Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson
Intrigued by the legacy of Vichy's wellness traditions, serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson founded and aptly named her very first spa Pure Vichy, knowing she wanted to incorporate the healing powers of water into her offerings. Drawing inspiration from a visit to France and her passion for water-based wellness, LeBrina aimed to bring the essence of Vichy's healing waters to Texas, creating a sanctuary where clients could experience the revitalizing benefits of hydrotherapy that she had fallen in love with.
Today, LeBrina's dedication to Vichy's legacy lives on at her Escape Spa in Cypress, just outside of Houston. Offering a range of Hydrotherapy services, LeBrina’s treatments seamlessly integrate Vichy practices with contemporary spa techniques to stimulate circulation, aid in relaxation, and promote healing and wellness. Water therapy has proven beneficial for a variety of health conditions including arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, cardiovascular diseases, and sports injuries, making the spa’s treatments perfect for anyone seeking an overall boost in their health and wellbeing.
“I read years ago that in Latin SPA stands for ‘solus per aqua’ or ‘health by water.’ Water has always held almost sacred space when it comes to healing,” explains LeBrina. “Then after experiencing the healing power of natural geothermal hot springs around the world as well as visiting Vichy, France, I realized I always felt like I pushed a hard reset button on my personal renewal. It became clear that if I wanted to offer authentic wellness therapies in any spa I would create, it was essential to incorporate water-based treatments into the service menu."
Among the spa’s signature treatments is the Nourishing Glow Wrap, a standout service that combines exfoliation with a luxurious volcanic clay mask. As warm water cascades over the body, detoxification and relaxation intertwine, leaving your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and radiant. Similarly, the Vichy Recovery Massage melts away stress under eight shower heads, followed by a full body massage and a body scrub — a synergistic blend that relieves tension. Additional signature treatments include the Sleek and Slim and Illuminating Vichy Body Peel, also designed to harness the power of water to boost relaxation and rehabilitation.
These offerings not only pay homage to the rich heritage of Vichy's spa culture, but also reflect Escape Spa's commitment to modernizing traditional wellness rituals.
Book a service at Escape Spa to experience the magic of Vichy hydrotherapy and expand your self-care regime.
LeBrina Jackson
The lobby of The Thompson in Austin
Highlights include the Apres Ski Party on Dec. 19 with a s’mores station, shot skits and fire and ice cocktails. And it wouldn’t be Austin without live music! On Dec.14, there’s a concert — and spend the night, because the next morning there’s a gift-wrapping station and artisan gift market.
It all leads up to the big events for New Years. The New Years Eve bash is inspired by “Spotify Wrapped” with themed spaces all over the hotel centered around Austin’s music scene. Expect burlesque performers, caviar, DIY art stations and a bespoke martini cart. On New Years day, indulge in the First Sip Brunch with a hair-of-the-dog cocktail menu.
Located in downtown Austin, the boutique hotel offers the ultra-modern design the Thompson brand is known for with Hill Country accents. Think rustic leather and dark woods mixed with cement walls that are thoughtfully lit. The same building houses The Tommie, which is the Thompson’s budget-friendly concept with smaller rooms but access to all the high-end amenities.
The hotel is home to three unique dining concepts: Fifth Street Diner is a picturesque and sun-filled daytime diner serving pancakes the size of pizzas and sandwiches stacked to epic proportions. Royale Room is made for a GNO with girl dinner of a martini, fries and Caesar salad being its specialty. But the party really gets started at Arriba Abajo. It’s on the pool deck and is covered in greenery and large daybeds. Here, the pizza is topped with lobster and the margs are made with smoky mezcal. Cheers!
The Royale Room
The lobby
Lobster Pizza at Arriba Abajo
The entrance to Arriba Abajo
A drink at Arriba Abajo
The lobby
Gold high-low tulle mini dress, $698, by Chloe Dao, with diamond-and-pearl necklace, diamond earrings, diamond-flower bracelet, and diamond rings, all vintage Buccellati, and Macri cuff bracelets, from $32,000, by Buccellati, all at Tenenbaum Jewelers.
Dress, coat and scarf, all by Georgio Armani, with sterling silver necklaces, from $1,040, accent bangles, from $350, chain bracelets, from $395, bead-and-brass bracelet, $650, two-tone hoop earrings, $695, and rings, from $295, all by Gurhan at Cotton Club.
Blouse, skirt and jewelery, all by Chanel.
Suit by Georgio Armani, with chain-link necklace, $4,250, paperclip-chain necklace, $2,070, paperclip-chain lariat, $1,700, blue topaz pendant, $1,190, kyanite tennis bracelet, $2,835, diamond chain bracelet, $2,050, Urbaetis twisted bangle, $3,779, pavé diamond dome band, $2,656, Doves blue topez cocktail ring, $2,656, blue topaz signet ring, $1,925, and kyanite halfway band, $1,150, all by Bella Madre Jewelry.
Mini dress, $1,598, and overlay skirt, $1,400, by Chloe Dao, with a ruby-and-diamond necklace, $114,000, diamond belt bracelet, $78,000, cocktail ring, $16,500, and ruby-and-diamond hoop earrings, $17,700, all at Valobra Master Jewelers.
Rose petal strapless gown, $3,498, by Chloe Dao, with a diamond floral choker, $15,000, cocktail ring, $11,500, sunburst diamond ring, $19,750, pink-diamond bangle, $93,000, and diamond earrings, $19,500, all at Valobra Master Jewelers.
Shell and fur-collared coat by Michael Kors, with pearl necklace with champagne and white diamonds, $18,750, and ombre Tahitian pearl necklace, $6,250, both by Deutsch Design, and South Sea tincup pearl necklace, $6,250, and dangle earrings, $2,590, both by Emily Armenta, all at Deutsch Fine Jewelry.
Indigo floral brocade fishtail gown, $3,195, by Cesar Galindo with diamond bangle, diamond and sapphire stretch bracelets and eternity band, white-gold pavé diamond ring, white-gold hoop earrings, 34-inch diamond tennis necklace and platinum bezel-set bracelet and necklace, all at Zadok Jewelers.
Photos by Ashkan Roayaee
Styling by Todd Ramos
Hair and makeup by Edward Sanchez
Art direction by Patrick Magee
Model Lauren Blalock for Neal Hamil Agency