by Amber Gibson
RESET RITUAL
The Houstonian Hotel & Spa is a verdant urban oasis in Uptown, and the 27-acre property’s crown jewel is its sprawling fitness club and 26,500 square-foot Trellis Spa with 21 treatment rooms, plus a hair and nail salon. New high-tech treatments include Italian-designed Endospheres therapy, a compressive micro vibration with 55 rotating spheres for lymphatic drainage and to gently improve circulation and tone skin. At The Covery tucked inside the fitness center, a new red light therapy bed, hyperbaric oxygen chamber, cryotherapy and BallancerPro compression are just a few treatments designed to help with athletic performance and recovery. Enjoy a full day of pampering, nibbling on buttery shortbread cookies and sipping tea between treatments. 111 North Post Oak Lane, houstonian.com/the-spa
NAAN-STOP PARTY
You could order a la carte at Michelin-starred Musaafer, but the 12-course tasting menu at this opulently decorated modern Indian restaurant in the Galleria shopping complex is truly a delight, and the best showcase for chef Mayank Istwal’s creative passion. Lunch has a more relaxed vibe, while evening brings more of a party atmosphere across the two-story space, and there’s a spacious terrace for al fresco dining too. Vegetarian options abound, and the vegetarian tasting menu includes lychee ceviche and paneer chandani, served with garlic naan to soak up the rich North Indian curry. Several optional supplements, including chargrilled coriander lamb chops, ensure nobody leaves hungry. Suite C-3500, 5115 Westheimer Road, musaaferhouston.com
Photo by Raydon Creative
ART CAR PARADE
On Saturday, April 11, Houston attracts more than 315,000 spectators for the Art Car Parade, the city’s largest free cultural event. Presented by Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, this homegrown tradition began nearly four decades ago and now features more than 250 vehicles each year with community groups, schools, and local Houstonians showing off their wildest creations alongside nationally recognized artists. Bicycles, unicycles, lawnmowers and go-carts are allowed too. Reserved seats are available to purchase as well, with a VIPit Party, front-row viewing and premium perks including complimentary food and drink from Houston restaurants, family activities, private restrooms and live parade commentary from local celebrities. Allen Parkway and Downtown Houston, thehoustonartcarparade.com
Photo by Charlie Ewing
STAY WITH ME, DARLING
Bunkhouse Hotels just opened its second boutique hotel in Houston with Hotel Daphne in the historic Houston Heights neighborhood. The 49-room, five-story brick building has stepped parapets, steel sash windows, and a vintage Murano chandelier in the lobby. Interior tilework and layered textiles are inspired by Greek mythology and the myth of Daphne, a nymph who transformed herself into a laurel tree to escape Apollo’s pursuit. All-day restaurant and lounge, Hypsi, offers a modern twist on Italian-style aperitivo with Gulf Coast ingredients, including a tableside mozzarella cart, spritzes and housemade pastas, plus al fresco dining in the vine-covered courtyard. Stop by for Mahjong Monday in the library with lunch from Hypsi. 347 West 20th Street, hoteldaphnehtx.com
ESPAÑA VERDE FEAST
One of just five restaurants in Houston to hold a Michelin star, chef Felipe Riccio changes the tasting menu at March every six months, traveling across the world for inspiration. The restaurant’s current menu is its eleventh iteration, inspired by España Verde along Spain’s Atlantic coast, running through July. Atlantic anchovies, saffron, almonds, olive oil and citrus shine bright, focusing beautifully on one specific region of the Mediterranean with pintxos, conservas and garlicky turbot pil pil. Guests begin in a jewel box lounge for snacks and cocktails before settling in the elegant dining room for the main event. 1624 Westheimer Road, marchrestaurant.com
PHOTO BY Zach Horst