A LEISURE centre in the heart of Southampton will soon be offering residents a unique spa treatment.

The doors are now open at The Quays Swimming and Diving Complex, Harbour Parade, for a tranquil and soothing Salt Booth - the first spa treatment of its kind across UK leisure centres, which is designed to boost physical and mental wellbeing.

Active Nation, the centre operator, has teamed up with Global Halotherapy Solutions to install the Salt Booth. It is an all-natural salt vapour treatment helps combat respiratory illnesses, skin irritations, depression, stress and tiredness.

The treatment will be available as part of a 12 week trial until June 30 and if it is successful the leisure centre will continue to offer it to the public. Residents do not have to be a member of the leisure centre to access the Salt Booth.

The treatment involves humidity being stripped from the air and the temperature of the two-person Salt Booth is set to 20 degrees celsius or lower. Pharmaceutical grade dry salt is ground into microparticles and released into the air and when inhaled it removes allergens, toxins and foreign substances in the lungs.

Matt Wale, Active Nation business manager, said: “We are so excited to add the Salt Booth to our incredible facilities here at The Quays. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing spa experience, or looking for a natural remedy to respiratory or skin ailments, 20 minutes is all you need to start feeling the difference.”

The treatment will prove popular with elite athletes training at The Quays as it improves athletic performance by expanding airways for increased lung function.

David Hughes, vice president of business development for Global Halotherapy Solutions, said: “For centuries, salt caverns have been used to treat respiratory and skin problems, and now, in partnership with Active Nation we are making this hugely effective, natural therapy accessible to all.

"Wellness sits top of the agenda for leisure operators nationwide and we look forward to complementing Active Nation’s leisure offering.”

A 20 minute session in the Salt Booth will cost £16 and customers are advised to breath deeply during the treatment. Two to four sessions are recommended over the first couple of weeks, followed by maintenance sessions.