Pictured: Salt of the Earth Spa, Southbury, CT.  

The idea of visiting a salt cave didn’t cross my radar as a destination for rest and relaxation. But once I learned about the potential wellness benefits and about local options, I gave it a try.

Reclining in a zero gravity lounger, I closed my eyes, cleared my mind and inhaled deeply for 45 minutes. While doing that my body would be would exposed to three day’s equivalent of ocean air from himalayan salt contained on the walls and...