Waterlily's Nails and Spa
Neighborhood: East Village
Type of Place: Spas
Description:
Whew. You cooked, cleaned, shopped, and wrapped. You made it through the company party basically unscathed. You found "emergency" gifts for family-celebration attendees who gave you 23 minutes notice that they'd be showing up (with their 3 kids). You braved holiday traffic and, if you're like me, fairly sucky airport-security scenarios (the lines stretched from JFK to the state of Ohio; security personnel threw out the special gingerbread-scented bubble bath gift I'd found to give a friend's young daughter because it was half an ounce over the "liquid limit"...). Sure, this season is a lot of fun; but it can also be a lot of work and a good amount of stress. Hang on; relief is at hand.
I stumbled upon Waterlily's Nails and Spa while, of course, running around doing holiday errands. Though it looks like your everyday nail salon (clean and functional but not especially spa-like), Waterlily's caught my eye from the street with its package deals posted in the window. A manicure/pedicure *and* a 30-minute massage for $50? Tell me more!
Inside, I looked closely at the packages they offer here and was highly impressed. In addition to the above-mentioned deal, there's a manicure/pedicure with a 10-minute massage for $35; a manicure and spa pedicure plus 30-minute massage plus brow waxing for $70; and a manicure with spa pedicure, choice of a one-hour massage or a facial, and brow waxing for $100. Considering that a massage alone will usually cost about a dollar a minute, these are some great buys.
Of course, a bargain isn't a bargain if quality is lacking. The crowd assembled for manicures and pedicures (some told me they're loyal repeat customers) indicated that in those services, Waterlily's does just fine. Regrettably, my holiday-rush schedule prohibitted me from getting a massage; but I did get my brows waxed (a reasonable $10 for that procedure on its own). I usually *hate* having this done, so the fact that this time it was less painful can only be a very good sign. Care was taken to discuss with me what I wanted and to prepare my skin for the process; and I was truly happy with the results (I love actor Eugene Levy, but I'm not looking to adopt his brow style). In attention and craft, Waterlily's was a good cut above what its prices might indicate.
You've rushed around for everyone else; a spa treatment will help you revive, at prices that won't break the bank. I know I'm glad I found this place and am looking forward to my mani/pedi/massage. Happy New Year!
- Pamela Grossman; Dec 28,2006
Waterlily's Nails and Spa
241 E. 14th St
New York, NY 10003
212-460-9662
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