Photos by Samantha Beatty
Models Alissa Sugawara and Kevin Mize for Neal Hamil Agency
Styling by Elizabeth Farrell
Hair by Zackery Chapa for Hue Salon
Makeup by Yeraldi Contreras for Arched Beauty
Photography Assistance by John Lewis
Styling Assistance by Greta Connolly and Natalie Abbott
Tell us about athletic recovery and why it’s important? Athletic recovery is a must for anyone who's active, whether a weekend warrior or a seasoned athlete. It's about helping your body bounce back stronger, repairing muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving flexibility so you can avoid injuries and keep doing what you love. Being married to a pro athlete — former Cincinnati Bengals cornerback William Jackson — has really opened my eyes to how important recovery is. It's not just about physical performance, it's about overall well-being too.
Do you offer treatments for physical stress, such as muscle tension or joint pain, related to recovery? Tell us about them. We’ve curated an entire lineup of treatments designed to melt away stress and help your body recover:
The Trifecta combines heat therapy to increase blood flow and relax muscles, deep tissue massage and percussion to target knots and trigger points, and active stretching to improve flexibility and range of motion.
Consider Massage Therapy. Choose from a wide range of massages to help ease muscle tension, boost circulation, and target specific issues.
In Normatec Compression Therapy, air compression is used in this unique treatment to improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and help muscle recovery.
Our infrared HaloIR Salt Sauna is like a magic eraser for stress and pain, helping detoxify the body, reduce inflammation, and relieve muscle and joint pain. Plus, the added salt therapy boosts respiratory function and does wonders for your skin!
Can you provide services to help manage emotional stress and anxiety associated with recovery? How? We know that recovery isn't just physical; it's mental and emotional too. That's why we offer services to help guests unwind and de-stress. These include Guided Mindfulness and Meditation Sessions, as well as Aromatherapy, using pure essential oils. Also, Quiet Transitional Spaces help prepare mind and body to make the most of your spa treatment experience.
Are there any treatments that can help with sleep disturbances common in recovery? Which ones specifically and how do they help? Yes! Recovery Relaxation Massage with Arnica and Magnesium is like a lullaby for your body and mind, enhanced with arnica — a natural anti-inflammatory that soothes sore muscles and magnesium — to relax muscles and promote better sleep.
CBD Enhancement can really help. The proven calming and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD help ease anxiety and promote tranquility, making it easier to drift off to sleep.
Unique to our day spa experience is our Escape Ritual Bath Circuit — sauna, jacuzzi, and revitalizing chiller bucket shower circuit. This kind of contrast bathing experience has been proven over centuries in a range of cultures to relax muscles, reduce stress, and promote better sleep.
How do you create a welcoming and comfortable environment for male guests? First, it's a matter of Ambiance. The spa’s refined aesthetic feels sophisticated and inviting, without being overly feminine or fussy.
Also, we pride ourselves on Personalized Service. Our therapists are not only experts in their respective fields, but they’re also skilled at putting clients at ease, and tailoring treatments to individual needs and preferences.
We Focus on Results. We understand that men prefer a results-oriented approach, so Escape treatments are designed to deliver specific benefits, whether alleviating muscle tension, reducing stress, improving sleep, or enhancing overall well-being.
Do you have any specific policies or procedures in place to ensure privacy and comfort for men? Beyond separate changing areas for men and women, our therapists are trained to be discreet and respectful of personal space and privacy.
How do you address any concerns or discomfort a male guest may have about receiving spa treatments? Our therapists are trained to discuss any concerns a guest might have before and during their treatment, making sure they feel comfortable, relaxed, and renewed.
The sauna at Escape Spa
The Escape Ritual Bath Circuit includes sauna, jacuzzi, and revitalizing chiller bucket shower.
Breanna Blankenship, Nicholas Stuart, Zsavon Butler, Outspoken Bean
A meaningful moment was when former Houston Poet Laureate Outspoken Bean honored longtime chef and food-writer Adán Medrano with a spoken-word performance. Works by other beloved local artists, like Jamal Cyrus and Vincent Valdez, adorned the walls, and music was provided by Breanna Blankenship and DJ Flash Gordon Parks.
The 350 guests also enjoyed a runway show featuring fall looks by Chloe Dao, modeled by icons like Lauren Anderson, and a spread prepared by Jackson & Company along with H-E-B. A nod to the global theme, the menu included Korean-style short ribs and Greek kourabiedes — washed down with French and Italian wine, of course. Cheers!
Ross Smith, Leigh Smith, Caroline Smith, Alecia Harris, Whitmire Vo, Owen Duffy
Casey Valverde, Tammy Dowe, Marco Martinez
David James, Judge Lina Hidalgo, Honoree Adan Medrano & Richard Jimenez
Rita Garcia, Sergio Selvera
George Farah & Michele Leal Farah, Nicholas & Zsavon Butler, Lauren Anderson & Chris Stanaway, John Abodeely & Edward Kachinske
Chloe Dao with her models
Michele Leal Farah
Lisa and Saul Valentin
Leigh Smith, John Abodeely, Lauren Anderson
Aerialist from J&D Entertainment
Joel Rottier, Council Member Mario Castillo, Rep. Christina Morales, Michele Leal Farah