Some spa experiences are more relaxing than others, though. Let's face it: Facials involving noisy ultrasonic machines, extractions, hydrotherapy, et cetera, might achieve great results, but that hour-long experience in the treatment room isn't nearly as pleasant with all those extra sensations going on. At the Thompson Spa, estheticians use products by prestigious Swiss skincare brand Valmont Cosmetics, which are designed to be applied sans steam or extractions — which means nothing but supreme rejuvenation and relaxation awaits.
It's worth noting that the spa also offers clinical skincare, peels, hydrafacials, deep-cleansing facials, and more (plus massage therapy and body treatments, of course).
Valmont, known for using powerful natural resources like glacier spring water and proprietary cellular-anti-aging ingredients, has designed two signature facials for the Thompson Spa: The Vitality of the Glaciers, and the Lift From the Peaks. The first stimulates cell oxygenation, employs a "dual massage" technique, and leaves a radiant glow. The latter smooths wrinkles, alleviates tension, and utilizes fasciatherapy to gently transform the planes of the face.
Before receiving a Valmont facial, guests are invited to enjoy the steam room and hang out in the Grounding Room, an indoor-outdoor space with chaise daybeds, blankets, pillows, snacks, champagne-rose tea (hot or iced!) and retractable window shades letting spa-goers choose their views. The spa amenities aren't fussy or over-the-top, but they're thoughtful, practical and, most importantly, restorative.
Nadia Hafeez, Shireen Hadi, Sara Perry (photo by Daniel Ortiz)
“Eighteen unstoppable women in various fields of medicine were selected as the honorees and showcased on a runway, which was referred to as the runway of role models,” said a rep for event organizers. “All major hospitals and many private practices throughout the Houston area were represented, and their specialties ranged from clinical practitioners, to surgeons to administrators.”
Fady Armanious of Tootsies helped dress the docs-turned-models. Johnny Bravo conducted the auction, and Lori Raijman co-founder and president of the organization, was also on hand. “As a result of their efforts, their layers of knowledge and their years of expertise, our community has benefited,” said Raijman of the healthcare professionals. “Their success and dedication affect each of us.”
Hitting the runway were mix of physicians and administrators including Connie Wang, Jayne Johnston, Susan Mathew, Alexandra Stevens, Magdalena Sanz Cortes, Katie Bolt, M. Monica Gramatges, Christina Paruthi, Shaden Khalaf, Tricia McGusty, Emily Jamea, Gwyn Richardson, Shirley Lima, Sonali Patel, Shanda Blackmon, Gina Blocker, Jessica Traver and Dalia Moghazy.
The foundation’s beneficiaries include The Elkins Pancreas Center at Baylor College of Medicine, The Lung Force and The Sunshine Kids Foundation.
Connie Wang (photo by Daniel Ortiz)
Magdalena Sanz Cortes and Derek Kliethermes (photo by Daniel Ortiz)
Katie Bolt (photo by Dave Rossman)
Josh Weisman, Jack Simes and Mark Bordman (photo by Dave Rossman)
Gina Blocker (photo by Dave Rossman)
Lucy Moore, Kristen Collins and Pam Connealy (photo by Dave Rossman)
Ashlee Rubbo and Taylor Hoffman (photo by Daniel Ortiz)
Jessica Traver (photo by Dave Rossman)
Tiffany Sebastian, Kristin Bingham and Amanda Abiassi (photo by Dave Rossman)
Shetal Amin and Kishan Dwarakanath (photo by Daniel Ortiz)