look book

The Look Book Goes to a Governors Island Spa

On a recent sweltering Wednesday afternoon, we chatted with visitors to the newly opened QC NY.

Photo: DeSean McClinton-Holland
Photo: DeSean McClinton-Holland

Regina Anderson (pictured above)
Private chef, Windsor Terrace

How long have you been a chef?
Seventeen years. In 2012, I was on the show Chopped and won. I don’t remember what ingredients I had, but I do remember struggling with a Champagne bottle and it exploding all over the camera guy.

What brings you here?
My sister got me a gift card for my 40th birthday. I have two older sisters, and two of us have birthdays in July. So the other sister got us both all-day spa passes.

You don’t look 40.       
Oh, thanks. Zoom in on my eyes and you might change your mind. But I’m a teetotaler for sure. Always have been, even when I used to model. My friends would call me up and be like, “Hey, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are in town. You should come out.” And I’d be, “No, I’m tired. I just came home from Tahiti. I need to get my beauty rest.” I think about that now, and am like, I was a fool. I was a poop.

Larry Ricci

Union funds director, Seaport District

Francis Kennedy

Construction project manager, Midtown

Alanda Cherestal

Student, East New York


How did you hear about this place?

My sister found it on TikTok, and it looked luxurious. I was like, “Yes, I’m a broke college student. Let me go be rich for a day.” I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve never been to a spa or anything fancy looking. I was just like, Whoa, I can finally be like the people on TikTok or like the people who have money.

Jenell Greenidge

Underwriter and bartender, Uniondale

Roosevelt Luperon

Lifeguard, University Heights


Are you a lifeguard here?

Yes. I used to work at a pool in Brooklyn by North Street, but my friend is a manager at this spa. It’s very easy to get a job as a lifeguard right now. But I don’t think anyone is paying enough. The spa raised me up a couple bucks from my old job, so that’s exciting.

Ryan Kelly

Sales manager, Plymouth, Massachusetts

Clare Palo

Content strategist, Fort Greene

Mauri Solages

Social impact manager, Maplewood, New Jersey


Are you here to escape anything?

Oh, yes. My firstborn son is going to Howard University, and move-in day is next Tuesday. We’re all feeling anxious for his safety, between COVID and monkeypox and crime. I was like, All right, I just need a moment with my girls before this life-changing event happens.

Peyton Worley

Attorney, Murray Hill

Alyse Horn

Executive assistant, Upper West Side

Eudys Reyes

Lifeguard, South Bronx

Kate Borst

Software engineer, Park Slope


Did you get a massage?

Yes. And let me tell you: I’ve been to the Aire baths in Chelsea, SoJo Spa Club in Jersey, and Bathhouse in Williamsburg, and this was the most comfortable massage table I’ve ever been on. So pillowy, and as a big lady, I didn’t for a moment feel like it was going to creak.

Woody Winmill 

Attorney, Park Slope

Rachel Grim

Business owner, Clinton Hill

Vicki Warivonchik

Producer, Hamilton Heights

Shalana Francklin 

Student, Powder Springs, Georgia

Anahis Barrie

Real-estate agent, Upper East Side


How did you find out about the spa?

My Italian friend actually went to the QC location in Italy. I’m for sure going to come back whenever I have a boyfriend, because I thought it was very romantic. Pray for me: I need to date a good man soon.

Megan Fleming

Middle-school teacher, Midtown East

Photographs by DeSean McClinton-Holland

Larry Ricci

Union funds director, Seaport District

Francis Kennedy

Construction project manager, Midtown

Alanda Cherestal

Student, East New York


How did you hear about this place?

My sister found it on TikTok, and it looked luxurious. I was like, “Yes, I’m a broke college student. Let me go be rich for a day.” I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve never been to a spa or anything fancy looking. I was just like, Whoa, I can finally be like the people on TikTok or like the people who have money.

Jenell Greenidge

Underwriter and bartender, Uniondale

Roosevelt Luperon

Lifeguard, University Heights


Are you a lifeguard here?

Yes. I used to work at a pool in Brooklyn by North Street, but my friend is a manager at this spa. It’s very easy to get a job as a lifeguard right now. But I don’t think anyone is paying enough. The spa raised me up a couple bucks from my old job, so that’s exciting.

Ryan Kelly

Sales manager, Plymouth, Massachusetts

Clare Palo

Content strategist, Fort Greene

Mauri Solages

Social impact manager, Maplewood, New Jersey


Are you here to escape anything?

Oh, yes. My firstborn son is going to Howard University, and move-in day is next Tuesday. We’re all feeling anxious for his safety, between COVID and monkeypox and crime. I was like, All right, I just need a moment with my girls before this life-changing event happens.

Peyton Worley

Attorney, Murray Hill

Alyse Horn

Executive assistant, Upper West Side

Eudys Reyes

Lifeguard, South Bronx

Kate Borst

Software engineer, Park Slope


Did you get a massage?

Yes. And let me tell you: I’ve been to the Aire baths in Chelsea, SoJo Spa Club in Jersey, and Bathhouse in Williamsburg, and this was the most comfortable massage table I’ve ever been on. So pillowy, and as a big lady, I didn’t for a moment feel like it was going to creak.

Woody Winmill 

Attorney, Park Slope

Rachel Grim

Business owner, Clinton Hill

Vicki Warivonchik

Producer, Hamilton Heights

Shalana Francklin 

Student, Powder Springs, Georgia

Anahis Barrie

Real-estate agent, Upper East Side


How did you find out about the spa?

My Italian friend actually went to the QC location in Italy. I’m for sure going to come back whenever I have a boyfriend, because I thought it was very romantic. Pray for me: I need to date a good man soon.

Megan Fleming

Middle-school teacher, Midtown East

Photographs by DeSean McClinton-Holland

More From This Series

See All
The Look Book Goes to a Governors Island Spa