I Am Obsessed With the 20,000-Pound Salt Cave at This Maryland Spa

If given the choice, I will always celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and other special occasions with experiences. Earlier this year, we went on a family vacation to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, for my partner’s birthday, and a week later, for my daughter’s birthday, we met up with friends at Maymont Estate in Richmond, Virginia. 

The timing of my birthday this year was trickier, so a weekend trip wasn’t in the cards, but I did get away for the morning with my partner to enjoy a morning at SALT Wellness in Queenstown, Maryland. This newly opened health spa is located just over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Annapolis on Maryland’s eastern shore and is known for its salt cave.

I’ve never been to a salt cave before, but I love a good massage or facial and thought it would be fun to try something new. Constructed of more than 20,000 pounds of pure Himalayan Salt, the cave at SALT Wellness is drop-dead gorgeous, as is the beautifully renovated and historic home it is housed in. 

Enter the glowing pink cave, grab a blanket, and take a seat in one of the zero-gravity chairs. A speaker system plays meditative music as the state-of-the-art Halotherapy system infuses the air with a dry aerosol of microscopic sodium chloride particles. Breathe in the salty air deep into your lungs, absorbing bacteria, pollen, and other toxins. 

Himalayan salt is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. It is said to rid the body of toxins and strengthen immunity. Around the world, halotherapy is used to treat respiratory conditions, heart and blood pressure issues, skin conditions, stress and depression, sleep, weight management, and more.

While I haven’t done the research necessary to support these claims myself, I can say that the entire experience was incredibly relaxing – much like a guided meditation session, but infinitely more comfortable (am I the only one who thinks sitting up straight is the worst possible way to meditate?) 

After our session in the salt cave, we enjoyed a detoxifying foot bath in the solarium. This gorgeous room overlooked a peaceful garden, and we thoroughly enjoyed the massage chairs, complimentary tea, and cozy blankets. My feet were so soft afterward, and I believe that – coupled with my trusty compression socks – it helped my feet stay comfortable during the next day’s sixteen-hour flight. 

Our morning was rejuvenating, stress-relieving, and mood-boosting – all of the staples of a good spa day and an excellent celebration. SALT Wellness also hopes to offer a variety of classes and events in the cave, including yoga, sound baths, and more, as well as massage and reiki services.

Our lovely host asked if we planned to return, and while my answer is an unfortunate no, as we just moved clear across the world to our new home in Seoul, South Korea, I would recommend SALT Wellness to absolutely everyone in the DMV. While you’re in the area, you might want to stop by A Little Lovely Coffee Shop for one of their specialty coffees and Ferry Point Park for one of the most underrated views of the Chesapeake Bay – now that's a picture-perfect day trip if you ask me!