With its array of tourist attractions, exploring Houston can be an energy-sapping experience. Luckily the city is home to numerous day spas standing ready to recharge your batteries.
(Photo: The Woodhouse Day Spa)
The vast Texan metropolis has enough to see and do to fill an itinerary several weeks long. And after some intensive sightseeing, there’s nowhere better to enjoy some rest and recuperation than one of the city’s indulgent spas, many of which don’t require membership to access. If you’re planning a trip to Houston and like the idea of some therapeutic pampering during your stay, we’ve picked out 7 of the best day spas the city has to offer.
The Woodhouse
Part of a renowned national spa chain spanning some 70 locations, The Woodhouse’s Houston sanctuary is nestled in the city’s charming Vintage neighbourhood in its northern suburbs. The well-appointed spa invites guests to enjoy signature services such as the Four- Handed Massage & Meditative Mood Soak Ritual. Upon arrival, a variety of warm teas are available to help guests slip into a state of relaxation, while in-house Mimosa cocktails and wines can be savoured in the luxurious Quiet Room between services. As well as the vast menu of treatments, guests have the choice of several curated packages such as the True Renewal Woodhouse Signature Sculpt Facial + Black Sand Rejuvenation.
Sanctuary Spa
(Photo: Sanctuary Spa)
Nestled between the Houston neighbourhoods of River Oaks and Montrose, Sanctuary Spa became one of the first day spas in America when it opened back in 1984. All of its services are centred around holistic principles and combine traditional Japanese and Egyptian treatments with a dash of Southern hospitality. Notable treatments include holistic energy healing, underwater massages in a hydrotherapy tub, seaweed facial wraps for dry, flaky skin that cocoons the body in a layer of kombu, and a choice of off-the-menu facials that customise products to your skin type are also available. It is also one of the only spas in Houston offering yoni steams (vaginal steaming).
Synergy Day Spa
Rich etched wood encases the front desk as guests enter this sumptuous salon and spa, outfitted with elegant decor and hardwood floors. Private rooms, wrapped in neutral tones, house plush treatment beds topped with woven blankets where. Along with waxing, nailcare, and hair services, the experienced staff are on hand to spruce up both men and women with facials performed using organic skincare products. Partners can unwind during a couples’ facial, which incorporates both skin rejuvenating services, and a smorgasbord of other professional treatments are available too.
The Greenhouse
(Photo: Booking.com / Courtesy The Greenhouse)
Located in the heart of the city, The Greenhouse Day Spa offers a tranquil, boutique environment designed to help guests achieve true balance and wellness. The spa offers a wide variety of massage, facial, body treatment and waxing services tailored to an individual’s specific needs, making use of organic herbs, natural oils, and unique botanicals to create signature treatments reflecting the individuality of each season. Among their range of packages is Relax and Hydrate, featuring 50-minute massage and facial hydrations tailored to sooth your muscles while toning and firming your skin.
True REST Float Spa
Situated on the city’s long thoroughfare known as Buffalo Speedway, True REST offers an alternative experience to your conventional spa with its specially-made flotation tanks that help clients achieve blissful states through a form of sensory deprivation. The enclosed tanks are filled with warm water and epsom salt that blocks external stimuli, removing all distractions and sending floaters into a deeply relaxing dream-like state. As well as simply clearing the mind, relaxing muscles, and relieving stress, the benefits of the tanks are thought to extend to alleviating conditions including depression and allodoxaphobia.
Spa World
A Korean-style spa and sauna, Spa World is an expansive facility that incorporates a huge range of therapeutic services, as well as Korean dining, karaoke, golf, meeting rooms and even a dedicated kids’ play area. Among the venue’s multitude of state-of-the-art amenities are therapy rooms, such as the Fire Dome – a Roman-style sudatorium with high heat – and the Arctic Retreat, all set up to stimulate circulation, improve respiration, ease tension, and provide many more health benefits. Every detail, from the use of holistic materials such as cedar, mahogany, granite, jade, and Himalayan salt, down to the ocher clay paint and compressed cypress wallpaper on the lounge walls, have been designed to enhance the guest experience.
Pure Vichy
(Photo: Pure Vichy Spa)
Tucked away in the leafy, upscale residential community of River Oaks in Central Houston, this popular spa has been created as a safe haven in which guests can unwind, escape and enjoy a spot of pampering. A wide variety of signature treatments make use of natural and medical grade products, all designed to rejuvenate the mind and body. Services include stress-melting massage therapy techniques, corrective skincare, facials, waxing and a number of other specialist body treatments.