Spa Day Is Coming

ESPA brings swanky subterranean spa experience to Joule Dallas

When daily stresses start to get you down, perhaps you’ve fantasized about hiding out underground. But did those fantasies include a luxurious spa replete with faceted crystals, vitality pool and ice fountain?

If the answer is yes, then book your appointment now for ESPA, the latest addition to the ever-expanding Joule hotel in downtown Dallas. The 8,000-square-foot subterranean spa — the brand’s U.S. flagship and the first ESPA property in Texas — soft opens June 6.

Designer Adam Tihany carried the Joule’s existing energy theme into the spa. Taking a cue from its below-ground locale, Tihany mixed rock, mineral and crystal — rough hewn and refined — throughout the space, which is softened with sumptuous fabrics and cushioned surfaces. Ambient light, including a web of fiber optic threads, sets the mood.

ESPA has four treatment rooms outfitted with Living Earth Craft Kensington Massage beds boasting six inches of memory foam, two beauty rooms, and a Bijou nail salon. Pre- or post-treatment, relax in a heated ergonomic lounger around the vitality pool. Or take a dip and enjoy the pool’s built-in air loungers and shoulder massage.

In addition to all the usual spa suspects, ESPA offers two signature experiences unique to the property. The Joule starts with dry body brushing and exfoliation, followed by a massage using warmed volcanic and jade stones and finished with a scalp massage using the spa’s famous pink hair and scalp mud. The second signature treatment, Earth Inspired, begins with ginger root exfoliation, followed by a deep massage and finished with an oil pour to the forehead.

ESPA is the only spa in Dallas to offer the CACI Ultimate none-invasive skin rejuvenating technology, which uses electrical impulses called micro currents — found naturally in the body — to lift and tighten the face by “working out” the facial muscles. You can partake in these treatments solo or add them to any facial.

ESPA is now accepting appointments for treatments from 9 am-8 pm, starting June 6. Call 214-261-4555 to book.

ESPA soft opens June 6 at the Joule in downtown Dallas.

Courtesy photo

ESPA soft opens June 6 at the Joule in downtown Dallas.

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RIP Pete

Dallas businessman and former Schepps Dairy owner Pete Schenkel dies

Courtesy photo

Pete Schenkel

Dallas businessman Pete Schenkel, a philanthropist and former owner of Dallas-based Schepps Dairy, passed away at his Highland Park home on November 27 while in hospice care.

Born and raised in South Dallas where he worked on his father's dairy farm, Schenkel worked his way up from a Schepps Dairy deliverer to become an owner of the company in 1987. He went on to serve as President and owner of Southern Foods, which later sold to Suiza Foods and became Dean Foods, for which he also served as president and board member.

A statement from the city of Dallas says that Schenkel "leaves a legacy where he will be remembered for sharing his success with others and for his steadfast commitment to serve with pride and humility. Pete was unwavering in his dedication to making Dallas one of the safest large cities in the United States and was instrumental in promoting our economic growth and social vibrancy. We will strive to carry on his legacy by continuing to make Dallas a better place for all."

Founded by Harmon "Hymie" Schepps in 1942, Schepps Dairy traded hands and emerged from a bankruptcy under the primary ownership of Schenkel, who was Schepps' business partner. In 2000, the company was acquired by Suiza Foods Co., which then merged with Dallas-based Dean Foods the following year.

Schenkel was also involved in Dallas politics from the '80s to the '00s, both with sought-after endorsements as well as working on campaigns for mayoral candidates such as Jack Evans and Ron Natinsky.

In 2017, he was honored with an award from the NFF Gridiron Club for his role in helping bring football back to the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Day. He fought to keep the annual Texas-Oklahoma rivalry game at Cotton Bowl Stadium and has been the key negotiator in keeping the game there ever since.

Schenkel served on many influential boards that helped shape Dallas and North Texas, including chairing the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board of Directors and the Methodist Health Care Foundation. After retiringm he remained active in nonprofit circles, helping direct a charitable fund with his wife, the Pat and Pete Schenkel Charitable Trust. He also served on the board of the Dallas Blue Foundation, which provides financial assistance to families of Dallas police officers killed or wounded in action.

His multiple awards and commendations including receiving the 82nd annual Linz Award for civic service in Dallas in 2011, as well as a Russell H. Perry Award from Dallas Baptist University, which lauded Schenkel for adhering to the highest ethical standards and being loyal to and respectful of friends and customers, as well as his modesty, shying away from the spotlight and shining it on others instead.

He's survived by his wife Pat, three children and seven grandchildren.

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