Photos by Samantha Jane Beatty
Styling by Kate Stukenberg
Grooming by Tonya Riner for Page Parkes Agency
Models Madison Johnston for Wallflower Management and Jake Atterberry for Page Parkes Agency
Photo assistance by John Lewis
Styling assistance by Molly Jodeit
Men’s styling consulting by Cody Sever
and Whitney Wiggins for M Penner
Shot on location at Hotel Alessandra in Downtown
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
Daisy Mendoza, Maritza Gonzales and Vicky Dominguez
After they sipped and shopped, the 850-plus guests filed into the ballroom for the main event — the group’s 30th-anniversary celebration. Johanna Terry Events’ emerald-hued décor and florals were a beautiful nod to the milestone.
The fashion show was presented on a massive Y-shaped runway by Saks Fifth Avenue. Produced by Lenny Matuszewski and Tamara Bonar, it starred Houston firefighters among the models. Argentine-born Puerto Rican actor and TV host Julián Gil made a surprise appearance on the runway, too!
The ritzy raffle included items like a fabulous diamond tennis necklace from Zadok Jewelers, which contributed to the more than $500,000 raised that afternoon. Net proceeds will benefit Justice Forward, Rebuilding Together Houston, Segundo Barrio, El Centro de Corazon, and Naba Shoes for Kids.
After the program, the festivities continued with dancing to the music from Grupo Kache — and a tequila toast, of course.
April Ramirez Fabre and Julie Garza
Hasina Starks, Heidi Turney, April Ramirez Fabre, Lisset Garza, Jovanny Orellana, Jujlian Gil, Naimeh Salem, Julie Garza
Ceron
Jovanny Orellana and Julian Gil walking down runway
Fashion Show Presented by Saks
Lisset Garza, Chree Boydston, Mauricio Serrano, Rosi Hernandez
Vicki Luna, Horacio Lerma
Josie Doubet, Cathryn Martinez and Alex de Aguilar Reuter
Cyndy Garza Roberts and Edward Sanchez
Lucia and Michael Cordua
Alejandra and Edgar Rincon. Patty and Karl Schmidt
The Wish Ball was this year themed The Hero Within, and the ballroom of The Post Oak Hotel was transformed with “galactic, hero-inspired florals” on each table. The night included a surprise appearance by Batman, who pulled into the valet in the Batmobile, much to the delight of “Wish Kid” Adonis, who wished to meet the character in real life.
There were also raffles, pulls and auctions: A beautiful ring from Kim Chau & Co. was raffled off, and guests purchased surprise bags of spirits and jewels. During the live auction and paddles-up portion of the evening, many supported Aria, whose wish to plant 1,000 trees was completed in the ballroom during the event by granting the last 100 trees. A live-painted canvas by Edgar Medina and a mini poodle puppy were popular, too.
Shelly Millwee, President and CEO, said, “What an extraordinary and magical night for Make-A-Wish. The generous funds raised from our event will help grant many wishes and bring joy and hope to more local children facing unimaginable illnesses. We appreciate all our supporters who helped make this evening a tremendous success.”
Adonis Braithwaite with Batman
Tony and Laurie Nevotti, Sarah and Hunter Nevotti
Alix and Miguel Ramos
Amanda, Jason and Franklin Ingalls
Ashley and Jonathan Sloan
Taft and Dana McWhorter
Shelly Millwee and Dan Milwit
Courtney and Jason Jennaro
Dan and Beth Bellow, Mandy Williams, Jason Jennaro, Shelly and Jake Millwee, Stephanie and Dan Milwit
Jennifer and Brian Rayburn
Olivia Loupe, Madeline Varga, Maggie Roark