Spa West helps guests find a sense of calm while looking good
By Abigail Preiszig
As another busy year approaches its end, it may be time to indulge family, friends and even yourself in a day of pampered rest and relaxation.
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Spa West, a luxury day and med spa on Cleveland’s west side, provides elegance and calm for any occasion with a variety of beauty services alongside medical technology and skilled medical aesthetic specialists.
“We’re here to help people look better, to feel good,” Guy Ifrati, a world-renowned hair stylist and colorist now working at Spa West, tells Jstyle. “… When people look good (on the) outside, they feel good inside. It’s important.”
Located off Center Ridge Road in Westlake, guests are greeted with an at-ease atmosphere upon parking as calming music can be heard from outside Spa West’s building. The portico, lit by a chandelier and lined with a red carpet, leads guests to a day of de-stressing.
Ifrati, 53, moved to Cleveland’s west side with his wife in November 2023 from Miami. He was invited by his “best friend,” Spa West owner Edgar Alhajj, to introduce Cleveland to “the most talented people” in the industry, he recalls.
“It’s just beginning,” Ifrati says of Alhajj’s work to rebuild and revitalize the spa and its staff after service slowed during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. “The most important thing is people. … There are many beautiful places, but I prefer to go to places where people know what they’re doing.”
During Ifrati’s 30-year career he has served as artistic director and hairstylist mentor for TONI&GUY, a British international chain of hairdressing salons; an instructor for L’Oréal and Redken; and showcased his creative vision on high-profile projects including the Make Up For Ever project in Paris and the Cutwork Emporio Armani fall-winter campaign.
Before influencing the looks of socialites, models, politicians and more, Ifrati was raised by a family of hairdressers in Tel Aviv. At 26 years old, he decided he wanted more than “to be just another local hair salon” and invested in his career by moving to London.
“I wanted to learn, to grow,” Ifrati says. “Every place you go is a different style, different client, so you’re learning from every place, (and) every place you go in your life, you learn about yourself.”
Ifrati went on to work in Paris for 15 years, and then “fell in love with New York City,” where he lived for 11 years. Eventually he moved to Miami during the pandemic, where he met Alhajj who led him to Spa West.
In every location, Ifrati has found himself adapting to the needs of the clients and, with his expertise and artistic vision, aims to help people to look and feel their best, he says.
“When your hair looks good … the way you move in the world is different,” Ifrati says.
The perfect reset day at Spa West, according to Ifrati, would begin with a facial and a massage, a manicure and pedicure, and end with hair care, he says. It offers over a dozen services at many price points to help clients relax and refresh.
SPA PACKAGES
Spa West offers six different spa packages accommodating both individuals and couples. Each package includes a “balancing bliss” or “relaxation” massage, accompanied by services including facials, sauna sessions, nail care, blow outs, champagne or a car service provided to and from Spa West with a 2024 Range Rover.
HAIR STYLING AND COLOR
From classic to contemporary looks, Ifrati is adept at working with all hair types and textures to provide a subtle change or a bold new look in a relaxing environment. Women’s and men’s services include advanced and master cuts, balayage, ombre and highlights, blow dry and finish styles, and conditioning and keratin treatments.
MED SERVICES
Ranging from some of the most popular treatments for anti-aging, dermal fillers, chemical peels and microneedling, medical-grade services can help clients put their best face forward. Body contouring and skin-tightening treatments include Venus Bliss, EmSculpt Neo, laser hair removal, detox cocoon treatments and spray tanning.
MASSAGE THERAPY
Spa West’s staff is trained in the physical manipulation of the muscles for relief and alleviation from scalp to maternity massages. When used properly, the common therapeutic practice has potential to alleviate back and neck pain, stress, anxiety and even insomnia as well as treat the musculoskeletal system to provide physical benefits like reduced muscle tension and improved circulation.