Rani Spas Opens in Mineola

Rani Spas, a successful and expanding company of medical and holistic spas, has chosen Mineola for its sixteenth New York location. The company held a six-hour grand opening at the new location at 529 Jericho Turnpike last Saturday complete with a fashion show and musicians to celebrate.

Anuj Thukral, president and co-founder, was joined by Dr. Rani Thukral to welcome guests to the new two-story, 5,300 square foot  location that will specialize in skin care, hair removal, medical spa services and Ayurvedic products and services. Aesthetician Victoria Verian will work at the Mineola facility providing massages and facials. For three years, she was a massage therapist aboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

The spa is situated on the South side of Jericho Turnpike, near the corner of Herricks Road. Rani Spas is in the process of securing around 60 spaces for parking in the back lot, according to Anuj Thukral.

Thukral said Mineola was one of five locations he targeted for expansion. "I was in the process of negotiating five different leases," he said. "Two of them came through -- Mineola and Miami."

The Miami location will be the first for Rani Spas outside of New York.

Rani Spas in Mineola will also be offering hair solutions, thr'motion (threading), hygiene waxing, body care (massage) and face skin care including eight different  facials.

Most of the services last one hour or more in duration. Prices range from the Ayurdevic massage at $60 to the Signature massage for $135. Facials range between $50 for a Mini/Red Rose Facial to $120 for an Anti-Aging Facial/Four Layer.

Anuj and his mother, Dr. Rani, have won numerous business and entrepreneurial awards both in the United States and their native India. Dr Rani is regarded as a pioneer in her field, credited with introducing Ayurvedic beauty, Ayurvedic techniques and Ayurvedic lifestyle to the New York area. The first Rani Salon was started by Dr. Rani in India, in 1970. She and her son Anuj  moved to New York in the early 1990s and opened the first New York Rani Salon in 1994. Over time, the business has evolved from salon to spa to medical spa specializing in Ayurvedic techniques and holistic healing.

Dr. Rani said at Saturday's grand opening that people need to start their day "in increments," which means proper breathing, drinking water and eating healthy.

"How are you using the free resources around you?" Anuj asked, referring to air and water, which he noted are much fresher here than they are in India. "Our products will make your skin beautiful but they cannot put a smile on your face the way free natural resources can do," he said.

Rani Spas sells many products that bear the names of the owner and his mother. These organic, Ayurvedic and herbal products can be purchased at the spa or online at the company's website.