Touting Minimalist Facials with Maximal Results, Thompson Houston's Spa Is a Peaceful Retreat

AHH, A TRIP to the spa. What are you thinking about now? Therapeutic aromas, relaxing music, inventive hydration... The Thompson Houston's new spa has it all, plus absolutely stellar views from its sixth-floor perch overlooking the greenest swaths of Buffalo Bayou Park.

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.