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A few weeks ago I visited AquaMedica Spa in Long Branch. Even though I grew up in New Jersey, a relatively small state, I had never been to Long Branch before. It's located on the ocean about an hour from NYC. I walked up and down the boardwalk, and it was apparent that the area had undergone a recent revitalization. One of the most notable new structures was Pier Village, which features oceanfront residences, over 30 boutiques and restaurants, a large gym and the 5,000 square-foot, 11-treatment room AquaMedica Spa.

I liked AquaMedica Spa the minute I walked in. The tiny, aqua tiles in the floor shimmered like the ocean only a half block away. A unique design is embedded in the center of the floor. Owner Valentina Chistova says this about the inspiration for the design, "I was thinking about how important water is in our lives. I believe life starts from water, and the power of water is incredible. And the fact that water runs in a circle – it comes from the sky in the form of snow or rain, penetrates the earth and then comes back in form of springs, rivers, etc. It is the same as life - we come to this world, give life to future generations and go back. Water not only cleanses, it is the essence of all creation with life-giving benefits to surround and soothe and bring us back to that which is our essence." Valentina says this inspires everything they do at AquaMedica.

After checking in at the reception desk, I was escorted to the Women's Changing Room and given a locker which held a robe and sandals.

I changed and entered the Lounge. The doors between the changing rooms, reception area and lounge are glass coated with "spa" images. The images are opaque but allow light to show through, so they appear to glow. I find it very crisp and appealing.

Door to the Lounge from the Women's Changing Room from the Reception Area

Co-Ed Spa Lounge

Oil Projection

I settled into one of the deep, comfortable chairs in the softly lit Lounge. Fleecy blankets were available to keep me cozy. Two oil projectors created soft pink, blue and green bubbles that formed and re-formed as they drifted across the ceiling providing a peaceful, dream-like atmosphere. A refreshment bar was stocked with water, tea and snacks. It was very relaxing.

My first service was a facial with owner, Valentina, an internationally trained skin care expert with over 20 years experience. The first thing she did was put soft, warm socks on my feet - a very nice touch! Valentina says, "Skin talks to me." She examined my skin and started to work. Like a chef selecting ingredients to create a unique recipe, Valentina selected products and procedures to create just the right treatment for my skin. She had no qualms mixing and matching brands (Physiodermie, GM Collin, SkinCeuticals, Guinot among others) to achieve the desired results. My facial started with a thorough cleansing followed by steamless extractions (Valentina believes the heat of steam is harmful to the skin). A little microdermabrasion, a mask and hand massage and more left my skin looking and feeling great. I left with a Lifeseason Camphor Treatment to apply to my recent acne breakouts (can you believe it at my age?) and Hovan's Gold for in-grown hair. Both have worked wonderfully!

After the facial, I was given to the care of Amanda, a massage therapist who was so moved by receiving a massage a number of years ago that she became a massage therapist herself in order to help people to feel good whether it be from pain relief or just helping them relax. Amanda started with an apricot mango body scrub that left my skin feeling soft and alive. I rinsed off in AquaMedica's Swiss Color Therapy Shower. As I stood under the slowly changing colored light, a number of shower heads sprayed warm water all over my body. It was a lovely experience.

Other treatments available at AquaMedica include:

AquaMedica Spa has a great specials page on their web site. You can select the month and the treatment you are interested in and the page displays what specials are available when and how much you can save - very handy and thoughtful.

(c) AquaMedicaSpa, 2007. All Rights Reserved. Phone: 732.222.8611