Houston recently was heralded one of the world's must-visit destinations in 2019, and now comes one more reason to put it on the bucket list: the swanky Spa at the Post Oak Hotel has unfurled a whole new level of luxury for the city.

The Post Oak Hotel, the only hotel in Houston to boast the prestigious Five Diamond rating from AAA, is an Uptown palace owned by local billionaire Tilman Fertitta. The Spa opened in late 2018, boasting 20,000 square feet of exclusive services and first-to-market treatments.

“I have traveled the world seeing the most beautiful spas with the finest amenities,” says Fertitta in a statement announcing the opening. “Houston deserves a unique, first-class spa, and I was inspired to bring one to my Post Oak hotel. We offer only top-of-the-line products and services that you won’t find anywhere else in the country. Whether you are a Houstonian or a hotel guest, you will want to visit our spa.”

Located on the hotel’s fifth floor, the urban oasis offers unique treatment rooms, including a couples’ suite with a sumptuous en-suite bathtub and shower; tranquility pools with body-contouring hot stoned daybeds; aromatherapy-infused steam rooms; detoxifying high-temperature, low-humidity saunas; multi-sensory thermal showers; state-of-the-art Technogym fitness center; and quiet lounges with zero gravity chairs to unwind after a busy day.

International flair
In a global city like Houston, it seems fitting that The Post Oak Hotel draws its treatments for The Spa from rituals and treatments from cultures around the world.

The hotel is the first spa in Texas and the first AAA Five-Diamond hotel in the nation to partner with Cinq Mondes, the French pioneer and expert in spa rituals and treatments cultivated from across the globe, including Brazil, Japan, Polynesia, Bali, Switzerland, Morocco, India, and Thailand.

Each ritual is thoughtfully derived from the region’s techniques, beliefs, and practices to deliver a sensorial experience that establishes wellbeing, radiance, relaxation, regeneration, beauty, and balance for the body and mind.

The Spa’s therapists underwent and intensive eight-week training to learn the traditions and pharmacopeias.

Worldly wellness
“Nowhere else in the world can someone receive our Rituals of Five Worlds treatment,” says Daisy Tepper, spa director at The Post Oak Hotel. “With more than 145 different languages spoken in Houston, we were inspired to develop a diverse and cultured experience that pays homage to ancient traditions from masters around the world.”

The signature “Rituals of Five Worlds,” features a warmed, steam poultice massage and gentle body stretching with a medicinal Javanese fusion of lemongrass, bergamot, and ginger to release muscular tension. Meanwhile, a simultaneous, dual-therapist cranial acupressure and foot reflexology while fragrant Moroccan eucalyptus and cinnamon awakens the senses.

Rise with the rising sun
Another unique treatment inspired by a Japanese wellness ritual is the “Ko Bi Do Lift,” a highly effective, non-invasive face lift that begins with an in-depth purification of the skin. An intense massage lifting technique is performed, exercising the facial muscles and contouring the face for a toned, plump effect.

The Post Oak Hotel is the only hotel in Texas to feature the In-Skin facial system. German-engineered and Italian-manufactured, this next evolution technology seamlessly integrates six high-performance functions to deliver a results-oriented facial experience.

The Spa’s “In-Skin Ultimate Radiant Complexion” is a two-hour superior treatment featuring microdermabrasion, oxygen, LED lighting, radio frequency, electroporation, and air massage.

Other treatments include the Spa’s signature “Pollution Defense” facial treatment, from Jacqueline Piotaz of Switzerland. The triple-action peel and refining mask hydrates the skin, removes impurities and creates a protective layer against harmful environmental toxins and rapid aging. Essential oils from Aromatherapy Associates of London deliver a personalized experience that awakens the senses and provokes emotional and physical responsiveness.

The “Bespoke Aromatherapy Journey” begins with a one-on-one consultation to develop a curated formula of aromatherapy oils and practices based on the guest’s mental and physical well-being.

Good for guys
Men will love “The Modern Man’s Facial,” which uses a potent multi-layer peel and anti-stress massage to soften skin, heal shaving bumps and rejuvenate complexion, while the “Rebalance Massage” blends therapeutic oils and deep tissue massage techniques to alleviate everyday stress.

“Of course, we offer basic spa services; but we wanted this to be a unique oasis for hotel guests and area-residents to escape the city’s fast-pace stressors,” Tepper adds. “We transport you to a sensorial sanctuary where beauty, technology, relaxation, and personalized service create the ultimate rejuvenation.”

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The Spa at the Post Oak Hotel; 1600 W. Loop S., Houston; 346-227-5142. For information, or visit the website.

Unwind in the Quiet Room.

Photo courtesy of The Spa at the Post Oak Hotel

Unwind in the Quiet Room.