cqua Beauty Bar is the new spa haven of New Yorkers in-the-know. Whether you want to pop in for a quick manicure, or day-long indulgences, this is the place to go. Located near Union Square on 14th Street (near Fifth Avenue), this serene day spa has everyone lining up to polish their tips, toes and everything in between. Armed with the ancient philosophy of 'inner beauty is outer beauty,' holistic needs are just as important as aesthetic ones. You'll fall victim to their to-die-for treatments, whether it's a facial, pedicure, massage or a delicious body polish.
When you first strut into their pristine, yet cushy waiting area, you are overcome by a sense of calmness--a welcome change to the hustle and bustle of Manhattan; it feels very much like a secluded spa hidden in a lush garden (close enough with all the exotic plants and flower arrangements). We were greeted by the receptionist who asked us to make ourselves at home. Combining minimalist décor with an Asian influence, the space is trendy but never overbearing. Aquamarine blues and pastel greens highlight the beauty bar here and there, and glass walls line the spa in various places as partitions. Walls are accented with pressed flowers, and paper lanterns also decorate this modern hideaway. The overall look and vibe is "pool-like"--a spacious, watery retreat.
If you happen to arrive early (it's courtesy to arrive at least fifteen minutes before an appointment), take the time to browse the products. Shelves are stocked with products by Burt's Bees, YonKa, Aromapharmacy, Lafco, OPI lacquers and the world famous Epicuren line, among others. Flip through the Acqua Beauty Bar "Menu of Services" and you'll find yourself hungry for everything. Depending on how much time you have to spare, services range from fifteen minute manicures to one-hundred twenty minute long facials. My advice is 'everything in moderation.' Whet your appetite with a manicure and pedicure, then a facial (the Acquacuren Facial works instant results!) and work your way into a Hot Stone Massage. If you're stressed from everyday troubles, ease them away with a package instead. The "Garden of Eastern Delights" gets your one-hundred eighty minutes which includes a Body Scrub, Shiatsu Massage, Acqua Mist Facial and a Gift Bag. Other delicious delicacies: Brown Sugar Glo, Peppermint Blast (both Body Therapy treatments), Salt Scrubs (choose from Tropical, Mango, Green Apple, Mocha Soufflé, Lemon or Mint) or the Seaweed Ocean Wrap, among others. Everything on the Menu will catch your fancy.
Shortly after I arrived, I was led down a dim hallway into a room with a mini dresser and a tiny chaise to put your clothes and purse. After undressing and slipping on the single pair of soft cotton capris, I lay down on the treatment bed. The room was dimly lit and accentuated by the soft sounds of a waterfall (which nearly lulled me to sleep!); I started off with the Acquacuren Facial which uses the full line of Epicuren products. The goal of the Acquacuren facial is to counteract the signs of aging but, no matter what your age, benefits are reaped! Enzymes and bee propolis (Epicuren only uses wild bee propolis from Brazil) moisturize stressed skin, exfoliate and stimulate collagen production. Intermittent massage of the arms, neck and chest make this treatment even more relaxing--every step of the process was explained and my comfort level taken very seriously. I looked in the mirror after the treatment and I was glowing! Once the facial was complete, I changed back into my clothes and was greeted outside my door with a cool glass of water, which was a really nice touch!
Top notch is the Deep Tissue Massage. Curtain decorations adorn the massage rooms and relaxation music floats through the air. Using firm pressure and essential oils, this massage gets into your skin and relieves tension all over your body. If you have tightly wound muscles, this massage will undo any knots. Highly addictive, the Deep Tissue Massage is intensely relaxing yet leaves you feeling invigorated and refreshed. Sixty-minutes long, the time will just fly by--this one should be a weekly indulgence.
Next up: the Acqua Pedicure and Manicure. I have to mention the chairs used for the pedicure. Actually, it's not a chair--it's like a Lay-Z Boy recliner with a built in massager. Granted, most spas have these, but this one just seemed to be more relaxing than most, adding to the overall comfort and luxury of a pedicure. This signature, AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid-based) pedicure is brilliant--six steps to ensure your footsies are nothing short of perfect. A soak, scrub, masque, massage, pushback and color application makes this pedicure a reason in itself to make the trip to Acqua. Feet go through a lot and after you've had the Acquacuren Pedicure, you're walking on air. Once the polish was applied, my feet were slipped into flip flops and I carefully made my way over for the Acqua Manicure which is a five-step AHA-based manicure which uses superior moisturizers and gentle exfoliants. Most manicures moisturize but this particular one implements light reflexology massage which adds to the spa experience.
Acqua Beauty Bar is simply fantastic. Already an A-lister among spa-goers, Acqua is becoming a staple of New York City. You will definitely be wowed by the exceptional staff who takes everything into consideration, making the entire experience comfortable and refreshing. Set up a "reservation" for a seat at Acqua and be prepared to satiate every desire of your beauty palate.
Check them out online at www.AcquaBeautyBar.com
By 
Global Spa Treatments
