self-fund Relaxopod, pouring in his resources without external investment. The goal wasn’t rapid growth or market domination—it was to offer a transformative experience to people, especially in a country where wellness often takes a backseat.
This sense of purpose was tested like never before during the COVID-19 pandemic. With four operational centres forced to shut down due to lockdowns, the business faced existential challenges. Rent, maintenance, and uncertainty loomed large. “We were really in trouble,” Binny Paul reflects. However, even during the toughest phases, he remained anchored in his belief that this wasn’t just about business. His product had the power to heal, and he chose to remain loyal to that vision.
From Passion to Proof: Validating the Experience
One of the most fulfilling aspects of Binny’s journey has been the feedback from users themselves. He recalls the early days of operating the Relaxopod Experience Centre in Pune—a space created to introduce people to floatation therapy firsthand. When curious customers inquired about buying or starting their own center, Binny Paul had just one request: “Float first.”
He insisted that prospective partners experience the therapy before considering a business decision. This genuine approach helped filter true believers from casual opportunists. For those who did take the plunge, the results were overwhelmingly positive. Customers reported relief from stress, anxiety, and even chronic pain. Reviews poured in, video testimonials followed, and Relaxopod became the top-rated spa on TripAdvisor in Pune, earning the Certificate of Excellence in 2019. Such moments validated Binny’s belief that this wasn’t just a product—it was a mission with a meaningful impact.
Expanding the Horizon: Innovation Without Borders
Never one to stay static, Binny Paul has continually expanded his offerings in response to real-world needs. One such opportunity came when a client from New Zealand expressed interest in a float room instead of a pod. Binny Paul swiftly adapted, using his technical experience to design and deliver two fully functional float rooms—Liquid Sanctuary in Delhi—within just six months. This marked the addition of a new product line: Relaxo Float Room. They further added a starlit sky ceiling to Relaxo float rooms to enhance the zero-gravity outer space experience.
He didn’t stop there. Recognizing the rising popularity of cold therapy in wellness routines, Binny Paul recently launched the Relaxo Cold Plunge, a modern take on the traditional ice bath. This product, designed for recovery and wellness, has gained significant traction in fitness and spa environments. Today, the Relaxopod portfolio includes three distinct products, with a fourth—centered on meditation—expected to launch within the next three years.
Beyond Borders: Taking Relaxopod to the World
Relaxopod’s impact isn’t confined to India. Interest has been growing across Asia, especially from countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. While formal installations abroad are yet to be finalized, the demand signals a promising future. People from these regions have already visited Indian centres, experienced the pods, and expressed strong interest in bringing the concept home. Binny Paul remains optimistic that Relaxopod will soon find its place in the global wellness map.
Leading with Integrity and Vision
In a time when businesses often chase scale at the cost of substance, Binny Paul represents a different breed of leadership—one that’s deeply personal, patient, and purpose-driven. Every challenge faced, every product launched, and every customer impacted serves as a reminder that true success isn’t just about profits. It’s about believing in something enough to build it with your own hands—and your own heart.
Wisdom Rooted in Patience: Binny’s Message to Future Changemakers
As Binny Paul reflects on his journey, his advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: slow down. In a world driven by instant gratification, he encourages the next generation to cultivate patience and conviction. Building something meaningful, he insists, requires time, energy, and unwavering belief. “If you’re truly convinced about what you’re doing, don’t give up midway. Stay with it—it will yield results.”
This mindset has underpinned his leadership of Relaxopod from day one. Binny Paul never built Relaxopod for quick profits. It was a labor of love, and its growth has mirrored his own evolution—from an engineer-turned-entrepreneur to a wellness pioneer introducing India to sensory deprivation therapy. His resilience through the pandemic, his commitment to educating the market, and his decision to self-fund the venture all reflect a deep integrity often missing in today’s hyper-competitive landscape.
Beyond personal growth, Binny Paul is also expanding the horizons of India’s wellness culture. He makes a compelling case for why therapies like floatation should be seen not as replacements but as powerful complements to traditional methods like Ayurvedic massage. “There are people who want to relax without touch, in complete isolation. This therapy offers them that option—and more. It gently guides them into a deep meditative state, something that even experienced meditators spend years trying to reach.”
Through Relaxopod, Binny Paul is not just selling a product—he’s shaping a new dialogue around wellness, self-care, and consciousness. As he looks ahead to product expansions and potential international footprints, one thing remains clear: Binny’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when passion, purpose, and patience come together in harmony.
