The best kept beauty secret is making a splash with premier services

By Kristen Hernandez | New Pelican Writer

Tucked into a little hide-away on Commercial Boulevard lies a best kept beauty secret – Acqua Salon and Spa.

But it’s no secret that when you look good, you feel good. Studies have proven that feeling beautiful has a positive impact on self-confidence and body image. But, finding an affordable, professional hair salon that has unique, high-end products and accessories to complement a new look isn’t easy. 

In March, a mother/daughter duo opened Acqua Salon and Spa and splashed into the community as the premier beauty destination.

“We wanted to bring Minnesota-nice to Fort Lauderdale,” said Emily Marantsman, co-owner of Acqua Salon and Spa. “It was important for my mom and me to show the community what exceptional service looks like. Most other salons are all about numbers and how quickly they can get someone in and out of a chair. We take all interactions with guests seriously.”

Marantsman’s mother Yelena knows what bad salon service looks like first-hand. At one time, she had jet black hair and was looking for a change. Her stylist said he could transform her hair to her natural caramel brown color by stripping it with chemical bleach which mercilessly removes any natural oils and leaves hair brittle. After the strip, the stylist would re-dye her damaged locks the appropriate color. 

“When he mentioned the all-day chemical strip that came with a hefty price tag, I knew I could do better. After I met Sara Mungay, she had my hair back to caramel brown without using harmful chemicals, and it took just two hours. So, I hired her and she’s now Acqua Salon’s celebrity stylist,” said Marantsman. “Sara is special because she thinks outside the box.”

Mungay, is a short, humble woman who has worked with numerous celebrities in the past, including  12 years styling Sofia Vergara and her family. Mungay’s list of past celebrity clients is impressive, but she made it clear that all guests who sit in her chair should be treated as stars.

“It doesn’t matter who comes in the door,” Mungay said. “In my eyes, everyone is equally important and should look and feel glamorous when they leave.” The younger Marantsman is also a licensed and certified esthetician. Her talented hands can thread, tweeze, tint and wax eyebrows and lashes, place eyelash extensions, and remove body hair.

In a somewhat separate area behind the boutique’s check-in counter are manicure and pedicure stations each with an assortment of trendy nail colors. Several mani-pedi options are offered including the precise Russian Manicure, which helps to promote natural nail growth. 

“We do things differently and aim to give locals what they need,” Marantsman said. “We opened this space together to give our neighbors what we’d want for ourselves: expert, luxurious service at affordable prices. Different skin types require different care. We’ve developed something for everyone like our Triple Berry Brightening and Firming Peptide facial.”

Acqua’s spa ambiance is as unique as its services. Skin types are diverse and there’s no “one-size” when it comes to facials. Off to the side of the nail care area are two cozy, simply decorated white rooms for the 12 different facials offered.

The spa’s shelves are stocked with several types of high-quality, carefully procured, affordable products. Their “take-home after care” line for clients includes Circadia Hair Care with Moroccan oil, facial hair care for men’s beards, light and silky Amarte skin care with nano-encapsulated retinol, gel face masks, Magic Ice Globes to reduce eye puffiness, locally-made artisan hairbrushes, plus a stunning display of jewelry accessories shipped from Bohm Paris. 

Acqua Salon and Spa, a New Pelican advertiser, welcomes walk-ins. However, appointments are preferred to ensure guests are booked with the stylist of their choosing. It is located at 218 Commercial Blvd. in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. Call 754-236-0597 or visit acquasalonspa.com for more information.