Launch Party
‘Houston CityBook’ has officially debuted, with a posh Memorial party and sexy crowd. Here’s a peak inside the event of the season!
Nov. 16, 2016
YOU CAN'T LIMIT Janelle to one title – Hairdresser. Her career and business has been established and built on a strong foundation. Using her two business degrees + one more in-process, this enables Janelle and the team to deliver not only a customer-focused experience, but a foundationally solid business. There is much more than meets the eye, and in sharing a little bit about Janelle, she was not only an international hair extension educator for over 14 years, but brings extensive expertise to blondes. She rounds this out with her previously launched namesake cosmetic line, which is a perfect complement to her belief that “Beauty is our Business”.
At Janelle Alexis, we not only aspire to make each and every guest to feel and look their very best, we want everyone to feel like part of our amazing crazy family. We laugh, we cry, we dance, but most of all we value each other and every single guest that walks through the door. When visiting us, you are always greeted by our little ESA’s Gizmo and Luna, but we are more than just fun! We bring expertise and specialization with hair extensions, color, balayage, mens cuts, keratin treatments, make-up application and updo’s.
VERDANT, WINDING BRANCHES arch up and over a pathway as a soundtrack of herons and chachalacas (and the occasional monkey) plays overhead. Concrete rectangles artfully jut up through the green, painted in rays of sunlight. Eventually, the path leads down to the beach, where the streaks of sun create a cinematic moment: A slim, tan couple emerges from the ocean with their surfboards in hand and their dogs at their heels, the scent of the Pacific lingering in the thick, humid air.
This slice of paradise is the W Punta de Mita, about an hour outside of Puerto Vallarta. With fewer than 130 rooms, the property is glam enough for jet-setting influencer couples but approachable enough for families, an ideal blend of bold style and Huichol tradition.
Upon arrival, guests sip a cocktail as the sea breeze filters in through the open-air lobby; below, a centerpiece bar and sliding glass doors frame the view of the beach — a welcome sight, even though the flight from Houston isn’t all that long. While the sit-down restaurants adjacent to the lobby are indeed fantastic, the best first stop is Chevychería, a beachfront bar carved out of an old pickup truck. Daily ceviches and crudos — and the best guacamole this Texan has ever had (a bold statement, no?) — are best enjoyed with sand between the toes and a mojito in hand. Vacation mode, activated.
Some of the most artful touches at the hotel are found on the Camino Huichol, a magazine-worthy teal-tiled backdrop for photos. The elevated walkway, with 751,000 mosaic tiles representing elements of the Wixarika culture, doubles as an extension of the pool cabanas down below; the entire thing is framed by a waist-high wall of clear glass panels.
Speaking of pool cabanas, though, it’s likely that the whole trip could be magnificently enjoyed in one of them. The Wet Deck, as the main pool area is called, is pristine and positioned equally well for those who favor catching rays and those who prefer shade. Sunblock, board games and books populate a little stand nearby, in case guests forgot a necessity. Need a change of scenery? A quick taxi ride to Sayulita for shopping — leather goods, hand-woven apparel, artisan ceramics — and people-watching completes the afternoon.
If privacy is of importance, the new adults-only Wet Deck Too is a few yards away, an infinity-edged pool with several chaise-style chairs and tables. It’s situated in front of a row of just-opened suites that each boast their own plunge pool, and an open-air bathtub worthy of Architectural Digest.
But if that’s not relaxing enough, hop back on that jungle-lined walkway, which in the other direction leads to the AWAY Spa. Say ahhh.
The lobby bar
The adults-only Wet Too pool with new suites behind it
Chevychería
Beachfront suite with private plunge pool
Private plunge pool
Indoor-outdoor bathroom in beachfront suites
THE UPCOMING AIA Houston Home Tour is always an anticipated fall event, a style showcase from some of the city’s best architects, designers and tastemakers. The two-day, self-guided tour includes several custom homes in the area that exhibit design excellence, innovative design solutions, and sustainable features.
One of the most unique projects on this year’s home tour, which takes place Nov. 2-3, is from Benjamin Johnston. The two-story Woodlands Heights home, dubbed Heights Regency, has a neoclassical elegance that reads timeless from the outside — but colorfully contemporary on the inside.
Greeting visitors is a Greek-columned atrium with a 16-foot-long skylight. The first floor is an entertainer’s paradise, while upstairs is a haven with several bedrooms. Classic, architectural details like herringbone floors, marble casings and paneling are countered by the boldly colorful and glamorously edgy furnishings; the pairing is deliberate and intriguing.
Outside, a lush courtyard garden and 55-foot lap pool lend a day-spa vibe to the urban manse. There’s also a fab outdoor kitchen — which is in addition to the property’s gorgeous main kitchen and catering kitchen.
"Heights Regency is a true jewel box," says Johnston of the project, . "Every element has been carefully considered to create a luxurious and inviting living experience. We are thrilled to share this project with the world."