Looking for a fun way to escape the nasty Chicago winter? Look no further- The Salt Escape is now open in downtown Arlington Heights and is just the answer!
This is my first experience at a salt cave, and I was excited to learn it had moved into town. Conveniently located on Arlington Heights Rd., it wasn't difficult to navigate to. We found parking in that little lot near the movie theatre, Yankee Candle, etc., and then walked just a short distance to the salt cave's entrance.
Making an appointment online for beginners like me: I found a schedule of available sessions on their website, although it's not a user-friendly way to make reservations, especially if you're looking to book an appointment for more than one person. BOOKING HINT: on the main page, scroll down to the Arlington Heights location and select "Book Now", then find the tab at the top labeled "Salt Therapy Sessions" to find availability. It's still confusing because both 50 minutes and 45 minutes are noted at the same timeslots, but the actual session time is 50 minutes (I have no idea what the 45 min. means). The schedule shows how many remaining spots there are. So, pick your time by selecting "Sign Up Now". You'll need to create an account to register this way, and in doing so, you can list info. about yourself and other family members who you might also make an appointment for. In my case, I was making an appointment for myself and my mother-in-law, so I added both of our names to my account. ANOTHER BOOKING HINT: Once you add yourself to the schedule, you can't later add someone else. This is where I got stuck at first. I called the phone number provided and left a message, but after a couple of days, I still never heard back. So, I figured it out: you need to schedule your family member to the appointment first, and THEN schedule yourself for the appointment. At the time of booking, you can register as "unpaid", and you'll just pay when you complete your appointment.
Once you've navigated making an online appointment, it's time to show up for it! The website says there is no special dress code, except suggested wearing white socks (you won't be able to wear your shoes past the front door). We brought slippers to put on once we took our shoes off. Think COMFORT and RELAXATION- and dress accordingly.
We were the first appointments of the day and showed up early, so we got to head into the salt room right away and get a little extra time there before the session officially began. Upon entering the salt "cave", you'll immediately notice the serene environment: dimly lit, flickering candles, the sound of the ocean playing through the speakers. Find yourself an available zero-gravity chair and get comfy! They provide you with the softest, most comfortable blanket I've ever seen, which was much needed (the room was surprisingly cold). Next to your chair you'll also notice noise-cancelling headphones should you choose to use them (I did, and am happy to announce that it didn't cancel out the sound of the ocean, but cancelled out any other annoying sounds that might've been present).
Once your session begins, it's up to you to find relaxation and just breath in the salt, listen to the waves, and enjoy!
Takeaway: I assumed I'd leave there smelling like I had spent the day at the beach, and feeling like I had salt in my hair and on my face. I expected the room to be warm and beach-like. Although my assumption couldn't have been more wrong, I am happy with my experience and am really looking forward to heading back! read more