Winter Park, FL 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 blemish-busting results similar to those of a conventional facial but can rejuvenate and reduce fine lines. 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 detoxify the body, spray tan skin, massage muscles, and burn calories.

Planet Beach operates on a membership system where 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.

Jade Salon & Day Spa’s crew of beautification and relaxation specialists pampers clients with facials, massages, waxing treatments, and hair and nail services. Stylists transform tresses among the black leather couches, exposed-brick walls, and large plants of a soothing spa oasis where massage therapists melt muscles the way a flock of baby dragons melts the heart.

At the end of the '80s, Deborah Marie knew something wasn't right. On a career path that left her "overworked and overstressed," she set out to improve her body and her life, diving into the study of weight loss. European slimming treatments left her feeling healthier, happier, and overly fond of the Eiffel Tower, and led her to study holistic healing and relaxation. Her studies and personal discoveries culminated in the founding of Flat Tummy in 3-Weeks Day Spa so she could guide others toward healthier, happier, and more relaxed lives. Gold-based facials and body treatments encourage circulation or allow patrons to disguise themselves as acting awards, and a variety of anti-aging and slimming treatments imbue silhouettes and skin with youthfulness.

At Awesome Blossom Beauty Salon, a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon, the stylists beautify clients with advanced coloring and styling techniques. Along with cuts and color, they provide deep-conditioning treatments, braids and extensions, and Awapuhi KeraTriplex damage-repair treatments. They also offer body-contouring wraps, which tighten and tone in a mere 45 minutes—the same amount of time often spent hiding under a desk in an effort to convince coworkers you went to the gym.

A passion for creative hairstyling brought Tony Woodley, owner of Shine Salon, from London's Oxford Street to Orlando's Park Lake Street. The story of his journey, however, isn’t quite as simple as that. After sweeping floors as a 15 year old at Andre Bernard’s flagship salon, he apprenticed at John Frieda’s salon and continued to grow as a stylist. His obvious skills led to jobs at magazine photo shoots and finally to the fashion capital of New York City. Frustrated with the lack of truly creative opportunities in the U.S., Tony took matters into his own hands, moved to Florida, and started a salon that he could call his very own.

Since opening, Shine Salon has made a name for itself as a haven for creative hair design. Tony and his staff continue to pride themselves on creating flattering cuts and coloring treatments for any number of occasions. Their concern for beauty doesn’t stop at the scalp; the team's aesthetician doles out facials and waxing services that leave skin smooth and nourished, and a nail tech moisturizes hands and feet before painting nails with highly detailed maps of local bus lines.

Exhale Body Care’s purifying services work on two levels: They draw out toxins hidden beneath the skin using steam sauna treatments and body wraps, and they care for the body's surface with natural and organic products. The locally and woman-owned business also pampers clients with massages and facials, among other services, administered by a fully licensed and insured staff.