First Visit To New Epicurean Hotel Delights Spanista

Greetings Wellness Seekers,

First visit to new Epicurean Hotel in Tampa, a Bern’s Family and Mainsail Lodging & Development collaboration was a long anticipated event for Spanista. Everyone in the neighborhood watched the structure emerge over the last couple of years. Happy to share, it is on its way to becoming our first world class boutique hotel in an otherwise tightly held community after being open for just 6 months. In fact it is the first newly constructed hotel in America to join the prestigious Autograph Collection Hotels by Marriott International. This is Part 1 of my experience.

It is all about a relaxed lifestyle here in South Tampa, so the area has been well protected by the residents who treasure it. The Laxer Family of legendary Bern’s Steakhouse are part of the fabric of the community since 1956. They are famous for quality aged steaks and the largest wine list in the world! The family dreamed of designing an intimate hotel experience that would extend their love of outstanding food and wine to further enhance South Tampa living for residents and visitors alike.

Beyond bringing fame to the area for being voted the best steakhouse in the country by Rachel Ray and other experts, the Laxer’s are well regarded for investments they make in beautifying SoHo, where Spanista.com operates. This commitment is carried forward by Bern’s son David, the current owner as it remains privately held. Their dream of a unique hotel came true this January when Epicurean Hotel opened.

It is truly one of a kind with design features that promise to please the seasoned traveler who appreciates fine cuisine, marvelous wine and a warm neighborhood environment. The fun is in the simple but elegant extras – like the ability to take an Epicurean bike ride along beautiful Bayshore Boulevard. A standout is Evangeline, A Delectable Spa. I purposely waited before venturing out to this spa, respecting it can take time for any new venture to hit its stride. After having a leisurely Saturday brunch at Epicurean’s Elevage Restaurant with my dear friend Kathleen over deviled eggs to start, a wild mushroom and white truffle omelet to follow, complemented by a perfect glass of red, we strolled over to the spa to check it out.

Stepping into the lovely reception area one immediately feels the extension of Epicurean Hotel’s wine centric story. We were warmly greeted by Lindsey who recognized out sincere interest and promptly offered us a tour. We were thrilled to have her indulge us. Throughout the spa the winery ambiance comes to life with a rich palate of purples and greens, exuding warmth. I knew immediately this is someplace to explore so made my first appointment as I was planning a staycation for next weekend right in Tampa. The time was now as soon my husband and I would venture to our Kansas City country house for the colorful autumn season.

The Evangeline Spa menu suggests it is ‘A Recipe for Relaxation’. Indeed there is a variety of delectable treatments arranged around the foodie theme. ‘Bask in the Garden’ caught my eye as it featured a custom detoxifying cilantro scrub with had ingredients snipped directly from the Epicurean Herb Wall. Delightful! But I just might change my mind when the day comes. Of course my goal to try a message treatment as it would allow me to get a sense of what this menu really offered a Spanista like me.

I cannot wait to share the Spa Evangeline experience with you, so stop in tomorrow.

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

Spanista Founder & Self Care Advocate

 

P.S. Bicycle photo is from Epicurean Hotel website, all others are by Spanista.