My first visit to Bethesda Salt Cave was a pleasant one. I book an appointment to the salt cave, which is suppose to have a number of health benefits, so I was excited to try it out for the first time. For about 45 minutes, I was able to enjoy a relaxing session in the cave (laid out on a very comfortable zero gravity chair), and noticed that there was plenty of seating on nearby floor mats and floor cushions for guests convenience. After my session, I came out feeling much better than before (and very rested). The store was clean, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. I also liked that the store has a shop in the front for purchasing wellness products, and that they also offer other services like massages and other health/beauty treatments. All in all, I really enjoyed my visit. read more

Bethesda Salt Cave - Massage Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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Oh my goodness, this place was such a fun find. I love an opportunity to just sit, relax and meditate in a beautiful environment, and this absolutely provided. In the midst of a conference and a travel delay, this was the perfect remedy to the stressful week. I enjoyed the experience with two other friends and we had the salt room all to ourselves. read more

Bethesda Salt Cave - Massage Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

I've been here a few more times, and let me tell you, it has great health benefits. It helps for asthmatics like me and with anxiety. My last visit, I felt renewed and recharged. I've been sleeping better. I'm going to add mkr3 salt therapy to my monthly regime. And I love the furry friend that welcomes everyone. I see that they offer other services, in which I'll treat myself to a massage. The ambiance in the salt cave is so soothing and comfortable that you fall asleep. My only ick ** is the convos in the lobby can echo , and I hope they can work on that, or I'll bring my noise canceling headphones. Also they are a few feet away from Bethesda metro station. I recommend taking metro instead of hunting for parking. read more

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How had I never been here before?! Wow what a great little downtown Bethesda gem. My partner and I came for a salt cave halotherapy session and it was a very neat first time experience. It seemed there were a few snafu's that morning starting with folks that showed up for their treatments to a closed shop, and then we were told to be there 15 min before our session or it could be given away to someone on standby... so we RACED over and literally ran from the parking garage, but our session didn't start until 10:15 so we just sat around for 30 min waiting. There were lovely little tea and water glasses that said help yourself but there was no tea or water. I totally get that things happen- and we certainly were attended to- not a big deal. Everyone was very nice so what are you gonna do! We just wore yoga pants/active wear and clean socks as you can't go into the cave with shoes OR bare feet- so be sure to bring your socks! We were lucky enough to have the cave to ourselves by chance- but I may bring earplugs or an eye mask to truly zone out if we were sharing the cave next time. I wish the room was a bit more sound proof- you can really hear everything right in the lobby. It's a little distracting for a meditative session but I also understand that it's close quarters. There is ambient music playing that drowns some of it out! Otherwise the cave is really cool and you can tell it was a labor of love to build. I loved walking around on the "salt sand"! All in all I really enjoyed our experience. The owner was very nice and brings two large golden retrievers to the shop. I am a dog lover and they are VERY chill dogs- but just be aware if you're not a fan or have an allergy. We look forward to our next visit! read more

I really loved the salt cave, itself. Beautiful inside, super relaxing and cozy. I felt like I was breathing better by the end of it; I had been experiencing seasonal allergies and was stuffy. So the experience: awesome. And I'll be back. However: The place, in general, needs a sprucing up. The lobby/shop and bathroom all could use a good clean and maybe a paint job, and there was a dead cockroach in the bathroom, which kind of killed the vibe post-salt cave experience. We live in a city though and these things happen -- but a more dedicated focus to overall details of the space would make the experience even better. read more

In town for 1 night with a friend. We booked massages and a salt cave session. Ryan was my therapist and conducted the cranial sacral massage. As a former LMT, I have become a huge massage snob. Ryan is extremely experienced in this modality! The massage was amazing! I live 45 min away but will travel back here to have him work on me again! read more

Looking for something relaxing and refreshing to do? You can do this solo or with a group - this is the ultimate in relaxation and it's right in downtown Bethesda!! And if that hasn't convinced you how about: The fact that salt cave therapy can help reduce respiratory discomforts It can help improve skin care, skin health, and skin vitality Oh and how about this: salt care therapy can relieve anxiety and tension!!! So, what are you waiting for???? read more

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I was in a few weeks ago. To the average person this place might seem relaxing but it actually has very bad energy. The owner talks to her employe's with disrespect and is very condescending but when talking to customers she puts on a front. A woman who owns a business like this should be zen and relaxed not rude and negative 24/7. I was waiting in the lobby when I heard the owner having a conversation with the young woman working at the front desk. the owner was being extremely rude about the girl not putting on any makeup or straightening her hair. Mind you, this girl had the most beautiful natural face no acne or anything and she had beautiful curls that were maintained! Horrible work environment and negative space. Owner speaks very belittling to her employees they all deserve better jobs. After observing and noticing all of this I now find it extremely hard to relax in a place that wants to come off as so relaxing with the most negative work environment. No thanks! Someone else also recommended this space to one of my Girl Friends and she had the same observations. She also talked to a massage therapist and found out that nobody is getting paid fairly.... watch where your money goes!! Just an old lady taking advantage of workers and customers with deep stress. Besides all of this I did enjoy talking to the young woman at the front desk she had very genuine energy and was extremely sweet to me. Im glad she didn't allow her boss to bring her mood down! We need more strong minded people like her. read more

I had the most incredible experience here. I started with a Swedish style massage with Ursula that was so needed and perfect. I added on a reiki session also with Ursula and it did so much for me. I also did the foot detox which was so interesting and I wished would have provided more details on how to improve the results or reasoning behind the findings. I ended with 30 minutes in the salt cave. My respiratory from just breathing in there was so clear and felt 10x better than before going in. I'll definitely be back for another session soon! read more

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The staff is so sweet and accommodating. tiffany was my therapist and she has healing hands. I was in town performing at a theater in the area and made an appointment and I will be back. the salt cave was a great addition at the end. This is a very cool place. See yall again soon! John read more

Absolutely lovely. Janine took wonderful care of me and explained everything as it was my first time going to a salt cave. I got lucky and had the whole place to myself. She put on music and there were blankets at every chair. I came looking for relief from lingering congestion and felt relief quickly. For me, the noticiable effects lasted for about a day. The calming atmosphere is enough for me to come back! Wonderful escape. read more

Bethesda Salt Cave - Massage Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Wife has been to this place more than a few times and each time has an experience that is far from relaxing. Last visit had other workers walking in during her massage. This visit, arrived early, and it was 30-minutes after her appointment time to be taken back. There needs to be a step change in customer experience focus... read the other reviews. Welcome customers, hold to the appointments, create a relaxing environment. Not the first, second, or third time the environment was not conducive to relaxation. She has visited a couple times a year over several years and a pattern is obvious, despite her keep giving the benefit of the doubt. While the technician's technique itself may have been great, if your can't relax, are on edge the entire time, have your service cut short by 10-minutes after waiting 30-minutes to start, it's hardly an environment that relaxes the mind as well as the body. And you can't avoid hearing everything going on in the lobby... again, not relaxing. read more

Meh. I was not impressed. Do not book online. Call first to see if they have discounts. My friends decided to try the salt cave on a Saturday afternoon. Unbeknownst to me, they were unable to book online and just called to reserve a spot. The next day my scheduled cleared and I decided to attend. I was able to book and pay online...cool. When we arrived, we didn't really receive any specific instructions. I only semi knew what to do because I read through some of the reviews before arriving. We checked in with the lady at the front desk and she quoted them a price $10 bucks less than what I paid for online. I was disappointed and voiced my concern and she could care less lol. We were required to put our stuff in the communal locker and take shoes off. I definitely suggest bringing an extra pair of socks. We went into the salt cave and the employee helped us get settled. There were mats on the floor or you could sit in the patio chairs that recline. I decided to sit in one of the reclining chairs and it was semi-comfortable. She then said she was going to lead us into a relaxation technique. She instructed us to breathe deeply twice and then left the room. I was shocked that there was not more direction to help us get into a relaxed state. She did turn on the air thing that is supposed to move salt through the salt around. It wasn't as loud as other reviews have mentioned so I assume that they fixed it. Athough you book for an hour, the whole experience is only 45 minutes. The employee came back to let us know our time was up. I honestly didn't get much out of the experience. I didn't leave feeling refreshed or like is was a mind moving experience. The tea and stuff that was provided was pretty much empty so only a few people were able to enjoy. All in all, it's a no for me. I could have missed this experience and saved my coins. I think customer service needs to improve, there should be some explanation on what you are expected to gain and a more detailed guided exercise to really set the mood. read more

Bethesda Salt Cave - Massage Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Really great experience with the salt cave. A much needed reset. The spa is very cute and owner was very very friendly. I will be going back to try other services and do more time in the salt cave. read more

I am a nurse with a congenital dry skin condition. After a lifetime of dermatologists, sugar scrubs, moisturizing massages and other skin treatments, a therapist at Bethesda Salt Cave urged me to try an Endosphere body treatment. I was skeptical of another new treatment, but WOW! My skin has never felt so soft or looked so good! I will return monthly! I highly recommend the Salt Cave's professional, caring therapists and Endosphere treatments to make your skin like new! They also offer a full range of spa services, massages, classes, and holistic care to keep you well. For an extra treat, enjoy some relaxing time in their restorative Salt Cave before or after your treatment! read more

I love the Bethesda Salt Cave! I get massages from Ryan who is fantastic-very skilled, knowledgeable and thoughtful and lots of extra touches like warm cloth foot wraps, choices of essential oils. Plus the salt cave itself is delightful: very relaxing and is great to experience whether or not you have a massage. read more

Felt like I just laid back in a chair for 45 mins while listening to a woman snoring across the room from me. Was not a great experience. After the session was over, a woman came in and said "your session is over" and that was it. No " thank you for coming" or nothing. I also felt very sick for a few days after. Was not my cup of tea. read more

I was the last one in my group to arrive a few min (I'll say about 5 min) after my scheduled appt start time. I was the first one done and the rest of my group started before me. One person in my group had the owner as her masseuse and (I could hear her dog whining from my room during my services) the dog opened the door and jumped on her while she was on the bed. The owner did not wash her hands after touching her dog and then continued to give my friend her massage... Staff are friendly and seem nice but I would pass on returning. read more

Enjoyed the ambience and peacefulness of the salt cave on a cold and rainy Saturday. Felt a pleasant tingling sensation on my exposed skin. Had a lovely nap during my session read more

My overall experience was underwhelming from the moment I walked through the door. The was nothing warm nor welcoming about this place. My friend had to ask multiple times for instructions and even when she told the lady at the front desk this was our first time she simply said ok. Once we were escorted to the room we had roughly 3 minutes before another person walked in to join her friend and they talked almost the entire time with the exception of the final three minutes. I know because I was watching the clock waiting for the door to open so I could exit! There was no enjoyment, relaxation or mind space for me to meditate. To top it off no one asked about our experience when we checked out or we would've shared this feedback directly. My advice if you do decide to go try going during the week where there may be less people. read more

Love love love. Great facial. The salt room session is so different than any spa treatment I've ever had. I left feeling like a noodle. The staff conveys a very relaxed atmosphere. Go go go! read more

This place is THE WORST! I have no idea what kind of business they are running. A month ago I had an entire morning booked for my 43rd bday, my one morning of self care that I haven't scheduled for years. I went 15 min early, I sat for over an hour before they realized they screwed up the schedule... I gave them a 2nd chance today, and IT HAPPENED AGAIN!!! I went 10 min early for my appt at 9 am, and no one was there. No one even called to apologize. I texted the owner, because she gave me her cell phone because she was "so sorry" that it had happened... and she never even wrote back to my text. Don't even bother scheduling here. They'll screw it up anyways. read more

Best massage therapist in the world. I have been getting massages for decades at places all around the world. Ryan Ogle, at Bethesda Salt Caves in Bethesda, is the best I've ever been to. He uses a special cushion that his clients lay on and it makes the experience all the better. He is very knowledgeable and customizes your massage. He remembers everything about you and your body each time you return to him. Ryan made me fall in love with taking care of myself. I can't wait for my daughter to come to town so we can have a mother daughter outing and she can experience how wonderful Ryan is. It is also wonderful to be in the Bethesda Salt Caves establishment where Ryan works. Great place and great people! Highly recommended! read more

This was my very first time experiencing the Salt Cave and it was phenomenal! I couldn't have imagined transforming a room into a salt cave with Himalayan Sea Salt covering the walls, floor and ceiling. The ambiance was very relaxing with the warm dim lights behind the huge boulders of sea salt, calming meditation music playing throughout the room in the background. You have your choice of relaxing in the gravity chairs or on the floor (blankets and pillows provided). Inhaling the iodine in the air for approx. 45 minutes leaves your lungs and respiratory system feeling very refreshed. I ended my spa day with a deep tissue full body massage and I couldn't have been more pleased with my masseuse. She was very kind, professional and knew exactly how to massage out a lot of kinks in my body. I will definitely be going back, the next time I'm in Bethesda. read more

Bethesda Salt Cave - Massage Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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I loved this place. It was wonderful. I was quite skeptical based on some of the yelp reviews but after I walked in the door I was hooked. A super friendly lady greeted me. I cannot rememberer name, she was tall brownnish curly hair, and pleasant. She lit some of the scents and let us smell, explain different scents and refilled my peppermint tea. The reception area is very small, I liked that as well. Made me feel quite cozy. The experience was delightful. I can't explain how relaxed I was. I am so looking forward to my next visit. read more

What an amazingly, relaxing experience! From the moment we walked in, Rachel greeted us warmly and encouraged us to relax and prepare ourselves for the experience. Everything was beautifully appointed, so it was pleasant as we awaited the cave experience. I always enjoy going into the cave, because of the benefits it provides to my respiratory system and skin. I have been many times, and will continue to go back. read more

This place, hidden away, off a little side street, was such a pleasant surprise. I visited with my two sissies and we did a cave session. I sat there in the peaceful cave, a handful of salt in each hand,as the cave gently opened my nasal passages. I hadn't breathed that clear in a long time. The experience was indescribable! I purchased a salt lamp after the session and when I got home, I noticed that the bulb was missing. The staff at the cave shipped me one, overnight, with their apologies. I'll be going back for a cave session as well as a massage, which I've heard are amazing! read more

Bethesda Salt Cave - Massage Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Very disappointed. I got there early as they instructed. Woman at front desk was new & didn't know how to register me with a Groupon. Sent me to a waiting room, offered me water. When my 11 am time came, I went to desk & someone came by to take me to the cave. Was told to take off my shoes and leave water outside. I took a seat, someone else came in & dabbed some oil on my palm & told me to breathe it in. She turned the lights down & left for 45 minutes. As a first timer, I didn't know what to expect and a little intro would have been nice. The instructions in the pre visit email said no bags, no phones, etc. but we actually could take everything but water & shoes into the cave. I didn't notice anything after my 45 minutes, other than relaxing for that time in a comfortable chair. I'm glad I didn't pay full price. read more

I do not suffer with allergies (that I'm aware of) however, the pollen this season has had my eyes & throat more irritated than I'd like. So, I decided to pay the Bethesda Salt Cave a visit. I've read in times past how salt therapy has been thought to help in alleviating all sorts of ailments, including upper respiratory issues. I decided to give them a try! The moment you step inside this establishment, the aroma therapy envelopes your senses and you immediately begin to relax. The son of the owner greeted me at the door, and offered me a hot cup of herbal tea. With each sip, my stress melted away. There were many beautiful Salt lamps, hand-made soaps, stones for your bath, aromatic body scrubs, message-stones, even crystals. The ambiance here made breathing easy... so easy! Because I'm not a doctor, I really can't say if the medicinal properties in the salt worked or not. But what I can attest to is how much better I felt when I left. If you're tired of being tired, and want to hit the pause button for a little bit, I highly recommend spending some time at the Bethesda Salt Cave. ~Namaste read more

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I went to the Bethesda Salt Cave to meditate. The cave itself was alright and the salt was interesting. However, the employee who was directing us had a very bad attitude. Her tone was obnoxious and stressful. We had purchased Groupon tickets, we thought we've already shown her the tickets in the beginning, and when we were getting ready to go she basically yelled "you need to pay!". We explained we've already paid and showed her the tickets. This wasn't the only reason I'm writing this review. Since the beginning, her attitude made me very uncomfortable and I didn't feel welcomed at all. Overall, It didn't feel like we've been at a healing place. I think they need to take a serious look at their service because the customers come for the whole healing package, and certainly not to see attitudes and micro aggressions. read more

The Salt Cave is a unique experience leaving you relaxed and rejuvenated. The Himalayan salt, music and chairs are the best way to relax with today's stressors. Definitely go and book ahead. read more

This was a great and relaxing thing to do for a refreshing recharge type feeling! I did this with my mother in law and wife on a weekend afternoon, and booked it online which was super easy. We did a hour long salt cave session. They had relaxing beach chairs that reclined with calm instrumental music. I took a nap and after waking up felt fresh, recharged and just relaxed. I would think of doing this maybe a couple times a year especially after a long and stressful work week or if I'm need of an hour relaxing getaway. Visit specifics: come 5-10 min before your session and bring socks (needed in the salt cave). They will lock your belongings (phone, wallet) in a shared locker but is right by the front desk where staff will watch it. Parking is a street away with lots of metered spots and a parking lot as well. The temperature is around 70 F in the cave so bring a layer just in case. read more

While I enjoyed the spa-like atmosphere of this place when I first walked in, that initial sensation was about the only thing good about my experience. First of all, the spa is very understaffed. I stood out front for more than 10 minutes with no one at the front desk to greet me. The phone was ringing and ringing, and no one was there to pick it up. Once I was helped, I filled out a form, and then waited another 15+ minutes as more and more people gathered in, and my session ended up starting late. And since there's no one monitoring the front area (i.e. where you leave your belongings), I was afraid someone might steal my things. Once I was in the cave, they never made the music loud enough, and then they turned on a very noisy, obnoxious fan, so I couldn't hear the music at all. NOT relaxing. When the session was over, we walked back into the lobby, waiting for someone to check us out, or sell us on coming again, or something. But they just abandoned us, and we waited several more minutes before finally asking, "Do you need to check us out?" and the woman just dismissed us without even thanking us for coming. The customer service here was so bad. Plus, sitting in a salt cave is really just a nap you pay for. Don't bother. read more

My friend rented out the entire salt cave room for our group of 8 girls for her birthday. It was amazing to have the space to ourselves to just relax and decompress from the day. I really enjoyed the space and the calming properties of salt, I even fell asleep at one point! The owner, Janine, was really awesome as well and explained everything and how the salt works. Her voice was calming and we felt so welcomed and comfortable. Our group enjoyed learning about the different products offered as well and all left with something! This was a really cool and different thing to do as a group and I'm excited to come back. read more

UNPROFESSIONAL! I have been a patron of the Salt Cave for many years, since they first opened. My friends and I have enjoyed many celebrations there and I have referred numerous professional and personal contacts who have also patronized the Cave. On April 25, I booked a massage appointment online with KIM for May 8. I arrived 15 mins early today for my $200 pre-paid massage, as prompt arrival is customary and considered respectful & professional with massage appts. When I got there, I was told that "my therapist is parking." 15 mins went by and no therapist. At 11:15, the owner, Janine, came casually strolling into the building with her gigantic dog, roaming free and unleashed. She approached me about a minute later and asked me what was wrong. I held my phone up and said "well I am supposed to be on the table right now." She promptly walked me back to a room saying "well lets get you on the table" and I was really puzzled because 1.) I knew FOR SURE that I had absolutely NOT booked a massage appointment with her and 2.) I was astonished that the owner was going to give me this massage without an explanation or apology for being late or an explanation about where Kim is. When we reached the room, I looked at her and said that I really was not feeling the relaxing benefits of being in a spa and asked could I have a refund. She seemed relieved that I did not want the massage and walked me back out front and refunded my money. Not once did she apologize for being late or for my experience -- she kept saying "I am so sorry you feel this way, Courtney." And here, I was thinking that at the end of my birthday week and during Mother's Day weekend, I could get a relaxing massage and support a small business, what I ended up doing was ending a long term patronage of a place that I once thought was a haven for relaxation. I will never step foot in the place again. On my way out, I simply said "just do better." I hope they do! read more

We booked massages at the salt cave for a moms day out. Everyone loved their massage therapists (including one mom who is expecting). The salt cave was great to relax in after. Highly recommend for a more affordable spot to rest and relax (compared ti the crazy prices at resorts). We all plan to come back! read more

I was so excited in receiving a gift to Bethesda Salt Cave only to be very disappointed. First, I wasn't greeted upon arrival. The owner son, cashier and dog (normally barks when people enter) barely said anything to me. I eventually spoke and they proceeded to check me in for next session since I arrived early according to their website. As I waited, they didn't offer any drinks nor information on products sold in the store. So I waited and witness another dog appear from backroom. There was no notice that this place is a dog zoo too! Upon entering the cave, it was okay. I opted for a reclining chair versus floor mats. The owner gave a brief presentation on breathing techniques and benefits of salt caves. Before exiting, she mentioned a small noise from the salt defuser will be in the background and for us to ignore it. Man, I'm okay with light noise but when it sounds like an old busted engine in desperate need of an oil change; we got a problem! I tried to relax but noise was a distraction. After session ended, the owner son entered, stopped the badly engine noise, turned on the lights and gave quick instructions for us to leave the room quickly. He didn't offer any equipment or instructions for sanitizing our areas. So I folded the blanket and exit. As I went to retrieve my keys and phone (items not allowed in cave) that are locked by cashier desk, the owner son unlocked the locked and walked away without inquiring how was my first experience. Talk about no customer service! So I gather my things and walked out. Overall, I won't go back and hope there's another cave in the DMV that I could truly experience the benefits of a salt cave. Many reviews say this place is a hidden gem...more like a unprofessional dungeon! read more

Wasn't what I expected. First it is hard to find, it's down some steps between two buildings. Make sure you give yourself time to drive by it once or twice, and park, and walk over. You have to be there early or they may possibly give your spot away. Once in the room the fan was ridiculously loud, so could barely hear the music to relax. I was in one of the chairs, not on a blanket in the salt. Basically just laying in a room for an hour. By time I got relaxed and into it time was up. The shop itself does have nice things though. Salts to take home, essential oils, sage, increase, soaps, natural honey etc. read more

Bethesda Salt Cave - Look for this sign, it's down the steps - Massage Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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This place is amazing the staff was very welcoming. I love the atmosphere I met the owner Janine who was amazing and gave me the best advice and a wonderful massage. I love the salt cave very relaxing you fall asleep and you have the best sleep of your life. Note:Parking was a little challenge. read more

So I came here for the experience because I had never done something like it before. I didn't buy the groupon but they honored the price at the door which in my opinion is very nice. It was my friends birthday and we were lucky we had the whole salt cave to ourselves. Just him and I sat right in front of where the salt comes out and it was very relaxing. It did take us a while to fully relax and get used to the chairs and stuff. But after a good 20 minutes you can really just sit back relax enjoy the ambiance and just forget about the world. Would DEFINITELY DO AGAIN. read more