Grab your gals, grab your guys and re-charge at these delightful, modern-day health and beauty parlors, located in and around Cleveland. Or, round up your spa essentials, crack open that bottle of bubbly you've been saving, and treat yourself to a much needed staycation.
The Do
Cleveland is lush with places to get great cuts, colors and styles, but one of our favorites is local chain Dino Palmieri Salon and Spa. With nine locations, this salon pretty much monopolizes our business since it's just so convenient whether we're downtown or in the 'burbs. At Dino's there is a menu and stylist for every budget—a woman's Designer Cut and Finish is $38, while an Art Director's is $69—so you and your gals can feel pretty and pampered without breaking the bank. Do note, however, that Dino's tacks on additional charges if you have particularly long or unruly hair. Hey— it's been known to happen.
The Mani-Pedi
Quintana's Barber & Dream Spa is a clean and cozy home-turned-spa located in Cleveland Heights (2200 South Taylor Rd.) with a huge selection of nail services for women and men. Choose from basic manis and pedis, to gel colors, therapeutic paraffin treatments and full sculpted sets. Prices are some of the most reasonable we've seen ($25 for 45-minute manicure) and the salon has won a whole bunch of awards including Friendliest Staff and Favorite Cleveland Heights Business. And—bonus—the salon is kid friendly so bring along those nieces you're babysitting and call it Girls Day Out.
The Massage
Indulge in a mini vacation at the Ladies and Gentlemen Spa and Salon in Legacy Village (25377 Cedar Rd.) or Mentor (8780 Mentor Ave.) for a few hours of uninterrupted R & R. Open seven days a week and home to a staff of 125, it's not hard to snag an appointment for one of their three stress-melting massages: Elemental Nature, Chakra Balancing, and Prenatal. While prices may be a little on the steep side ($100 for 60 minutes), the facilities are exceptionally clean and the staff here go above and beyond to make you feel like a pampered princess.
The Facial
If you're looking for a facial experience that accommodates your skin's needs, head over to Imagine Salon in Willoughby (38010 Euclid Ave.) where you can choose between seven (yes, seven!) unique facials. Our top picks include the seasonally appropriate Sinus Treatment Facial, which uses aromatherapy and light massage to—uh—get the juices flowing and to restore sinus balance. We also like the Embrightenment Facial, which uses traditional Asian techniques to reduce inflammation and minimize and prevent dark spots. Prices really aren't bad ($80 for 60 minutes) and all treatments include a complimentary 10-minute aromatic steam shower for relaxation and detoxification.
The Soaps
If you're more into the whole DIY spa day, stock up on all your essentials at Willoughby's Gourmet Soap Market (37917 Vine St.). Here you'll find anything you could possibly want for a Ladies Night In—soaps, lotions, whips, salts, scrubs, bath bombs, shampoos and deodorants, plus all the accessories you need for application. Every item is hand-made by a small team of artists whose seasonal and nature-inspired creations outshine any big box soap retailer we've been to. You can place your order online or by phone, but we recommend stopping in the store—the samples alone are worth a trip.