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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Planet Beach offers ultramodern relaxation

Charlotte Nemec, owner of the Planet Beach spa in Spokane Valley, demonstrates the massage machine at her business, Planet Beach. The shop offers automated spa services such as tanning, facials, sauna and this machine, which uses water to give a full massage to a fully clothed customer. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)
Juli Wasson
Charlotte Nemec, owner of the Planet Beach spa in Spokane Valley, demonstrates the massage machine at her business, Planet Beach. The shop offers automated spa services such as tanning, facials, sauna and this machine, which uses water to give a full massage to a fully clothed customer. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)

Relaxation is going high-tech.

Owners of a new spa and tanning salon are introducing the Inland Northwest to a growing trend known nationally as a “Contempo Spa.” The machine- and gadget-heavy Planet Beach franchise in Spokane Valley is taking the typical spa experience into the future.

“We offer the same services as a traditional spa for far less time and money,” said co-owner Charlotte Nemec.

She and her husband Sean opened Planet Beach in June. The two also have full-time jobs in the area, but said they were opting for business possibilities that could become a second career for Sean Nemec, who has been with the Spokane Police Department for 22 years. They opted to invest in the New Orleans-based company after experiencing the products and appreciating the company standards and ethics.

“The owner of Planet Beach realized to make it a long-term success he was going to have to offer more services to his traditional tanning salon – he wanted to add wellness and relaxation,” said Charlotte Nemec, who also works at Spokane Federal Credit Union.

The result is the trademarked Contempo Spa of Planet Beach that offers automated spa services, including equipment for skin hydration and muscle relaxation that aims to relieve stress and invigorate the mind and body. Plus, if you’re interested in the healthy glow of a tan, the spa still offers traditional tanning options from the original tanning-style bed and spray-on alternatives to the quicker and reduced UV-exposure options.

Currently, there are about 380 Planet Beach franchises across the globe, including locations in Mexico, Australia and Canada.

The Spokane Valley spa is in a shopping center along North Sullivan Road with 1,400 square feet divided into 10 individual spa/tanning rooms. Each room is equipped with one of the space-age looking machines, and many of the spa services allow clients to customize treatment as they receive them.

Nemec said her company is the only location in the area to offer the Hydro-Derma Fusion Bed, or Hydration Station, a futuristic time-capsule looking machine that provides a UV-free treatment equivalent to a full-body steam and vitamin-rich hydration session. Many clients opt to use this with a tanning session for improved absorption. Others enjoy it for the hydration and vibratory massage.

The local Planet Beach employs five people who have been trained and certified to use the various machines and advise clients about the equipment.

Single service is available, however, the company promotes its membership options that allow clients unlimited use of all the services. Enrollment is $59 for a membership and $59 a month for a two-year contract. It also offers other membership contracts and fees vary.

Are you opening a new business in the Spokane Valley? Is your business expanding, moving or remodeling? Are you wondering about that new store that has opened in your neighborhood? Send an e-mail to Juli Wasson at juliwasson@gmail.com or contact us by fax at 927-2175 or by writing to Business Notebook, Valley Voice, 13208 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99216.