Be pampered at Aquatica Salon and Day Spa BY ANITA STRATOS Correspondent CHRIS KELLY Aquatica Salon and Day Spa in Shrewsbury offers packages for couples. Feel wonderful, rejuvenate your body and spirit, and enjoy the ultimate in pampering at the new Aquatica Salon and Day Spa in Shrewsbury. A perfect gift for that special couple, bride-to-be, mother-to-be, or for yourself, Aquatica offers head-to-toe relaxation, beauty, and all-around rejuvenation. Valentina Chistova, owner and certified aesthetician, has combined her years of experience in day spa management and her knowledge of spa treatments to create the beautifully balanced atmosphere of Aquatica. From the moment you set foot in these serene blue and white surroundings, you begin to feel the tension slipping from your body. Every product that is used in the spa and salon are of the highest quality and can also be purchased so clients can continue doing the best for their bodies at home. In addition, Chistova has started her own line of products, simply named "Valentina." Chistova takes the entire body into consideration when helping her clients determine what rejuvenating treatments are best suited to their particular situation. "A client might have a problem in one area of the body, but it may stem from a completely different area," Chistova said. "All problems come from either the spinal cord or stomach, and our treatments can help improve those areas." Set off from the salon section, glamorous frosted doors open onto the tranquil, dimly lit spa area. The sounds of gently flowing fountain water and soft music create a peaceful background in each room while slow-moving aquatic images relax the eyes and mind. Every facet of Aquatica's spa area is geared toward complete comfort. Treatments begin and end with a 15-minute "adjustment period" in the Dream Room, where soft surroundings help you let go of stress. You can then choose to precede your massage with a visit to the steam room to loosen muscles and release toxins, or to spend some time in the Rainbow Tub. This unique option combines hydra therapy and color therapy, as you relax in a tub of warm swirling water that changes color by virtue of an immersed light as you soak. Rose petals can be sprinkled into the tub, and you can bring your own champagne to sip, a favorite among couples. There are a variety of different massages from which to choose, including Swedish, deep tissue, sports, scalp and neck, prenatal, hot rock and more. Besides feeling great, massage helps to stimulate circulation and increase blood flow, which in turn increases oxygen to the tissues, flushing toxins and reducing fluid retention. You can also try energy balancing therapies which help with stress management. Stretching therapy, acupressure Zen-Shiatsu, reflexology and Reiki all contribute to getting the energy flowing through your body. Body treatments include a Chai tea mud masque, Aquatica body firming masque, wild lavender body facial, and a green tea and ginger sea enzyme body wrap. The finishing touch is a Vichy shower, which gives the spine an aquatic massage as it alternates from warm to cool in order to stimulate blood circulation and bring oxygen to the organs. Moving into Aquatica's salon area, soft jazz creates an uplifting atmosphere. Here you can indulge in a variety of pedicure and manicure options that nurture every part of the arms, hands, feet, and legs so you can look and feel your best. Hair, known as a person's "crowning glory," is cared for from the root out at Aquatica. The Hair Spa provides a unique state-of-the-art computerized scalp and hair analysis that determines the "true nature of your hair" and monitors any changes over time. Clients can see their hair and scalp magnified on a television screen, then a root analysis is compared to a chart that explains the damage or deficiencies that need to be corrected. Once this is done, the proper hair health regimen can be started to rectify any problems. Shine infusion, Shea butter hair facial, salmon protein hair restore, and body giving treatment are just a few of the corrective procedures available. Top off your visit with a hair styling by one of Aquatica's high-level hair artists who are trained in the latest styling techniques. Hair coloring, perms, and waves are all done using the most gentle and fine products available. You can also have a make-up application for that special occasion for which nothing but the best will do - there's even a special bridal makeup for the biggest day of your life. A gift of Aquatica's fine services is perfect for just about anyone, and there are packages that include a grouping of your favorite treatments. A wonderful idea for an anniversary gift is Aquatica's couple's massage, where couples can share in a relaxing experience while learning how to care for each other at home. Aquatica Salon and Day Spa is located at 508 Broad St. in Shrewsbury. For more information, call (732) 530-7666 or visit the Web site at www.AquaticaSpa.com.