I work on 100% commission Monday through Friday in media ad sales in an extremely competitive, super stressful industry so on the weekends I am always looking for new ways to de-stress. I also like to save a buck or two so Groupon has become a frequent and reliable source. I recently stumbled upon a “Groupon” for Saltana Cave & Spa in Ridgefield, CT. One of my gf’s Christine went there last year and told me what a great time she had so I bought 2 for $25.00 each, normally $40 each, and invited my S.O. James. Initially James resisted because he felt like this date was something I should be going to with one of my gf’s but then he changed his mind and said he would go. I honestly believe he started thinking about all of those Marvel and DC Comic Book movies I have sat through with him (in 3D no less!) and had a change of heart (smile).
At any rate, I made our reservations via email with Anna, the owner of Saltana Cave & Spa, for Saturday, February 20th at 9am. We were told to arrive 10 minutes early and either bring or wear white socks. Those were the only instructions we were given. So James and I looked up FAQ’s on their website (saltanacave.com) and read that neither food nor drink were allowed, that no picture taking was allowed, that the cave was about 70 degrees Farenheit inside and that it takes about 6 treatments for someone to receive the full benefits of the salt therapy. Apparently these salt cave treatments may help improve symptoms of Asthma, Allergies, Lung Infections, Sleep Apnea, ADHD, Sinuses, Weakened Immune Systems, Arthritis, and more. Breathing in the salt particles in the cave also allow you a sense of peace and serenity which was my number one reason for going.
I’m glad I did. It took us an hour to drive to Ridgefield, CT and Anna, the owner, was a gracious host. The whole experience from beginning to end lasted a little over an hour. James and I shared our “cave” that morning with a mom and her daughter from Newtown, CT. We all laid back on ‘zero gravity’ lounge chairs swathed in our blankets and were greeted by a soothing male voice from a recording above. This voice welcomed us to the “cave” and gave us the history of the Himalayan Salt Caves in Europe and how they were able to simulate the experience for us at Saltana Cave & Spa, one of only two salt caves in the state of Connecticut. He also went on to talk about all of the benefits of salt therapy and why we should include it in our daily lives. It was fascinating and I learned a lot. When he stopped talking, we continued to listen to soothing music designed to relax you to the point of slumber.
The session lasted for 45 minutes and I must say I felt completely relaxed and ready to conquer the rest of my day (smile). The ironic part is that in real life I don’t care for caves at all and find they make me feel claustrophobic but I shall return to Saltana Cave & Spa as this was not only a pleasant experience, but also a unique stress-buster.