Hazleton, PA Spa and Massage

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 red-light facial, a light-based service that delivers anti-aging and 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, tan with UV-light, and massage muscles. Clients can also make use of the personal oxygen bar.

Planet Beach offers membership packages or 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.

Ellen Ehrlich's 30-minute Clinical Facial incorporates cleansing and a milia removal, leaving skin with that warm, just-lit glow ($70). The Clinical Facial Deluxe ($90) offers the same features of the Clinical Facial, but adds a specialized mask treatment into the mix. A wheatgrass and sage purifying mask sooths blemished skin and renews the balance of oils, calming a stormy face-sea. Sufferers of parched pores can indulge in the Norwegian blueberry and honey mask to restore moisture and Valhallan luminescence. To combat the effects of aging brought on by J.J. Abrams plots, consult one of the medical aestheticians to determine which peel is right for your skin. Available in 30% ($70) or 70% ($80) varieties, the glycolic-acid peel reduces the appearance of fine lines, evens out skin tone, stimulates collagen production, and makes your face shine like Ken Jennings at trivia night. Other areas of treatment include neck, arms, décolleté, back, and legs.

Lynn Leo and his staff of aestheticians and stylists at Leo's on Chocolate Salon & Spa beautify clients with a broad range of relaxing, revitalizing treatments. Hair color specialists accentuate monochrome 'dos with highlights and color, massage therapists ease persistent aches, aestheticians perform pampering facials, and nail technicians smooth cuticles with soothing manicures and pedicures.

When founding Park Avenue Salon and Spa, owner Lynne Zsido assembled an experienced staff of licensed professionals, many with decades of experience. With an eye to environmental responsibility, the beautification crew assesses an armory of products by Bare Escentuals, CND, and Marcia Teixeira. Beyond the spa's emerald-hued door, smooth stones steep in warmth in preparation for romps across tired muscles or bank vaults carved from butter. Sweet nothings drift from massage sessions for couples, and soothing and cleansing elixirs wrought from Hershey's chocolate, jojoba oil, and almonds broadcast a dulcet bouquet.

From the moment guests step into Beauty Innovations Ltd., the warmth of bubblegum-pink walls erases any lingering stress. Relaxation comes in many forms, including mani-pedis with OPI polish or long-lasting CND Shellac, coloring with Goldwell hair products, and smoothing keratin hair treatments. No matter the agenda, the salon's services reveal beauty that was there all along, much like the plot of Tootsie.

With more than 30 licensed massage therapists and four area locations, Healing Hands Massage is on call seven days a week to bring relief to gridlocked muscles. Swedish-style therapeutic massages calm tense muscles and overworked minds with light-to-firm pressure and various kneading techniques. Deep pressure massages assuage tight muscles that require extra convincing, and pregnancy massages provide relief to expecting mothers whose joints ache from the added weight of carrying around future grown-ups. Massage therapists also make house calls for customers who’d rather receive bodywork in the comfort of their homes, and haul their massage chairs to offices or conventions to appease the overworked masses.