claire A.
Google
This is my second glowing review of Gari Cuevas, whom is now the lead hair stylist at the new, stunning Montage Healdsburg resort. My first review was for Gari at Archer Salon in SF, which he still owns and still sees clients bi-weekly. In addition to his salon in SF, he continues to do private celebrity styling, and is often now booked for full wedding parties held at the Montage resort.
Not only does Gari make you feel special, but having your hair done at the Spa Montage Healdsburg is a luxurious and enchanting experience. Gari’s salon area, which is detached from the main hotel and very private, is situated in a large glass studio that looks out to vineyards and oak tree groves. It includes a private garden seating area, lavish indoor spa showers and dressing rooms, and an indoor lounge room — complete with snacks and spa water. Of course, he has wine too! As a guest of Gari’s, you’re allowed to use their facilities for the day, which is a real treat. The staff is plentiful, professional, and kind, and available to help you in every way — from providing you with a private locker, spa shoes, and a warm fluffy spa robe, to bringing you a hot cup of tea. It’s not hard to feel like royalty when you're there, or at the very least, like you’ve taken a glamorous vacation for the day.
Gari is good-hearted, considerate, and has an easy-going personality. He is distinguished and fashionable, but never pretentious. He provides excellent suggestions as to how he thinks you can look your best, and/or will take your current style and make it truly fabulous and radiant. I discovered Gari years ago, after a horrible stylist ruined my color, creating white streaks, and burning most of it. I was devastated and made appts with all of the top stylists in SF, in hopes that someone had the confidence and skill to fix it. They all said that my hair was beyond repair — everyone that is, but Gari. We only had a 15-minute consult booked, but he took pity on me, and 6+ hours later, he had magically transformed and repaired my locks. His approach to hair color is an art, and a true talent. I feel lucky to have found someone of his caliber in the area — the likes of which I've only encountered in Bev Hills, NYC, or Dubai. In my last review, I called him my "Hair God," and I absolutely still feel that way!
I moved from SF to Sonoma and have happily followed Gari to the Montage Healdsburg. My mom, who had been seeing the same colorist for decades, was so impressed by my hair, that now she too goes to Gari. She was ready for a change from her lifelong color and style, and he highlighted it in the most elegant way. It is chic and not at all 'old lady-like.' She walks out of the Montage looking lovely, like a glammed-up Jane Fonda. He can do any age and any hair texture; he has a deep understanding of hair color and style. Everyone I have recommended to Gari becomes a loyal client. I never have to worry when my hair is in his hands.
Gari is so talented and a delight to be around; I promise you’ll be thrilled with his work and completely refreshed from a day at the Montage. He, and the Montage Healdsburg, will bring you joy and relaxation, and keep you looking your most fabulous. We all need a little glam and pampering these days...
