Salt water has long soothed tired bodies and troubled skin. From communal Roman baths to the mineral-rich Dead Sea – the mythical bathing site of Cleopatra – sodium-laced waters have featured in wellness rites throughout history. Today these ancient practices are reimagined in sleek spas and refined home rituals. More than calm, they can offer exfoliation, hydration and relief for inflammatory skin conditions.
At AIRE Ancient Baths (experiences from $175), one of New York’s most immersive bathing spaces, the Flotarium is infused with Epsom salts to mirror the salinity of the Dead Sea. “Epsom salt is rich in magnesium, said to reduce inflammation and soothe tired muscles,” says AIRE’s Maria Baskina of the chemical compound, which has been used to treat stress and soreness since it was discovered in the 17th century. While research is limited, some evidence – see a 2023 study by the International Journal of Health Sciences and Research – suggests that it can even reduce pain in arthritis sufferers. Warm water can also increase blood flow to muscles and joints, providing further relief.
De Mamiel Altitude bath soak, £60 for 400g
AIRE has locations in eight cities across Europe and the US, with the latest – a 9,600sq ft spa in New York’s Upper East Side – opening in March. “We’ve observed a notable increase in interest in wellness rituals and hydrotherapy,” says Baskina, whose clients range from “busy professionals” to “wellness enthusiasts”. All value “holistic experiences that restore both body and mind”.
