Photos by Jhane Hoang
Styling by René Garza
Models Charlie Ferguson, Sarah Wohlschlaeger
Hair and makeup by Tonya Riner
Photo assistance by Collin Kelly
Styling assistance by Tyler Treadwell
Shot on Location Downtown, at Dancie Perugini Ware Public Relations in the Niels Esperson Building
Palmaïa The House of AïA
Have you done this personally, and if so, what did you get out of it? While I haven't personally experienced a full-blown retreat (it's on the list!), I've definitely benefited from shorter wellness getaways. Think of them as mini-reboots. They always left me feeling physically refreshed and mentally clearer, ready to tackle things with fresh energy. However, I did notice something missing: that feeling of shared growth and connection. That's what inspired this retreat – to blend the restorative benefits of a beautiful setting with the power of community and personal development. It's about refreshing your body and your spirit.
Tell us about the destination, Palmaïa. The House of AïA.We’re traveling to a beautiful wellness resort in the Riviera Maya, between Cancun and Tulum Oct. 17-21. Half of the resort backs up to the jungle, the other to the ocean. The Atlantis Spa incorporates ancient Mexican healing rituals, and the food is plant forward, though you can add proteins to a lot of the menu items. There is even a taco truck on the property that has vegan tacos that you would never guess didn’t have meat in them. The food is outstanding and you will feel so good after you leave since there are no seed oils, refined sugar or flour in their kitchens. All drinks are included as well, so there’s no need to feel any guilt for that Aperol Spritz you’ll be enjoying at the end of the day. Mocktails and fresh squeezed juices are also available. There are beautiful pools, five restaurants, and daily classes that support the work we’ll be doing together. They also just received two Michelin Keys and are ranked as one of the best spas in the world in Conde Nast Traveler.
What specific classes will you be leading? Our daily sessions will be focused on helping you explore your inner landscape and uncover your best self. Think of them as guided journeys in self-discovery. We'll gently explore limiting beliefs and cultivate more empowering perspectives. Each day will have a different focus, building on the last. We'll use journaling prompts to spark some "aha!" moments and have discussions that are both insightful and hopefully, not too serious. The goal is to leave you feeling more connected to yourself and with some practical tools for growth.
Who should come to your retreat in Mexico? If you've ever thought there might be a slightly more awesome version of yourself waiting to be discovered, this retreat is for you. Whether you're a man, woman, a couple, traveling with friends, or enjoying some solo time, all are welcome. If you're feeling a bit stuck, a tad overwhelmed, or simply ready to invest in your well-being, consider this your invitation. And the fact that it's all-inclusive means you can truly focus on yourself without the stress of planning every detail. Plus, the resort offers a fantastic array of wellness classes in addition to our group sessions, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore what resonates with you.
What tools will attendees have when they return home? My aim is for everyone to leave with a personalized set of resources for continued growth. You'll have clearer goals, a better understanding of what truly matters to you, and some real-world strategies for navigating life's ups and downs. The journaling exercises will be there for ongoing self-reflection. But perhaps most importantly, you'll leave with a stronger sense of connection and the knowledge that you're part of a supportive community. It's about empowering you to keep that positive momentum going long after you return home.
More information and to book click HERE.
Jackson will lead a wellness journey to Mexico in July.
An outdoor lounge at Palmaïa The House of AïA
A spiritual experience at Palmaïa The House of AïA
Delicious, healthy dining at Palmaïa The House of AïA
Dean Todd, Stacey Todd, Cinde Matocha, Gary Matocha
Emcee Linda Lorelle introduced the "A Place to Dream" video documenting the efforts of founder Oli Mohammed and city leaders to give furniture to Houston families in need. The evening's honorees included Youval Meicler of Texas Mattress Makers, and the late Ralph Marek, whose son Stan graciously accepted the award.
A live auction led by Johnny Bravo got the crowd excited, and musician Doug Montgomery kept the energy high all the way through dessert and coffee. A record-breaking $300,000 was raised for The Furniture Bank, which has since 2018 provided beds to more than 4,000 children in need.
Aaron and Jessica Glick
Syed and Kelsey Iman
Ben Marek, Neha Dubey
Stan Marek and Regina Rogers
Bob Gulitti, Lisa Gulitti
Oli Mohammed, Jeff Cummins, Harry Cummins
Kevin Gilliard and Frank Billingsley
Michele and Youval Meicler
Mike and Francie Willis
Laura Barnett, Daniel Cavazos
John Parsley, Mike Holland, Stan Marek, Brent Ballard
“Benefitting Camp H-Town, this much-anticipated evening is one of the city’s premier philanthropy events,” noted a rep for the hotel. The event raised a record $360,000.
More than a dozen chefs turned out for Celebrity Chefs Against Cancer, offering tasting-size delights, washed down with inventive cocktails and special wines from Maisons Marques & Domaines. Participating chefs included Bludorn’s Marie Ridle, Field & Tides’ Travis Lenig, Hando’s Man Nguyen, Nobie’s Martin Stayer, Roma’s Shannon Scott, Uchi’s Stephen Conklin, Uchiko’s Shaun King, Xochi’s Hugo Ortega and two chefs from the hotel — Jonathan Esparza of Toro Toro and Four Seasons Exec Pastry Cheff Krystin McCarley.
“Celebrity Chefs Against Cancer brings our incredible Houston community and the city’s top chefs together,” said Tom Segesta, general manager of the hotel. “In addition to being a fun and indulgent evening of amazing food, drink, connection, we raise a lot of money to provide these amazing and brave children with a summer camp experience created just for them.”
TV’s Miya Shay served as emcee for the event, and Johnny Bravo was the auctioneer, selling off such gems as a puppy, an original painting by Taft McWhorter, a five-night stay in an overwater bungalow suite at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, and a white gold, sapphire, and diamond pendant by Peter Martino.
Conducted in collaboration with the University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital, the oncology camp provides kids who have been touched by cancer with a fun and safe sleep-away camp environment at no financial cost to the campers’ families.
