Testimonials
Independent.ie
Headed: The salt of the air
Date: July 2011
Author: Sinead Van Kampen
On the surface, it seems like an otherworldly set up. Situated opposite its parent hotel and arranged in an underground labyrinth of the treatment suites, thermal areas and flotation rooms, the Spirit Spa is accessible by lifts which serve to take you down to the multitude of rooms below.
Soft lighting, scented flowers and the generous details that make you feel at home are done with a thought for luxury. The facilities are as excellent as the layout is eccentric.
The Spirit has some nice surprises - a generous thermal area, Elemis dry flotation rooms and a wonderful outdoor hot tub with views over the waters of the Galway Bay.
Of all the surprises lurking in the myriad of rooms that make up the Spirit Spa, the one not to be missed is the Sabia Med.
Fashioned like a Mediterranean beach the concept may seem a little odd, but it's far from being a gimmick. The warmth and the heat feel like heaven on a day of foul weather and a chance to unwind with a meditative dawn to dusk light cycle was grabbed with both hands. The mood is set by a thick layer of hot sand, the walls are painted with scenes which transport you to more exotic climates and 45 minutes of bliss ensue as the room gradually moves from darkness to dawn and back to dusk.
Treatment
In the comforting cabin of a spacious private suite, the treatment begins with a seaweed body mask before you're wrapped into a blanket and left to drift on a bed which slowly begins to sink to the floor. Although it takes a little getting used to, the sensation is wonderful. Not too overwhelming and serene in the extreme. Like floating in a warm sea without having to worry about jellyfish ! Warmed, calmed and overwhelmingly relaxed, by the time I had been given my mini facial and been treated to a head massage, my morning had become an afternoon and the gale that raged above could have been force 15 for all it mattered to me.
Salt Spa
A huge cave like salt spa. Self-contained within the Radisson complex, the only dress requirements are that shoes are covered for protection from the sea salts which cover the ground. With salt air having excellent detox properties and an effective treatment for asthma and allergy sufferers, the atmosphere is relaxing though therapeutic and after a half hour session its impossible not to come away cleaner and clearer.
Treatments: A good selection of Elemis Facials, body wraps and dry flotation rituals
Luxury factor: 4/5 Value for money: 3/5
Sunday Business Post Agenda Magazine
Date: 31st July 2011
Our tester found the experience surprisingly relaxing - you are fully clothed and can read through the treatment - and found her breathing easier and her shortness of
breath improved after three sessions, albeit only temporarily. "I'd recommend it to a friend, with the caveat that continued usage is needed to see long-lasting results," she says. "It could only be used as a complementary treatment"
Connacht Tribune
Author: Judy Murphy
Date: 15th July 2011
On the Salt Spa
….it's designed to offer relief from various ailments, it also comes with certain luxuries, including soft lights,music, a salt waterfall and – most impressively - stalactites hanging from the ceiling. And there's a 15-minute ventilation period between each session to allow the room to be purified and germ free for each new group.
The staff ask various questions and advise you not to use the spa if you are suffering from low blood pressure, chronic obstructive lung diseases, acute stage of respiratory disease and eight other conditions. Both the website and the employees point out that this is not a replacement for medication, rather, it's meant to augment it.
The best thing I can say about this is that I am happy to pay for the sessions…
***
"This is my favourite place to stay in Galway. It’s such a comfortable hotel – the rooms are sensational – and it’s a 5-minute walk from Eyre Square. But you’re not in the middle of the mayhem – you’re right on the edge of it. The gym is great, the spa is terrific and the Salt Spa (€25 for 45 mins) does wonders if you have respiratory difficulties".
Fionn Davenport, Newstalk
"I did not know what to expect on my first visit to the Salt Spa at the Radisson. I found it extremely relaxing and decided to sign up for six sessions. I have an Asthma condition and following the third session, I felt a distinct improvement. I took the sessions within days of each other and would plan to do the same again rather than taking an occasional session. I would recommend it to anyone, if only for relaxation."
Rosaleen
"I have been attending the Salt Spa in the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa in Galway as I suffer with asthma along with recently having a severe lung infection about two weeks ago. Since attending the enjoyable Salt Spa I have noticed an extreme improvement in my harping cough. I no longer experience sleepless nights from coughing and can enjoy inhaling a long breath without irritation. At present I have attended four sessions and plan to continue my treatment for some time to come in order to gain a lasting relief. The staff members have all been extremely accomodating and I feel that upon completion of my treatments I feel that I have a clear head and am relieved of any stress and tensions. I look forward to my next visit to the Salt Spa."
Elaine
"I originally booked a session for my daughter age 6 at the time as she suffers from hay fever,pollen allergies, asthma, Chronic Rhinitis. As she was 6 years old, I went with her for her session. I found the whole experience brilliant. It was so relaxing for me and also for Naomi. After the first session , Naomi slept brilliantly that night, their was no coughing or wakefulness. She slept the whole night right through. I booked a course of treatments for Naomi for the following few weeks and it has really helped her sinuses. I would recommend this therapy for anyone suffering from Asthma, Rhinitis , Sinusitis and Stress. If i could afford it i would bring her here twice a week all the time."
Joanne
"I had five sessions in the saltcaves. After the first two I could breathe properly without using my inhaler. After the fifth session I have not used my inhaler or my allergy tablet. So, I must say I am very satisfied and I have recommended it to my friends. All in all an excellent experience."
Ann
"The salt spa has been a sucessful treatment for my two year old son who suffers from asthma and hayfever, i first decided to take him to the salt spa when his condition started up again, within a few sessions his condition inproved without medication, for me the salt spa worked."
Bridann
"Having suffered from sinus problems for years I was encouraged to try the Salt Spa and having had three sessions I felt great. When I arrived and my time came round I entered the Salt Spa just as I was.
I must say each session was a lovely relaxing experience. I found the lady at the desk, Sarah, most helpful and caring. Once I was there and settled into a most relaxing chair, in semi darkness at first, I felt as if I were in a cave. A light was attached to each chair so , when all lights went out, I was able to read. I was given the daily paper if I wished to do so but after a few minutes I decided to close my eyes, lie back and relax. My companions all around me seemed to be sleeping so I thought I'd avail of a snooze too! The time flew. Blankets were supplied in case any one should feel cold. Even if I had no sinus problem I'd appreciate the relaxing hour in the Salt Spa"
Sister Mary Celine
"I am an 80 year old woman and have been attending the Salt Spa in the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa in Galway as I suffer with chronic bronchitis and have a very persistent cough. I find the enjoyable Salt Spa very relaxing and always notice that I have a clear head when I am finished the session. I have noticed a big improvement in my cough and am not exhausted from continuous coughing. I have taken about 6 sessions to date and I go there with my grand daughter. The staff members have been very friendly and are very welcoming to my extra needs as an older customer. I look forward to my next visit to the Salt Spa and wish them all the best in the future."
Freda
"My daughter has severe asthma and suffers from sinusitis a lot. She has had nine sessions in the salt spa and she feels great at the moment. Since she has gone to the salt spa I haven’t had to take her to the doctor whereas before that I was in it nearly every week. The first day she went to the salt cave her nose was all blocked, it was extremely hard to understand what she was saying but a couple of hours after been in the salt cave she said her nose wasn’t blocked anymore and her speech became much clearer. She finds it very relaxing and I myself go in with her and really enjoy the peace and quiet."
Ann-Marie
Quotations:
A review in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2001 and updated in 2006 found three randomised clinical trials of speleotherapy with a total of 126 children with asthma, two of which reported that this therapy had a beneficial short-term effect on lung function.
(Beamon, Falkenbach, Fainburg & Linde,. 2001, updated 2006).
A 2006 study assessed the effectiveness of salt-chamber treatment as an alternative to low-to-moderate inhaled therapy for 32 in-patients with asthma, who had bronchial hyper responsiveness (BHR). After a 2 week baseline period, 17 of the 32 patients received active treatment, which consisted of 40 minute sessions 5 times a week of salt fed into a room by a salt generator; 15 patients were assigned to the placebo condition. Median provocative dosing causing a decrease of 15% in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV) increased significantly in the active group but not the placebo group.
(Hedman, Hugg, Sandell & Haahtela, 2006).
A Russian study of 193 matched patients with respiratory diseases found that the treatment with dry aerosol produced significant clinical improvement over placebo in 85% of mild and moderate cases, 75% in severe cases and 97% in chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis (destruction and widening of larger airways). Common colds during cold season were reduced by half.
(Chervinskaya, 2006).
