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Grown women need girls’ weekends. Time spent with a carefully chosen female tribe can magically relieve the stress that the crushing world delivers; it’s an important reminder that laughter, honesty and fun truly rule the world. Who knew that the universe’s problems could be solved in between a blissful spa treatment, poolside gossip session and a couple grapefruit habanero margaritas?
My tribe converged at the Omni Houston Hotel for the prescribed girls’ night out package, eager to escape our collective domestic and professional responsibilities. We dove into the hotel’s pool oasis for some pure relaxation, shaded by a poolside cabana that included lounge chairs and refreshments. We sipped margaritas, listened to music and admired the two outdoor swimming pools that provided enjoyment for both adults and children. We might have also devised our Omni names, Pascha, Tasha and Sasha.
The fun continued with deep conversations that are always allowed on a girls’ getaway. No subject is avoided, as these talks are an important element that happens during this special time. The bonding continued as we giddily pranced through our rooms, #904-908, which would be our address for the next 48 hours. Our Presidential Suite included two premiere rooms, one with two queen-sized beds and another bedroom with a king-sized bed (both rooms also provided a spacious sitting room) and a connecting 811-square foot parlor room with a dining table, a living room area and unlimited skyline views. There were no disputes regarding bathroom time, as there were two bathtubs and a shower, plenty of space for the tribe members. To say that we were thrilled is an understatement.
The restorative power of the Omni Houston’s girl getaway continued as we prepared for the Pan Asian cuisine served at Noe Grill. Over the course of two days, we devoured a spread of food provided by local farmers and fishermen, including heirloom tomato salad, pan-seared salmon, chicken in a pot, Texas beet and spinach salad, lobster and mascarpone macaroni and cheese and curried lobster carbonara. Each plate was carefully prepared and served with the utmost care and professionalism. In between divine bites, our conversation topics included marriage, motherhood and careers and by the meal’s end, our friendship was even stronger.
The night continued as we geared up for dancing at the dress code-enforced Black Swan Nightclub. This 30-year-old club (opened Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m.-2 a.m.), known for its legendary post-wedding after-parties, recently received a $2.2 million re-imagination. The renovation includes silver and black motifs and encourages dancing with a recessed LED-lit dance floor. Perched along the Nest VIP lounge, we enjoyed bottle service and watched the beautiful people. The judgment-free weekend continued, as we danced to the DJ’s varied mix of modern hits and old-school classics. Omni patrons can invest in some serious getaway fun by purchasing the Great Night Out package, which includes luxurious accommodations, VIP table reservations at the Black Swan nightclub and a spa credit.
“We are so proud of the investment and opportunity to complete the transformation to an undeniably modern and elegant environment,” said Barry Sondern, general manager of the Omni Houston Hotel. “The re-imagination has been a complete success and I am thankful for the effort of our associates who have worked tirelessly to ensure a successful re-opening event and a bright future for the only hotel in Houston that boasts a nightclub.”
After a night out spent way past our usual bedtimes, we recovered with facials and massages in the Mokara Spa. The spacious area offers a couples treatment room, a wet treatment room, a meditation lounge, whirlpool and sauna as well as access to full-service fitness center. The tranquil spa provides a variety of lavish services, as well as packages for hotel patrons wishing to spend extended quality time there.
Never question the healing powers of a girls’ getaway, but especially a full-service, in-house one that never requires directions, shoes, cooking or a watch. Armed with new stories, a renewed sense of humor, looser shoulders and a restored faith in humanity, the girls’ weekend wins again.