The Healing Benefits of Salt Water at Gurney’s Seawater Spa

There’s a saying, “the cure for anything is salt water,” and turns out there really is more to it than just a nice quote for a throw pillow! We caught up with Candice Monte, the Spa Director at The Hamptons’ iconic Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, for a little Q&A about the benefits of salt water and ways guests at Gurney’s can take total advantage!

Q: What are some of the main benefits of bathing/soaking in seawater?

A: The principle behind thalassotherapy is that repeated exposure to sea air and immersion in warm seawater, mud, clay, and protein-rich algae helps restore the body’s natural chemical balance. Seawater and human plasma are very similar. When immersed in warm seawater the body absorbs the minerals it needs through the skin. The main component of seawater is sodium choride (salt), but it is also rich in minerals and trace elements. Immersion in warm seawater allows those minerals to pass through the skin. Soaking in Seawater Tubs or Swiss Showers helps improve micro-circulation of blood vessels, which in turn helps nourish and oxygenate cells. Our Hydro-massage promotes the ultimate lymph drainage and evacuation of metabolic waste and elimination of toxins.

Q: In what other ways can guests benefits from thalassotheraphy?

A: The effects of thalassotherapy is profound. Thalassotherapy treatments have a beneficial effect on the skin, cellular exchanges, the respiratory system, and the body as a whole, [allowing for] better oxygenation, an increased elimination of toxins, and a revitalization of the mind and body. The different orientations allow you to find a program to fit your needs focusing on wellness, relaxation, wellbeing, beauty, slimming, and body shaping. Thalassotherapy is effective in treating people with circulating conditions such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis, chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, fatigue, stress, and forms of chronic inflammation such as arthritis.

Q: Aquatic yoga is offered for guests to experience in the seawater indoor pool – what are some of the therapeutic benefits of practicing yoga in such an environment?

A: Exercise in our heated seawater pool allows for movement and flexibility not available on land.  The increase in hydrostatic pressure against the body increases circulation, stimulates the kidneys and promotes digestion.

Interested in taking in the (sea) waters? Check out all of the offerings at the 30,000 square-foot Gurney’s Seawater Spa including the new ocean-fed, sand-filtered seawater pool (pictured) which is the only one of it’s kind in North America!