Justin Yu, Chris Shepherd, Robert Del Grande and Hugo Ortega
Carrie Wirsing and Jeanette Jenkins
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
Paella Valenciana at Mi Luna
With moody environs, a DJ-spun soundtrack and an olive-oil martini that will keep you at the sceney bar for a while, Októ skews more Mediterranean rather than Israeli. The name means “eight” in Greek, a nod not only to the culture and cuisine of the new restaurant, but also its address: 888 Westheimer. The flavors show up in mouthwatering shareables like octopus skewers, and squid-ink linguine with crab and a buttery sambal sauce. And if you’ve eaten at any Sof concept, you know the bread service is not to be skipped. (Two words: pistachio butter.)
Elsewhere in Montrose Collective, similarly nightlife-savvy Mi Luna — which was a staple in Rice Village for decades — has been resurrected by its original owners. Fan-favorites like paella, empanadas and Gambas al Ajillo (lemon-garlic shrimp with peppers) remain; chef-kissed newcomers include whole roasted branzino, and Rabo de Toro a la Sevillana, which is braised oxtail with chickpeas. Expect flamenco performances on Friday and Saturday nights, and a sultry acoustic-guitar-accompanied brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-3pm, too.
And here’s another holiday tip: Italian-style steakhouse Marmo, one of Montrose Collective’s original restaurants, has a fun happy hour every day except Saturday from 3-6pm. Think glasses of wine and bubbly for $6 a pop, a $9 charcuterie board, and deals on an impressive spread of savory bites — meatballs with whipped ricotta; little bowls of veal bolognese. Lingering in the bar-slash-lounge area for nightly live music is recommended.
In fact, a progressive evening of tapas-style treats and live performances throughout Montrose Collective sounds like a festive (and delicious!) way to celebrate the season.
Okto G&T (photo by Becca Wright)
Octopus at Okto (photo by Becca Wright)
Happy hour at Marmo