Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1322155
T his year, as we huddled at home doing our best to get through the pandemic by taking self-care to a whole new level, The Trellis at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa underwent the proverbial knife itself. Its major multi-million-dollar transformation debuts in January 2021, so here's a sneak peek at what to expect when the new 26,500-square-foot spa getaway is unveiled. As luxurious and relaxing as the former Trellis was, you'll notice its footprint has expanded by nearly 10,000 square feet, with 6,500 of that outdoors. Celebrated spa designer and consultant Cary Collier — principal of Blu Spas (Four Seasons, L'Auberge, Rosewood, Bulgari, Raffles, Dorchester Collection, Hotel Bel-Air) — worked to usher spa-goers outside by installing new soaking pools (two hot pools, one cold shower) that are part of an innovative menu of bathing therapies. Collier also carved out a zen meditation garden, private cabanas, firepits, and spaces to sit and sway in cozy rocking chairs. "There's a host of evidence to support that nature is beneficial to well-being," Collier says. "One silver lining from 2020 has been the exploding news prescribing a connection with nature and the great outdoors for achieving peace of mind, creating strong coping mechanisms, supporting a healthy body as an ally to fighting off anxiety, depression, sore joints, and weight issues." Inside, spa director Renae Cassam takes the treatments to a new level. "The Trellis will feature 21 treatment rooms and two new exclusive Gharieni treatment tables, which no other spa in America has: the MLX i3 Dome and Cellis machine," she says. "Gharieni tables are the Rolls-Royce of spa equipment, with science and engineering at the forefront of their innovation. The Cellis is a noninvasive, no-touch slimming therapy done in just 30 minutes. "It has the power to redesign your silhouette, smooth your skin's texture, and rejuvenate your body's complexion, making the appearance of cellulite a thing of the past," Cassam says. The MLX Dome incorporates three pieces of innovative technology: far infrared, plasma, and light therapy. "Together they increase metabolism, energy levels, promote natural detoxification, reduce inflammation, and promote facial rejuvenation through negative ion therapy with red, green, and blue light — each with different benefits to one's complexion," Cassam says. "This head- to-toe service uses safe infrared light to create a sauna-like experience, while at the same time oxygen is transformed to negative ions in a breathing exercise." Kay Lang + Associates (Bacara Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton Beijing Lize Hotel, Sunset Marquis, Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano) is responsible for the interior design of the spa bringing the elements of nature into the calming new aesthetic. "One wow factor of our design," Lang tells us, "is the newly refreshed indoor spa float-pool area, with an arched ceiling that highlights the shape of the pool and a beautiful custom crystal branch chandelier sparkling above, setting the tranquil mood." The idea for the chandelier came from the tall oak trees that surround the Houstonian property. "We wanted to weave the story of those organic elements into our design and used natural tones, stone textural elements, and specialty glass that reflects nature throughout the space," Lang says. As treatments have evolved, so have the products. Cassam says, "We've added a new treatment by Orveda skincare, a French luxury skincare line rich in prebiotics and postbiotics. Clean, green, and vegan, the Problematic Solution + Pre- Biotic Facial by Orveda is purifying and detoxing, designed to cleanse without stripping." In addition to the 100-minute facial by Natura Bissé, she says, "We will offer an LED-mask add-on to many of our facials." The Trellis at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, 111 N. Post Oak Lane, 713.685.6790, houstonian.com/the- spa. Laurann Claridge NIP AND TUCK Sneak peek at the newly renovated Trellis at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa 22