I recently caught up with Nina Newcombe of Natural Serenity, and we had a nice chat.

A lot of people have never visited a salt cave.  What should someone expect when they visit, and what is the typical reaction of first time visitors?

Pure bliss lol!  When you first come in you get comfortable and remove your shoes.  Upon entering the dimly lit salt room, you will notice it is filled with over 3 tons of Pink Himalayan Salt on the floor and on the walls.  You will lay back in our comfy zero gravity chairs, and essentially drift away to the sounds of the ocean playing through the headphones we provide.  Most people either fall asleep or like to meditate during the 45-minute session.    

What are the health benefits of spending time in a salt cave? 

Great question!  Benefits include relief from respiratory ailments such as Asthma, Allergies, Bronchitis, Colds, as well as skin conditions like Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, Rashes, and Rosacea. It's also a great immune booster!  For many it's a mood elevator and a great way to destress and just relax.  

What products do you carry, and what are your most popular items?

We carry salt lamps in multiple shapes and sizes.  We partner with Pacha and carry their delicious soap bars. We also have our own line of all-natural body products as well as 4elements Bath Company that include bath salts, scrubs, body butters, hand soaps, CBD, and more.  All of our products sell equally well but if I had to choose I’d say body butters, CBD and salt lamps are the most popular.  Stay tuned for some new products coming soon! 

As a believer in the benefits of spending time in a salt cave, in the past I had to drive about an hour away to visit one.  I am really glad you opened Natural Serenity just a few minutes away from my home.  What made you choose Barrington as the location?

Barrington is such a beautiful town, and we are so glad to be here! When doing our research, we discovered that that there was nothing similar to Natural Serenity within a 20-mile radius of Barrington.

How did Covid impact your business? 

Aside from having to close for almost 3 months, it has been a little slow as I am sure some people are still worried about going places.  We just want to assure everyone that we are following all protocols when it comes to cleaning after each session and servicing our clients.  We have also changed our sessions to be private so only you and your party will be in the room. There is no better time to be sitting in a Salt Room cleansing your lungs then now. 

When you are not working, how do you spend your time?

We have 4 kids ages 14, 13, 10, and 5, so between school and sports they keep us pretty busy! 

What was the last book you read, or what are you currently reading?

The last book I read was "Dear Martin" by Nic Stone.  It's about a 17 year old African American boy who is racially profiled one night while trying to help his drunk ex-girlfriend get home safely.  It’s a book my 14 year old daughter was reading and I picked it up one day because I saw she never put it down, and I wanted to see what it was all about. Let’s just say she had to wait until I finished because I didn't want to put it down either!

What was the last concert you attended?

John Legend at Ravinia.  He is the best live performer I have ever seen.

What is your favorite Barrington area restaurant, and what dishes do you recommend?

Date night with my husband is for sure at Neoteca!  He says their Manhattans are like no other, accompanied by some calamari and a pizza.  During the week for lunch I like Paul's Burrito Express. They have a Portabella Mushroom Quesadilla that is very good. 

Is there anything else about Natural Serenity that you want to share with readers?

We are family owned and operated with love!  We care about everyone that comes through our door whether it's just to say hello, purchase product, or try one of our services.  We offer Salt Room sessions, Ionic Foot Detox, Aromatouch, and Reiki.  We also offer other events like Yoga in the Salt Room, Guided Meditation, Alchemy Singing Bowls, and more. 

Featured in the photos are Nina and Leilani Newcombe.