My review on the 5 Star Salt Cave Wellness Center incorporating a sound bath of crystal bowls. I gifted my husband a special singing bowl event for Christmas! Here's how it went...
A bit of background: Halotherapy (salt therapy) clears pollens, viruses, pollutants, and toxins out of the lungs, and nasal passageways, preventing illness. Your respiratory tract will feel rejuvenated with the regular use of halotherapy. While in the cave, I definitely noticed I could breathe more easily and it seemed to have been like magic because my nasal passages opened right up so I could breathe deeply and fully.
Sound baths use repetitive notes at different frequencies to help bring your focus away from your thoughts. Generally, these sounds are created with traditional crystal bowls, gemstone bowls, cymbals, and gongs. Each instrument creates a different frequency that vibrates in your body and helps guide you to the meditative and restorative state. Similar to how a yoga class works, each instructor has their own way of creating the flow of a sound bath. Essentially, a sound bath is a meditation class that aims to guide you into a deep meditative state while you're enveloped in ambient sound played by a sound therapist.
I did some research on this before, and studies proved that music (in general) can lower blood pressure, decrease pulse rate and assists the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for digestion and some metabolic processes. By using particular combinations of rhythms and frequencies, it is possible to shift our normal beta state (alert, concentrating, reacting) to an alpha (creative, relaxed), and even theta (meditative state) and delta (deep sleep; where restoring and healing can occur). This was our first time, and it left me feeling calm, relaxed & recharged.
When we walked into the salt cave at 5 Star, it had spots set up for us with blankets and reclining chairs. It looked like a professional napping set-up, and I was instantly in heaven. The first 15 minutes were filled with breath work and I kept getting distracted by the performance of the instructor. Then I started focusing on the sounds, the environment, and my breathing, and something changed. By the last hour, I felt like I was asleep but was also fully aware of my surroundings. It was wild — I tried to get into a meditative state, and quiet my mind.
Not all sound therapists use the same instruments, either. But they should all share the goal of leaving you feeling refreshed and relaxed. Take your time finding the right sound bath for you and treat it the same way you would find your favorite exercise class: through trial and error.
The Bottom Line (and the Small Print)
Sound baths can be an excellent way to meditate, especially if you're in a rut with your usual self-care routine.
However, not every sound bath, nor every person's experience, is the same. Some people find sound baths challenging, and it isn’t unusual to feel frustrated the first 20 or 30 minutes as you work to clear your mind. But as long as you try to focus on the sounds, your breath, and being present, you will likely experience some level of relaxation, even if you don't reach a meditative state.
By the end of the session, I wished it was longer, like when you go to a good massage session. It was worth the cost & I would definitely do...
Read moreI loved every experience, and I did most if not all of them! The ionic foot bath was interesting and fun! Although scientific research has thus far indicated these aren't effective in pulling unwanted materials from your body, they certainly agree there's no harm in it, and that foot soaks in general have been shown to be beneficial. I then walked barefoot with my freshly cleaned feet into the salt cave, which was fantastic and relaxing. The floor of the cave is lined with himalayan salt, as if it were sand, complete with zero-gravity lounge chairs. The walls are also lined with salt blocks, some backlit for a beautiful effect. The walls and ceiling are designed to look like the inside of a cave, complete with a ceiling that appears to be a glimpse into a starry night, ala fiber optic lights. The spa very thoughtfully provides bags of cough drops and earplugs to ensure a quiet, tranquil experience even if your cavemates drift off into a snoring slumber (they will)! Next, I enjoyed a relaxing 50-minute massage. My therapist, Alecia, was conscientious about avoiding my knee due to a surgery I reported. Her touch was a little too light for my preference for a medium pressure. I'm sure she would've increased that had I requested it, but I wasn't bothered enough by it to mention it. Finally, I spent 25 minutes in the infrared sauna. If you're new to these, they allow you to get the same cleansing sweat benefits of a normal sauna but at a lower temperature than traditional saunas, thus allowing you to stay in them longer. Although an educational flyer on the small table in the room was mentioned, I didn't realize that you could change the light and thus the targeted benefits until after my time was up! Regardless of that missed opportunity, it was very pleasant. My only tiny gripe is with the tipping policy. My husband had gifted me a $300 gift card for my spa day, which he had intended to provide for tips as well. Indeed, my services left me with $95 on the gift card, but they insisted on the gratuities paid separately. I also didn't have the option to use the remaining gift card funds to help pay for another gift card. I thought I'd get my daughter one for her upcoming birthday. Nor could that gift card be transferred to her name. A bit inflexible in my mind, particularly when you're trying to provide a relaxing experience to someone who might not otherwise be able to afford it, like my newly adulting daughter. Overall, it was a pleasant experience, and I'm sure I'll be back to use the rest of my gift card one day, which is likely the reason for their policy. :) Update: It turns out this was a misunderstanding and they DO have flexibility to include tips with the gift cards. I was contacted personally by the CFO with a very pleasant and helpful response. Fantastic customer service, all! So refreshing to find businesses like this that take...
Read moreTitle: Exceptional Customer Service at 5 Star Salt Caves
We recently had the pleasure of visiting the Salt Cave, with my hair and makeup team for a team get away appreciation day, and I must say that my experience was absolutely outstanding. From the moment we emailed back and forth with Susan and meet the staff , we was greeted with warm smiles and a genuine desire to make our visit as enjoyable and relaxing as possible. The level of customer service provided was truly exceptional, and I cannot recommend 5 Star Caves Wellnness Center enough.
First and foremost, the staff members were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their services. They took the time to explain each treatment in detail, ensuring that we fully understood the benefits and what to expect. Their expertise and enthusiasm created a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, allowing me to relax and fully embrace the experience.
The salt cave was a true oasis of tranquility. The soothing ambiance, combined with the therapeutic effects of the salt-infused air, provided a rejuvenating and calming experience. The staff ensured that I was comfortable throughout the session, offering blankets and even a selection of relaxing music to enhance the overall experience. I left feeling refreshed and revitalized, with a sense of inner peace that lasted long after the session ended.
The foot bath and sauna were equally impressive. The foot bath was a delightful treat for my tired feet, as the warm water Ion therapy worked wonders to relieve any tension or discomfort. The sauna, on the other hand, provided a deep detoxifying experience, leaving me with a renewed sense of vitality. The staff members were attentive and ensured that I had everything I needed to fully enjoy these treatments water at every exit.
What truly set this establishment apart was the exceptional customer service provided by the entire team. They went above and beyond to ensure my comfort and satisfaction, from offering refreshments to checking in on us periodically throughout our visit. Their genuine care and attention to detail made me feel like a valued guest, and I truly appreciated their efforts.
In conclusion, my visit to the Salt Cave, was nothing short of extraordinary. The exceptional customer service, combined with the outstanding treatments, created an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend this establishment to anyone seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and top-notch service. I will definitely be returning and cannot wait to indulge in their...
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