Mixed reviews, to say the least

When Melany and Edric took over CAVE Cure & Therapies, the list of problems was long. Their Our Story page spells it out: “only two staff, few practitioners, several liabilities, unpaid bills, a leaking mineral bath, a room as a construction site and mixed reviews to say the least.”

Home was just as busy. The couple was raising three little kids, and Melany was pregnant with their fourth.

“Although they always wanted to own a business together, this was not the way they wanted to start off,” the page says.

Money meant for the kids

CAVE was already open in Willowbrook when Melany and Edric put money into it, “to help set up their kid’s future,” as their story puts it. Within a few months, they learned the company was in significant debt.

They stayed and fought for it. The couple wrote a business plan and set out to “rebuild, rebrand, and redefine CAVE.” Edric Parasad brought a counselling background to the job. He’s a registered clinical counsellor with a master’s degree, and his Psychology Today profile lists his practice at CAVE, with a focus on anxiety, trauma and depression.

They’re proud of the small wins. The story page lists a new hydrotherapy service and a renovated mineral bath. It also counts a team that became “family,” and a cafe that passed Fraser Health approval.

Two tubs, two moods

Most people come for the soaks. In the Mineral Spa, you sink into a jetted tub under a “starlit sky” ceiling, then cool off under rainfall showers. The price covers two people, and the tub can take up to four for an extra cost.

The Salt Bath is quieter. You soak in Dead Sea and Epsom salts mixed with essential oils, and you even pick the soundtrack, whether that’s nature sounds or an unguided meditation. Both soaks start in a private lounge with a robe and sandals. Afterwards there’s tea and some fruit.

A heads-up for taller guests. A few recent Google reviewers found the tubs snug, and a couple wished the water had been hotter. If that matters to you, ask before you book.

A clinic and a cafe, too

There’s a clinic side as well. CAVE offers registered massage therapy and clinical counselling, along with holistic nutrition and a few cosmetic treatments, and it lists direct billing on its website.

Massage gets plenty of love in the reviews, and people often name their therapist. One couple came for a birthday with massages and a soak. She called the day “nothing short of perfection.”

The cafe pours coffee and tea. Its seasonal menu covers wraps and snack boxes, so you can grab something before you head home.

One anniversary balloon

Lots of visitors come to celebrate. Couples can book the Couples Reconnect in the Mineral Spa or the Sweetheart Soak in the Salt Bath. Both come with chocolate-covered strawberries and non-alcoholic bubbly. There are birthday and anniversary packages as well.

One mom booked a mineral soak for her fourth wedding anniversary, a rare break from her two-year-old. Afterwards, the staff let her take the anniversary balloon home to her daughter, who was “over the moon” about it.

Book online or by phone. Get there 15 minutes early to fill out the intake form so your soak starts on time.

Photos: CAVE Cure & Therapies.