Experiencing a Salt Cave at Just for Me “The Spa” in Stillwater

Girls Weekend!

This past weekend was a girls weekend as my close friend visited from out of town, so we made it a full one! (As well as we safely could during COVID!)

We spent time outside in Stillwater on Saturday, which was a beautiful day. We walked along the St. Croix River and enjoyed the scenery. (Stillwater is such a beautiful city and so close to the Twin Cities.) We also enjoyed some shopping (masked and socially distanced from others – we took our masks off for pictures).

Experiencing a Salt Cave for the first time!

We also reserved some time in a salt cave at a spa in the area, called Just for Me “The Spa.”

Now, this was our first time in a salt cave. Have you ever heard of a salt cave? Have you been in one?

I had heard from friends that a salt cave is a very relaxing space. There are a few in the Twin Cities at various spas, and I had some recommended to me, including this one in Stillwater.

In a salt cave, you sit for 45 minutes (or however long) and breathe in Himalayan salt that is dispersed in the room by halogenerators. Himalayan salt has been used as a safe, natural therapy for the upper respiratory system. I learned that there are 84 trace minerals in the salt and it generates negative ions which help purify and balance the body. 

I heard that a salt cave provides an energizing kind of relaxation, and as a busy mom, I can always use any new type of relaxation technique I can find! So I did some research, and found that typically a salt cave experience costs around $35 – $45, but Just for Me “The Spa” in Stillwater costs only $19 for your first experience. So I called and booked our experience for that same day! They had a couple of openings that day though it can be popular.

Just for Me “The Spa” has a full range of spa and salon services including massage, facials, hair and nail treatments, and they even have an ancient healing mineral pool.

We checked in and were brought to a relaxation room with comfy lounge chairs, heated rocks to put your feet on, and disposable booties to wear instead of shoes in the salt cave (as the floor in the salt cave is salt).

There was relaxing music playing in here, and a “starry sky” above.

There was also a beverage area with coffee drinks and water.

We were provided lockers to put our things in, since you can’t bring drinks, electronics or anything else into the salt cave. They also recommend using the restroom if you need to as you can’t during your session (be sure to do this!).

Then we went in and I took a few pictures before our session, since it was only my friend and me in there during that time! (Sometimes they are full and up to 10 people can be in there but we had the 4pm time for ourselves.)

The Salt Cave had salt all around us, a fireplace to watch on the wall, and “starry skies” to look at up in the ceiling.

The zero gravity chairs reclined back and we were given sherpa blankets to use.

Here’s how it looks like during a salt cave session – they dim the lights to help you relax. (They do say you can take off your masks in here – we were the only ones in here, and not wearing a mask helps you fully breathe in the salt air.)

We sat for the 45 minutes and just zoned out. We could hear the quiet sound of the halogenerator machines, and the sound of ocean waves played, so we listened to that and chatted a bit (when there are others besides your group in the room they recommend no talking so others can fully relax). 

At the end of our session we could hear the halogenerator machines turn off and the lights went up.

Overall, it was very calming and relaxing. We were told we’d notice salt on our lips, and I know some people do, but we didn’t. The air just seemed “fresh” if anything. I don’t know that it improved our health (it probably did in minor ways), but I think it was a good relaxing session. I couldn’t totally switch my mind off, as it was a new experience, but now I know what to expect, I think I’d enjoy it more next time. 

If I could change anything, I think I’d just change the ocean waves sound to music, as music helps me relax more. But it was a good experience overall.

We also checked out the rest of the spa, including this ancient healing mineral pool, which you can do for $25 or add onto any service for $10. We didn’t this time but may in the future.

Would I do it again?

I would sit in a salt cave again, yes. Though I didn’t feel any noticeable changes from it, it was a relaxing experience, and I would most likely add it onto another spa experience, like a massage or facial. It’s only $10 to add it on to another service, and to me, that’s worth it. But I don’t think I’d pay $35 or more for it by itself. So I’m glad they had this introductory $19 offer. If you want to try it out – this is a great way to do it!

On their website they have a list of conditions that the salt cave can help, such as allergies, asthma, bronchitis, cold/flu, ear infections, snoring and many more.

Check it out! Learn more on their website about the salt cave sanctuary and the spa.

NOTE: This was NOT a complimentary visit. We paid for our visit. This is just an honest review because I know salt cave experiences are becoming more popular but are still new for many, and I wanted to share my experience. Since this spa was very enjoyable and priced well, I am sharing our experience here and recommending this place.