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
Olivia Barboza, Wesley Gow and Audrey Gow
“Inspired by the company’s upcoming Hamlet — a stripped-down, modern reimagining of Shakespeare’s masterpiece featuring four actors in over 30 roles— Fête swept guests into a ‘killer’ evening with philanthropic flair,” noted a rep for the company. “The night began with a spirited cocktail hour featuring ‘The Ophelia,’ a rosemary Champagne spritz and nod to Hamlet’s tragic betrothed. A generous lot flocked to the cheeky ‘Skull Pull,’ 4th Wall’s take on the traditional gift pull, while a costumed ‘King Hamlet’s Ghost’ and a dramatic fencing duel offered a theatrical preview of the upcoming production.”
The candlelight dinner was a treat, offered up by celeb chek Aaron Bludorn of the hotel’s Perseid restaurant. Other memorable morsels included performances by pianist Ben Childress, vocalist Rachael Logue, and actor-singer Wesley Whitson, who’ll ply the title role in Hamlet. The traditional “paddles up” fundraising ask took on special meaning as board president Ken Bohan, one of the unsung heroes of Houston philanthropy set, personally matched all donations. Live auctions items included trips to Broadway and London’s West End.
“My heart is full of gratitude for our community of supporters that showed up in a big way to make our inaugural 4th Wall Fête gala a HUGE success,” said Managing Director Catherine Dunaway. “Together we set a new fundraising record for 4th Wall — the fuel we will need to power our biggest and most ambitious season yet.”
Guests included Dean O’Kelley, Jody and Julie Batdorf, Amy Sutton, Gary Chiles, Dominic A. Cellitti, Steven E. Breyfogle, Christopher Bacon, Sharyn Feller, David Harris, Lona McManus, Gary Wulf, Donna and Norman Lewis, George Lancaster, Mark Folkes, Christopher Johnston, and David and Audrey Gow.
Colton Larsen, Hoa Nguyen and David Gow
Kathy Hubbard and Annise Parker
Piper and Chris Madland
Olivia Barboza, Wesley Gow and Audrey Gow
Ken Bohan, Lary Barton and Tripp Carter
Norman and Donna Lewis
Dan O_Brien and Philip Lehl
Mary and Paul Nugent and Sharyn Feller
- Hilariously Depressing New Show Paints Picture of Millennials’ Cubicle Plight ›
- A Timely Meditation on Fact Vs. Fiction, Broadway Hit Takes the Stage at Houston’s 4th Wall ›
Heather Almond, Elia Gabbanelli, Kaleta Blaffer Johnson and Tara Martin (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)
Adorned with some 20,000 red roses — it’s always over the top in there — Cotton Holdings’ Cotton ‘Q Club opened its doors to a hand-selected guest list of VIPs over the course of four nights of the 51st Annual World’s Championship Bar-B- Que Contest. As the title sponsor of the whole event, better known as Cookoff, Cotton scored a premium 10,000-square-off cedar-framed tent — and hosted what was widely known as the most exclusive setup at the Rodeo.
Big-deal country musicians took the stage each night, including the likes of Tucker Wetmore, Midland and MacKenzie Porter. Some of the guests in attendance were also big music stars — think Bun B and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. Cotton brass were also on hand, including Co-CEO Pete Bell, Exec VP Zinat Ahmed and Quanta Services CEO Duke Austin.
Food and bev was killer, as always. “The Cotton Culinary team, who won First Place People’s Choice … at this year’s Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup & Best Bites Competition, along with Executive Chef Wade Schindler, prepared outstanding menus with different themes for each night,” said a Cotton rep, “including Angus Ribeye with Chimichurri and Bacon Bearnaise Sauce, Cotton Brie Balls with Peach Bourbon Chutney, Pecan Smoked Pulled Brisket Tacos, Pepper Chicken Bites with Whistlepig Whiskey Glaze, and Hickory Smoked BBQ Brisket, to name a few.”
Special guests included Mayor John Whitmire, Dawn Buckingham; Jim and Whitney Crane, Tilman and Lauren Fertitta; Slim Thug, C.J. Stroud, Andre Johnson, Jalen Green, Jack McGlynn, Pat Mann Phillips, Micah McDonald, Debbie and Rudy Festari, Teressa Foglia, Ty Hays, Hallie Vanderhider, Bobby Dees; Tony Bradfield, Lance and Alicia Smith, Derrick Shore, Brandon Bourque, Norman and Donna Lewis, and Fady Armanious.
Cotton Holdings is a leading disaster recovery and infrastructure support services, its rep said.
Whitney Crane, Zinat Ahmed and Sanette Austin (photo by Ashley Patranella)
Bun B serving Trill Burgers in the Gold Pony VIP Lounge (photo by Anzola Productions)
Pete Bell, Tilman Fertitta and Lauren Ware Fertitta (photo by Ashley Patanella)
Midland performs (photo by Anzola Productions).
Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson and Texans Quarterback C.J. Stroud (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)
Rose confetti cannons after the Champagne toast on opening night (photo by Painted Peacock Photography)