Can’t find time to get away to the ocean? Carmel Salt Caves may just be the next best thing to a mini-beach vacation.
Skye Winslow, a naturopathic doctor, first visited a salt cave in Massachusetts with her husband Bob Donaldson while celebrating their 40th anniversary, and found the experience utterly magical. When an opportunity to bring the concept to Carmel serendipitously presented itself, she seized it. Carmel Salt Caves officially opened on Jan. 30, 2024.
“Halotherapy is an approved [Health Savings Account] and [Flexible Spending Account] holistic therapy,” Winslow says. “That's because breathing in microscopic particles of pharmaceutical-grade salt is very beneficial to the lungs. It can help with COPD, asthma, allergies, sinusitis, middle ear infections and more; even skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.”
During 50-minute sessions, guests recline in zero-gravity chairs in one of two low-lit salt cave rooms, relaxing to the sounds of ocean waves to promote deep relaxation. The experience is so soothing, many fall asleep. Imagine a nighttime trip to the beach, but without the actual ocean.
Designer and developer Dr. Margaret Smiechowski helped Winslow build the caves, sourcing more than 22 tons of Himalayan salt from Pakistan for the project.
“She and her business partner built the two caves in just 30 days!” Winslow says.
Many visitors choose to add on services like a detoxifying ionic foot soak, red light therapy or an infrared sauna to their salt cave sessions, and Winslow plans to roll out new mineral foot soak options this spring in time for Mother’s Day.
“Guests will submerge their feet in ceramic bowls and a jet spa will be added to massage their feet and circulate the water,” she describes. “Based on their choice, our attendant will craft together a blend of magnesium, Epsom salts, vitamins and essential oils.”
For more information or to book an appointment to experience Carmel Salt Caves offerings for yourself, go to carmelsaltcaves.com.
