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Houston’s Luxury Wellness Retreat

Houston’s Luxury Wellness Retreat
By Suzanne Ferrara

The very moment you are greeted outside the unparalleled, five-star Four Seasons Hotel Houston, you know you have arrived at place like no other. There’s an uncanny sincerity–which exudes from the valet to every other employee who welcomes you–that cannot be made up. This heart-felt treatment is not surprising after you learn that, when it comes to hiring, the luxury hotel magnate looks first at what’s inside a potential employee. All members of its staff must have the innate desire to serve and, at the same time, receive great pleasure from going the extra distance for a guest; it’s a human quality that you simply cannot teach someone.

To say that this unmatched sincerity can make your experience in the nation’s fourth largest city even more pleasurable is an understatement. It’s this impeccable treatment that injects a large dose of joy and contentment throughout your entire visit. Four Seasons employees live and breathe the ‘Golden Rule’– to treat others as you wish to be treated– and they are truly among the nicest most genuine people found on the planet.

The Four Seasons Houston is located in the heart of downtown just steps away from major attractions including the Houston Toyota Center, one of the nation’s premier live entertainment venues (which is also home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets). It’s also near Minute Maid Park–home of the Astros baseball team– and the George R. Brown Convention Center. However, despite its convenience to so many sites, you may find it hard to tear yourself away from the Four Seasons oasis. Speaking of entertainment, try your swing at the hotel’s Topgolf® Swing Suite, a one-of-a-kind experience in the Bayou City. This fun digital suite also includes several sports options including hockey and volleyball.

The Four Seasons Houston has a world-class spa and dining offerings second-to-none, but did you know that this retreat is a premier wellness mecca? Yes, indeed!

Here’s where you will find the full-service Four Seasons Hotel Houston Spa & Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment, group exercise and yoga classes, and a stunning outdoor saltwater pool ( with the water perfectly heated in the winter) deck, and oversized hot tub. (Tip: Want to take your workout outside? The Four Seasons is surrounded by nearby lush green parks and a paved jogging trail at the Hermann Park Conservancy that will take you past the Houston Zoo and the Houston Garden Center, and Buffalo Bayou Park. It’s all just a quick bike ride away.
If you enjoy private sessions with special one-on-one attention, the Four Seasons Houston has top personal trainers plus yoga and meditation instructors who love to share their gifts to improve your well-being. Yoga and meditation instructor Dana Shamas, who has trained in the Jivamukti Yoga method in Austria, has taught classes across the country to improve their well-being.

Shamas uses customized movements that focus on getting the body back into balance and improve spinal flexibility, no matter the body type. This private session, followed by her meditation workshop with the use of essential oils, will transport you to a different place and leave you feeling rejuvenated (as well as relaxed) when the session is complete. (Tip: Be sure to take part in the hotel’s signature and complimentary Sunrise and Sunset Salutations which uses the vinyasa and Baptiste-inspired yoga styles).

After this session, you can choose to take a dip in the pool or oversized hot tub, or head to the steam room and showers inside the spa. Grab a glass of refreshing fruit- infused water and healthy snacks inside the spa soothing, opulent-styled spa lounge and continue your journey of relaxation.

For the ultimate relaxation experience, make a reservation for a Custom Massage or a Chakra Healing Massage which are among a plethora of massage offerings. (Tip: While the entire team of massage therapists is second-to-none, Trenice has magic hands and gives Custom and Full Body Massages that will leave you in a deep state of relaxation). Pamper your face, too, with the highest level of care via the Signature Hydra Facial and/or the Intensive Multi-Masking Facial, the latter of which incorporates Tata Harper natural and nontoxic products to enhance your wellness experience. Finish off your day at this unparalleled experience with a manicure and pedicure. (Tip: Champagne as well as non-alcoholic refreshments overflows in guests’ glasses at this oasis). Rest assured, you will not leave this spa the same person you were when you walked through its doors. Tina (the spa manager) and her team are first-class, and live and breathe the Four Seasons’ standards to go above and beyond to please their guests. (Fact: You can spend a few days on the fourth floor taking part in the endless offerings at the fitness center and spa, both of which you will not want to leave).

Hungry? All of the restaurants on the premises offer healthy options; however, be sure to tempt your taste buds at the Four Seasons stellar Quattro where Executive Chef Rafael Gonzales serves mouthwatering creations that use the freshest of ingredients in his Italian-influenced dishes. (Menu Tip: Be sure to order Chef Gonzales’ mouthwatering Lasagna with Texas Heartbrandakaushi beef bolognese, ricotta and cheese fondue). If you are visiting with kids, be sure to treat them to a Saturday afternoon cooking class at Quattro.

Need more dining options? Head to Bayou & Bottle where you can wet your whistle with libations hand-crafted by their team of mixologists who are also certified Bourbon stewards. (Menu tip: Be sure to order the Lobster Tacos and the Guacamole& Chips).

After a day here, you will be eager to rest inside your luxurious, welcoming suite dripping in inviting cream hues which only extends your state of relaxation. The Four Seasons lulls guests to sleep on the hotel brand’s signature Four Seasons Bed with temperature-regulated mattresses with all the luxe accessories. Thanks to a partnership with Simmons Bedding Company, you can also take this ‘good night sleep’ directly to your home by purchasing the mattress and the complete bedding set directly from the hotel.

Adding to this getaway scene is the unending special details, including complimentary quality amenities and products like their luxury bath goods, giant windows, and complimentary Wi-Fi; there’s also an extensive DVD library, fresh fruit, and high-quality coffee and tea products.
Once you’ve experienced the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, you will likely—as with so many before you– become a loyalist because of your memorable stay, and the way this oasis and its’ unparalleled team made you feel. It’s truly something money can’t buy and will keep you longing for more of this genuine world-class treatment.