Beauty & Spas in Gantt

A wildly successful alternative to traditional day spas—its more than 300 locations blanket 36 states and half a dozen countries—Planet Beach Contempo Spa is a futuristic relaxation station where state-of-the-art machines administer all the spa and tanning services. These friendly automatons sometimes replace familiar treatments, as in the Luminous facial, a light-based service that delivers blemish-busting results similar to those of a conventional facial. But other equipment maps out new spa territory entirely: the Hydro-Derma Fusion chamber moisturizes the whole body with nutrient-rich steam in order to offset the effects of a dry climate or a rear-end collision with a salt truck. Other machines whiten teeth, spray tan skin, and massage muscles.

Planet Beach operates on a gym-style membership system, meaning that members purchase packages or pay flat monthly rates. As members spend more time at the spa, they get to know the helpful assistants who are always on hand to demonstrate how to use the equipment without activating its ability to cry.

David Michael Salon & Day Spa's aestheticians snip, straighten, and color tresses, relax bodies with spa services, and pamper mitten- and boot-fillers with manicures and pedicures. Beyond the day spa's brick exterior, wood floors and walls brightened with marigold, plum, and sage paint create a stylish, colorful stage where deft fingers can go to work. Massage keeps knotted muscles from tying themselves ever tighter, and strands of leg hair brandish tiny white flags of surrender as they flee from the efficient hands of waxing specialists. Joico, Aquage, Wella, and Dermalogica products gather on David Michael's shelves, ready to hop into an unsuspecting satchel and find a new home.

Named Mauldin’s Best New Business in 2011 by readers of Mauldin Patch, Everyday Glamour Girl fosters clearer complexions and younger looks with soothing skincare treatments. Led by owner and head aesthetician Elle Kersey, the staff rejuvenates skin with facials and peels, removes unwanted hair with waxing services, and tightens skin to keep skeletons from running loose on Halloween. The experts also work together with clients to develop skincare regimens they can continue at home, helping them maintain a radiant complexion between visits.