Trellis Spa, The HoustonianHouston3.5 hour drive $359–$429/nightThe Houstonian is the escape we've all been looking for. Home to the biggest spa in the state, country club amenities such as golf, Pickleball, and a full gym, and accommodations so lovely The Bush Family once called it home, the sprawling 27-acre retreat checks all the boxes for a relaxing getaway. Spanning 26,000 square feet, the recently renovated Trellis Spa (designed by Blu Spas Inc.) blends traditional treatments with innovative options. During a recent stay, I spent my first afternoon sipping champagne and nibbling away at a Charcuterie board while soaking in their brand new pool-sized hot soaking tubs. The tubs were added during the spas renovation of its 6,500 square foot outdoor space and were inspired by bathing cultures around the world that incorporate cold/hot circuits to improve circulation.While there, I also slipped into the Gharieni MLXi³ Dome and Celliss machines, a Trellis Spa exclusive, and opted for the plasma light therapy addition for the full detox experience. Unlike anything I have experienced before, the heated oxygen dome is designed to make you sweat and allows for FIR (Far Infrared Ray) to aid in detoxification, increased blood circulation, stimulation of your metabolism, and increased energy.Other modern treatment options include the CBD Massage, which uses Swedish, deep tissue techniques, or a combination of both, to aid in inflammation reduction. For its treatments, the spa uses prestige brands such as Natura Bissé and Orveda (which is a vegan line based on Ayurvedic philosophy. Trellis is one of two spas in the U.S. to hold the brand).Inside the opulent hotel, you will find rooms modernized from the recent $23.5 million makeover and oversized bathrooms complete with warm flooring, soaking tubs, brushed nickel fixtures, and marble vanities.The resort's award-winning food scene is also a major highlight. From a festive crawfish boil to dinner under its famous Live Oak tree, I felt pampered in every way possible. Described as Tex-Lex, the menu at Tribute at The Houstonian is a blend of its three chefs in charge who hail from Texas, Louisianna, and Mexico. From the breakfast menu, Doña Licha's Huevos Rancheros is a must. The Tortilla Soup is a great lunch option. And for dinner, I would recommend their signature menu item, the Snapper Ponchartrain, a Creole-based dish served on dirty rice and topped with crawfish. The wood-fired charred oysters served with chorizo butter and the Texas Black Angus Filet Mignon with blue cheese also stood out. —Bianca MontesSpa DetailsSuggested Treatment: Gharieni MLXi³ Dome with PLT TreatmentCost: $90-$130 plus $70 for the PLT TreatmentPre/Post-treatment Relaxation Ritual: The Houstonian's famous shortbread cookies while relaxing in the outdoor hot soaking tubs or indoors at the floating poolMust-Listen: Deva Premal & Miten Spotify playlistRead the full article here.
