NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.
Intrigued by the legacy of Vichy's wellness traditions, serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson founded and aptly named her very first spa Pure Vichy, knowing she wanted to incorporate the healing powers of water into her offerings. Drawing inspiration from a visit to France and her passion for water-based wellness, LeBrina aimed to bring the essence of Vichy's healing waters to Texas, creating a sanctuary where clients could experience the revitalizing benefits of hydrotherapy that she had fallen in love with.
Today, LeBrina's dedication to Vichy's legacy lives on at her Escape Spa in Cypress, just outside of Houston. Offering a range of Hydrotherapy services, LeBrina’s treatments seamlessly integrate Vichy practices with contemporary spa techniques to stimulate circulation, aid in relaxation, and promote healing and wellness. Water therapy has proven beneficial for a variety of health conditions including arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, cardiovascular diseases, and sports injuries, making the spa’s treatments perfect for anyone seeking an overall boost in their health and wellbeing.
“I read years ago that in Latin SPA stands for ‘solus per aqua’ or ‘health by water.’ Water has always held almost sacred space when it comes to healing,” explains LeBrina. “Then after experiencing the healing power of natural geothermal hot springs around the world as well as visiting Vichy, France, I realized I always felt like I pushed a hard reset button on my personal renewal. It became clear that if I wanted to offer authentic wellness therapies in any spa I would create, it was essential to incorporate water-based treatments into the service menu."
Among the spa’s signature treatments is the Nourishing Glow Wrap, a standout service that combines exfoliation with a luxurious volcanic clay mask. As warm water cascades over the body, detoxification and relaxation intertwine, leaving your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and radiant. Similarly, the Vichy Recovery Massage melts away stress under eight shower heads, followed by a full body massage and a body scrub — a synergistic blend that relieves tension. Additional signature treatments include the Sleek and Slim and Illuminating Vichy Body Peel, also designed to harness the power of water to boost relaxation and rehabilitation.
These offerings not only pay homage to the rich heritage of Vichy's spa culture, but also reflect Escape Spa's commitment to modernizing traditional wellness rituals.
Book a service at Escape Spa to experience the magic of Vichy hydrotherapy and expand your self-care regime.
LeBrina Jackson
Fun New Lounge in Montrose Has Just 10 Cocktails and Two Burgers — and Isn't Missing a Thing
THE POCKET OF Montrose near Midtown has long been a favorite destination for under-the-radar neighborhood nightlife. Now open, Jethro’s Cocktail Lounge is located across from Elro at 95 Tuam St., offering purposely curated food and cocktail lists.
Jethro’s is the latest project from trio Russell Malixi, Wade McElroy and Andrew Corbett, all hospitality execs with concepts in Los Angeles. Malixi, a Houston native, and McElroy first met at UT, and have always been inspired by the food and feel of Texas. “Texas was calling me home, and Montrose seemed like the perfect place to launch Jethro’s,” said Malixi in a statement. “The welcoming vibe reminded me a little of L.A., but the bustling nightlife scene and neighborhood feel is really what sealed the deal.”
Jethro’s boasts no-fuss, midcentury-recalling lounge seating, playful wallpaper, and a nice patio, and at the expansive bar inside, find 10 cool cocktails, four beers, and a few wines by the glass. The Cheers to Papa has sage-infused gin, cantaloupe, lemon and simple syrup, while the Backyard Sour packs a punch with bourbon, aquafaba, mango puree, and lemon. “We wanted to bring an elevated but approachable bar to the area. Our cocktails are desirable any time of day from lunch to a happy hour sip or after dinner nightcap,” says Malixi. “Come in and unwind.”
As for food, there’s a juicy smashburger, a plant-based version, and fries. That’s it.
Jethro’s is now open Tuesday through Thursday, 4pm-12am; Friday, 4pm-2am; Saturday, noon-2am; and Sunday, noon-12am. Cheers!
La Dulcita
Coffee in the Morning
Not Your Dad's Old Fashioned
THE OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD virtual-reality experience based on the International Space Station, which originally touched down in Houston in 2021, returns this month for a limited engagement in Sawyer Yards.
Originally known as The Infinite, the updated iteration is called Space Explorers: The Infinite, and it once again takes guests on a multi-sensory journey through a life-size replica of the ISS. Visitors will interact with various art, soundscapes, lighting design and scents.
The project is an extension of the Emmy-winning series Space Explorers: The ISS Experience, a multiplatform production filmed by and documenting the lives of astronauts aboard the International Space Station over the course of three years; the updated VR experience now includes footage of the Artemis I launch.
“We are proud to say that, since 2021, we’ve welcomed more than 400,000 people to space with Space Explorers: The Infinite,” said Félix Lajeunesse, the project's creative director and the co-founder of Felix & Paul Studios, which produces the event. “As the birthplace of NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center and a city with the cosmos as an inherent part of its DNA, Houston was the obvious choice for the American premiere of this one-of-a-kind experience, making it the perfect location for a second visit. We are thrilled to offer repeat visitors, and those who missed it the first time, a chance to virtually explore the International Space Station and experience the daily lives of astronauts in outer space.”
The experience takes place Thursdays through Sundays through the end of June; tickets are on sale now. Early bird pricing is available for visits between May 3-12.
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