An international beach vacation may not be in the cards this summer, but the new Passifolia tableware collection by Hermès brings a touch of the tropics into your home.
Perfect for an inspired dinner party or an al fresco adventure in the backyard, the line of 30 pieces — from coffee cups to pretty platters — showcases a rich use of color and craftsmanship. Each item displays a different, hyperrealistic flora or fauna, like orchids, ferns and hibiscus.
At Hermès, in River Oaks District
Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson
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
Spring 2025 marks an exciting new chapter for Escape Spa! We'll be opening the doors to a significantly expanded space, designed to elevate your wellness journey. With an additional 1,200 square feet, the spa will feature a dedicated yoga and meditation room, providing a tranquil haven for mindful and therapeutic practices. Our guests can also look forward to an array of recovery options, including innovative therapies and treatments to rejuvenate your mind, body and well-being including Yoga + Mediation, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and a Cryotherapy Sauna. The expansion also includes more treatment rooms, ensuring a personalized experience for every guest. This larger, more versatile space allows us to enhance our services and create an even more immersive and transformative “Escape” for you.
My vision has always been to create a sanctuary where you can disconnect from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with your inner self. This expansion brings that vision to life in a whole new way, providing a haven of reset, and restoration with a wider array of therapies for body and mind. We're committed to providing a space where you can prioritize your wellbeing and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
And speaking of journeys, I'm embracing my own path of seeking a deeper connection with oneness and truly focus on intention setting. Every morning, I take a few moments to pray and set clear intentions for the day ahead. It's a powerful practice that helps me stay focused, grounded and aligned with my goals. Intention setting is more than just wishful thinking; it's about consciously directing your energy and attention towards what truly matters. By setting clear intentions, you create a roadmap for your day, your week, or even your year. It's a way to invite positive change and attract all that you desire. Give it a try — start by setting small, achievable intentions and observe the positive impact it has on your life. Remember, your journey is unique and personal. Embrace it, nurture it, and allow Escape Spa to support you along the way.
Vichy shower at Escape Spa
Couples treatment room at Escape Spa
Relaxation lounge at Escape Spa
photo by Chris Nguyen
Starduster Lounge opens later this month, from White Oak Music Hall cofounder Will Thomas and Benjy Mason of Johnny's Gold Brick and Winnie's. The eclectic project is located at 3921 N. Main St., the former home to Spanish Flowers restaurant, and is designed to recall Texas in the '70s, with touches of cowboy and Tejano culture. The 1940s building has been reimagined as a wacky Tex-Western lounge, pulling inspiration from its past lives as a Latin music venue and Mexican restaurant. Expect vintage fixtures, hand-painted tiles, architectural details like archways, and a mural of a desert by local artist Carissa Marx-Beaty.
The space will be inviting to those who wish to kick back with a brewski and those who want to sip on a high-end cocktail alike. According to a release, a peek at the drink menu reveals a mix of agave spirits and whiskey, plus a tight list of fun and approachable cocktails from local bartender Justin Ware. (The Freezer Cosmo with hibiscus and lemongrass vodka sounds delish.)
As for food, there will be a rotating lineup of Houston food trucks to be parked outside.
Starduster Lounge bows late January and will be open until 2am nightly.
