‘Exhausting and rewarding’: Entrepreneur opens holistic salt cave in Lake Country

An ambitious entrepreneur with a passion for wellness has opened a studio in Lake Country that features a cave full of 7,000 kilograms of Himalayan rock salt imported from Pakistan.

Kelowna resident Rhonda Smith worked seven days a week for many months to bring her vision to life, opening the doors to the unique space at the beginning of May.

“Honestly, if you’d asked me six months ago whether I’d be opening a salt cave I probably would’ve laughed,” she said.

“Once the idea came to me, something just clicked. I’ve always been someone who puts my whole heart into the things I’m passionate about and from that point on it was full steam ahead.”

Built by a company called Select Salt, the walls and floors of the cave are covered with Himalayan rock salt, providing a pink, calming glow.  

“Every detail was designed to created a calming and immersive environment, including the lighting, textures and a wooden swing,” Smith said.

“We really wanted the space to feel both therapeutic and comforting. Somewhere people could completely disconnect from stress and reconnect with themselves.”

The cave is designed to provide a holistic wellness treatment called Halotherapy, or dry salt therapy. During a session, microscopic salt particles are dispersed into the air and inhaled deeply into the lungs.

“Halotherapy is a wellness practice rooted in European salt cave traditions that has been used for generations to support respiratory health, relaxation and overall well being,” Smith said. “It has been around forever but is still a bit new in Canada.

“Many clients report benefits such as easier breathing, reduced congestion, support for allergies and asthma symptoms, improved skin conditions, better sleep and an overall sense of calm and stress relief.”

The treatment is considered an alternative therapy by the medical community and the American Lung Association doesn’t recommend it for people with severe respiratory issues, high blood pressure or other serious health conditions.

There are a variety of reasons behind Smith’s decision to design and build her first business.

She was at the tail end of 18 years working in emergency services, and was looking for relief for her own chronic allergies, sinus issues and stress.   

She had a lasting emotional impact from a few years ago when her daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease at the age of six.

“That experience deeply changed my perspective on health and wellness,” she said. “It strengthened my passion for creating a space where people can slow down, breathe, heal and take care of themselves in a supportive environment.”

Growing up in Manitoba, Smith said she watched her parents working hard putting in long days running a gas station almost every day of the year which instilled in her a strong work ethic and passion for serving people.

“I’m not naive to how hard this is, I know the hardships of owning a small business,” she said. “This has been intense, exciting, exhausting and rewarding. It was the right time to do it for me. I needed a sense of wellness and everyone is seeking that now.”

Smith said the positive support from the community has been overwhelming.

“People here genuinely care about one another and there’s a strong appreciation for wellness and connection,” Smith said. “From the moment we announced the studio, the encouragement and kindness from the community has been amazing.”

Breathe Salt Studio is located inside Invati Yoga & Wellness at 502-11850 Oceola Road and also offers other wellness options that can be combined to create a holistic wellness experience.