Stay Zaza

by Autumn Rhea Carpenter

How is luxury travel defined? Taking a seven-day exploration of Saudi Arabia by helicopter and camel might be described as extravagant. For the cold-weather loving set, a stay at the Ice Hotel, complete with dogsled transportation could be considered indulgent. A month spent with extended family in an Italian Chateau with a personal chef and glorious views could also fall into the affluent category.

Hotels have always been included in the luxury travel concept. And many of them have the stars to prove it. On a recent weekend stay at Hotel ZaZa, my mother, Carolyn Rhea, and I, experienced our own memorable posh escape.

Once inside the four-story, French Mediterranean-inspired boutique hotel located in the Uptown Dallas, we were transported from the busy street life to a sophisticated wonderland filled with marble, rounded doorways, contemporary artwork, dark wood furnishings and a mesmerizing crystal chandelier. The Art Nouveau décor continued throughout the hotel, creating an insulated, dreamy feeling.

The purpose of our mother/daughter weekend was pure relaxation. First stop: the ZaSpa. (FYI, other fellow spa patrons include actors Jessica Simpson and Kate Hudson.) Although the locker rooms (named Gods/Goddesses) are miniscule, the ‘transition room’ also called the Big Chill is a haven for cleansing breaths and calm. Mom and I completed the paperwork, and in keeping with the hotel’s cool and edgy attitude, we noticed a few funny questions inserted to see if we were paying attention. Such as: Are you often fatigued? Are you tired of this questionnaire?

Each treatment room had a Moroccan and Asian theme, as well as modern music choices, instead of the traditional tranquil garden sounds. Carolyn ordered a ‘Have No Mercy’ deep tissue massage and I requested the ‘Starlight Deep Cleansing’ facial. Other cleverly named services include the ‘Rock Star’ massage, ‘Billy Jealousy’ men’s custom facial, ‘ESPN’ men’s pedicure and the ‘Who’s Your Daddy’ pre-natal massage. The aesthetician, Jeana Delana, was professional, yet approachable and shared a few amusing stories about the ‘manscaping’ trend. (Everything was anonymous, of course.) Massage and facial thoroughly enjoyed, our next stop was a tour of the Magnificent Seven Suites.

These multi-roomed suites scream ultra chic. Each suite is unique, and designed for ultimate privacy. We visited the ‘Leonardo,’ a 1,312-square-foot suite, inspired by da Vinci. The space is decorated with the artist’s sketches as well as a wall adorned with The Vitruvian Man. (A male figure standing in two superimposed positions.)

We also visited the 1340-square-foot ‘Red Shoes’ room, which was designed with couture footwear in mind. Red popped everywhere, as well as zebra prints. Carrie Bradshaw would have never left the room.

Speaking of celebrity-types, Hotel ZaZa maintains a lengthy list of famous clientele guests, including musicians, athletes, actors, politicians, chefs and models. For name dropping’s sake: Vince Vaughn, Heidi Klum, Jane’s Addiction, Billy Idol, Pink, the Reverend Al Green, Beck, Diane Keaton, Lily Tomlin, Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay, Tony Romo and Alex Rodriguez.

After a ride on the darkened elevator with a ‘girls’ weekend’ bunch, we arrived at our concept suite, number 449. Each of the 17 concept suites is themed, such as East Indies, Moulin Rouge, Medusa and Erotica. Our nature-inspired room, called Escape, was designed with neutrals and images of the outdoors throughout. We were thrilled with our weekend home: two queen sized beds, two full bathrooms, a full bathtub, walk-in closet and living room.  

Never one to pass up a soak in a Jacuzzi tub, I filled it up with bubbles and found my definition of luxury.

Ready for dinner, we walked the hallways to the hotel’s signature restaurant, Dragonfly. During our stroll, we admired many framed Richard Avedon photographs hanging on the walls. Once in the lobby we noticed the poolside scene. How did we miss it earlier? The pool was literally filled with beautiful people, donning sparkling cowboy hats and toasting their champagne flutes. I was amazed at the sheer number of bodies filling the pool, but everyone appeared to be enjoying the sunshine and cocktails as well as the view of the Dallas skyline.

Mom and I found our cozy table, and celebrated our weekend together. The ceiling was draped in a puffy fabric that created an Arabian harem atmosphere. The bar is alongside the dining tables, made conversations challenging at times. We sampled the pomerita cocktail, (a mix of Jose Cuervo plantino tequila, pomegranate liquor and lemon and lime juice). Executive chef Grant Morgan’s

forest mushroom strudel (goat cheese and black truffle) and Hawaiian fish of the day along with quinoa tabouleh and citrus ricotta were divine. We shared dessert: a savory berry Crème Brûlée. Again, luxury revealed.

After dinner, we lounged poolside at the Urban Oasis Nightclub. While watching the lights twinkle, we listened to the DJs mix and caught up on each other’s lives. Surrounded by eclectic art, delicious cuisine and a memorable bubble bath, operation pure relaxation was definitely achieved.

Hotel ZaZa Dallas
2332 Leonard Street
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 468-8399
http://www.hotelzazadallas.com

Photography by: Hotel ZaZa