Profile

This Astoria spa draws a varied clientele from all boroughs with prices at least a quarter less than Manhattan rates. Spa Hydra—which means “of the water” in Greek—is owned by Astoria-raised sisters Marina Angelopoulos and Barbara Preponis; the former manages the business end, while spa director Barbara is one of the spot’s three estheticians. Clients are encouraged to arrive early to make use of the saunas and eucalyptus steam room. Hair-removal, facials, and body treatments are performed within six hushed treatment rooms, and manicure and pedicure stations are each equipped with plasma TVs. Customized facials are performed on adjustable heated beds and aided by soothing Pevonia balms. Many feature arm-and-leg massages and a spell of Chinese “face mapping”, which aims to reveal eating, sleeping, and exercise issues. The body treatment menu includes a variety of massages, electrolysis, spray tanning, and reflexology, as well as organic waxing done with beeswax and essential oils—a particular favorite with Spa Hydra’s many male clients. — Karen Tina Harrison