photos by JULIE SOEFER
styling by KATE STUKENBERG
model MICHAELA McCLURE FOR WALLFLOWER MANAGEMENT
hair and makeup by TONYA RINER
styling assistance by GRETA CONNOLLY
Shot on location in Montrose
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
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
The evening recognized BRASS mentor-doctors James Bonar, Ben Deneen and Ganesh Rao; also in attendance was renowned neurologist Huda Y. Zoghbi, a member of the BRASS Board and the liaison between the Board and Baylor College of Medicine. “Widely admired as a mentor and scientific pioneer,” per a release, Dr. Zoghbi’s presence was a powerful reminder of BRASS’s mission to inspire and support the next generation of biomedical leaders.
The celebration — and the transformative mentorship organization itself — would not be possible without the great Dr. Michael DeBakey, an honorary lifetime member. He once said that BRASS is worth championing because “it does not support a cure for a specific disease that people will rally around and support financially, but rather a broad-based approach to supporting the research that will define the disease. There is no other organization like this in the country.”
