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Tucked into Tampa’s bustling SoHo neighborhood, Spa Evangeline, a boutique, culinary-themed retreat, seamlessly integrates with the city’s vibrant dining scene, most notably positioned directly across from the legendary Bern’s Steak House. This unique establishment offers a holistic approach to wellness, where the pleasures of gastronomy extend beyond the plate and into a curated selection of treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind through an epicurean lens. The fusion of high-end spa services with a deep appreciation for culinary arts establishes Spa Evangeline and its host, the Epicurean Hotel, as a distinctive destination for discerning travelers and locals seeking an immersive sensory experience.
The Genesis of an Epicurean Vision in SoHo
Tampa’s SoHo (South Howard Avenue) district has long been recognized as a dynamic hub for dining and entertainment, characterized by its lively atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings. The transformation of this area into a premier lifestyle destination was significantly bolstered by the development of the Epicurean Hotel and Spa Evangeline. The story of this unique establishment is intrinsically linked to the legacy of Bern’s Steak House, a Tampa institution founded in 1956 by Bern Laxer, renowned for its meticulous attention to detail, extensive wine collection, and commitment to an unparalleled dining experience.
The Epicurean Hotel, which opened its doors in 2013, was conceived as a natural extension of Bern’s philosophy, a place where the passion for food, wine, and hospitality could be celebrated in every facet of the guest experience. Developed in collaboration with Bern’s Steak House, the hotel’s design and operational ethos are steeped in culinary themes, from the moment guests step into the lobby. Here, a reception desk crafted from repurposed wine crates immediately signals the hotel’s devotion to the epicurean lifestyle. Guestrooms feature bespoke butcher block-style cabinetry, artisan pantries stocked with locally sourced gourmet goodies and beverages, and decorative pieces curated from Bern Laxer’s personal collection, imbuing each space with a sense of history and gastronomic charm. This deliberate integration of culinary elements across the hotel grounds creates a cohesive narrative, making the Epicurean Hotel not just a place to stay, but a destination to savor.
The decision to incorporate a culinary-themed spa, Spa Evangeline, within the hotel was a groundbreaking move, reflecting a broader trend in the wellness industry towards experiential and themed treatments. The spa’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that the same high-quality ingredients and thoughtful curation applied to fine dining can also elevate personal care and relaxation. This innovative approach sought to differentiate Spa Evangeline in a competitive market, offering guests something truly memorable and deeply integrated with the hotel’s overarching identity.
Spa Evangeline: A Feast for the Senses
Spa Evangeline distinguishes itself through a menu of treatments that artfully blend traditional spa techniques with gastronomic inspirations. The spa’s commitment to local sourcing is evident in its own locally farmed herb garden, which provides fresh, aromatic ingredients for many of its signature services. This emphasis on fresh, natural elements aligns with contemporary wellness trends focusing on purity and sustainability.
One of the most indulgent offerings, and a personal highlight for many visitors, is the 110-minute Dulce Delight Body Wrap. This comprehensive treatment begins with a invigorating exfoliation using an Arabica coffee bean salt scrub. Coffee, a staple of Tampa’s rich cultural fabric and a known stimulant, helps to awaken the skin, improve circulation, and remove dead cells, leaving it smooth and receptive. Following this, a luxurious full-body dark chocolate mask is applied. Beyond its appealing aroma, dark chocolate is celebrated for its potent antioxidant properties, which help to combat free radicals and nourish the skin, promoting a youthful glow. After a period of cocooning, allowing the mask’s beneficial ingredients to penetrate, guests rinse off in a private shower before returning for a sweet cream body milk massage. This final step deeply moisturizes and softens the skin, while the skilled therapist, often utilizing warm hot stones, works to alleviate muscle tension. The application of hot stones, a technique rooted in ancient healing practices, significantly enhances relaxation by penetrating deep into muscle tissue, melting away stubborn knots and promoting profound physical and mental tranquility. This multi-sensory journey leaves guests feeling thoroughly revitalized, their bodies supple and their minds at peace.
Another captivating experience is the Hemingway Pedicure, a nod to one of Florida’s most iconic literary figures. This treatment tantalizes with a unique blend of muddled locally grown herbs, fresh-squeezed lime juice, cherry extract, and warm butter rum. The herbs offer soothing and aromatic benefits, while lime juice provides a refreshing, detoxifying element. Cherry extract, rich in antioxidants, contributes to skin health, and the warm butter rum base ensures a deeply nourishing and comforting experience. As guests enjoy a meticulous massage and the application of Dazzle Dry polishes—known for their quick-drying, long-lasting, and non-toxic formulation—they are invited to admire the unique décor of "the cellar," the mani/pedi room. This striking space features a wall adorned with approximately 20,000 corks from wine bottles, a testament to the hotel’s dedication to wine culture and an impressive display of aesthetic patience and craftsmanship. Sipping a glass of complimentary sparkling wine, guests sink deeper into relaxation, enveloped by the ambiance.
Beyond these standout treatments, Spa Evangeline offers a spectrum of culinary-inspired services. The 80-minute Gourmet Garden Retreat body treatment provides a dry brushing session to stimulate lymphatic drainage, followed by an application of body butter infused with lavender and verveine, directly sourced from the spa’s own herb garden. A face masque made from a blend of aloe, green tea, and chamomile soothes and rejuvenates the complexion, while a neck, shoulder, and foot massage completes the holistic experience. This treatment emphasizes the power of natural botanicals and their therapeutic properties.
For those seeking a bolder, more spirited approach to relaxation, the Hot Whiskey Scour Massage (available in 80 or 110 minutes) incorporates a spiked molten bourbon back scrub before a deep-tissue massage. This innovative treatment harnesses the warming and circulation-boosting effects of bourbon, offering a unique sensory journey. Complementing this is the 50-minute Bern’s Bourbon on the Rocks Foot Treatment, a hot stone pedicure featuring the same bourbon scrub, culminating in a warm agave nectar stone massage. These treatments are particularly popular among guests looking for an unconventional spa experience that aligns with the hotel’s sophisticated beverage program. The spa also ensures that the delightful scents infused into the Dulce and Garden treatments are available in corresponding manicures and pedicures, allowing for a consistent sensory theme across various services.
A representative for Spa Evangeline, speaking on the philosophy, might articulate: "Our vision for Spa Evangeline was to create a sanctuary where the art of culinary pleasure and the science of wellness converge. We believe that the same appreciation for quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and sensory delight that defines a gourmet meal can also define a transformative spa experience. By leveraging our own herb garden, partnering with local purveyors, and drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of Bern’s Steak House, we offer treatments that are not only effective but also deeply immersive and uniquely memorable, truly a feast for all the senses."
The Epicurean Hotel: A Culinary Haven Beyond the Spa
The Epicurean Hotel extends its culinary narrative far beyond Spa Evangeline, establishing itself as a premier dining and lifestyle destination in its own right. Its commitment to gastronomy is showcased through multiple on-site venues, each offering a distinct culinary experience.
Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar, the hotel’s signature restaurant, is led by Executive Chef Jon Atanacio. The restaurant serves lunch, dinner, light bites, and a popular weekend brunch, with a menu that is both innovative and approachable. Chef Atanacio’s culinary philosophy centers on utilizing fresh, seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are not only beautifully plated but also bursting with flavor. The dining experience at Élevage reflects a contemporary American approach with global influences, consistently earning accolades for its creativity and execution. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet welcoming, making it suitable for both casual meals and special occasions.
For a different perspective and an elevated experience, guests can adjourn to EDGE, the hotel’s rooftop cocktail lounge. Offering panoramic views of the SoHo neighborhood and beyond, EDGE is a sophisticated retreat specializing in an impressive menu of mixology creations, featuring handcrafted cocktails, local and regional craft beers, and a thoughtfully curated wine list. Light bites are available to complement the beverages, and for those desiring a more substantial meal, Élevage’s full menu can be ordered and served at EDGE upon request, providing unparalleled flexibility for guests. The ambiance at EDGE is vibrant and chic, making it a popular spot for both hotel guests and locals to socialize and enjoy the Tampa skyline.
Beyond its main dining establishments, the Epicurean Hotel further enriches its culinary ecosystem with several unique offerings. Chill Bros. Scoop Shop, a beloved Tampa-based ice cream company, has an outpost on site, providing artisanal frozen treats crafted with high-quality ingredients. This local partnership underscores the hotel’s commitment to supporting the community’s thriving food scene.
Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits, a lobby shop, caters to connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike, offering a meticulously curated selection of rare wines and spirits. Drawing directly from the unparalleled cellar of Bern’s Steak House, this shop allows guests to take a piece of Bern’s legendary collection home, further solidifying the hotel’s connection to its iconic predecessor.
The Epicurean Theatre stands as a cornerstone of the hotel’s mission to foster culinary education and community engagement. This state-of-the-art venue regularly hosts culinary presentations, cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, wine and spirit tastings, and various community events. It serves as an interactive space where guests and locals can deepen their appreciation for food and drink, learn new skills, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. The theatre’s programming often features collaborations with local chefs, sommeliers, and food artisans, reinforcing Tampa’s growing reputation as a vibrant culinary destination.
A hotel spokesperson, commenting on the overall guest experience, might say: "Our aim at the Epicurean Hotel is to provide an immersive journey into the world of fine food and drink. Every detail, from the design elements in our guestrooms to the diverse offerings in our restaurants and the educational programs in our theatre, is thoughtfully curated to celebrate the epicurean lifestyle. We believe that luxury is found in unique experiences, authentic flavors, and a genuine passion for hospitality, all of which we strive to deliver to every guest."
Broader Economic and Cultural Impact
The Epicurean Hotel and Spa Evangeline have significantly contributed to Tampa’s economic and cultural landscape. By offering a distinctive luxury experience, they attract both domestic and international tourists, thereby boosting the local tourism sector. The creation of numerous jobs, from hospitality staff to culinary professionals and spa therapists, further stimulates the local economy.
Moreover, the hotel plays a pivotal role in solidifying Tampa’s reputation as a burgeoning culinary destination. Through its innovative dining concepts, partnerships with local food businesses, and the educational initiatives at the Epicurean Theatre, it serves as a catalyst for culinary innovation and appreciation in the region. The hotel’s emphasis on local sourcing, particularly evident in Spa Evangeline’s herb garden and the artisan pantries, also promotes sustainability and supports local agriculture.
In a broader context, the Epicurean Hotel and Spa Evangeline align perfectly with the growing global trend of experiential tourism and wellness travel. Modern travelers increasingly seek unique, immersive experiences that go beyond conventional sightseeing, focusing on personal enrichment and well-being. The hotel’s integrated culinary and wellness offerings cater directly to this demand, providing a memorable journey that engages all the senses and fosters a deeper connection to the destination. This innovative approach sets a benchmark for luxury hospitality, demonstrating how a specialized theme can create a truly distinctive and compelling offering in a competitive market.
In conclusion, Spa Evangeline and the Epicurean Hotel present a compelling testament to the power of a cohesive vision. By seamlessly weaving the art of gastronomy into every aspect of their offerings, from indulgent spa treatments to sophisticated dining and immersive cultural experiences, they have created a unique retreat in the heart of Tampa’s SoHo. This dedication to quality, innovation, and an unparalleled sensory journey ensures that guests leave not just refreshed and revitalized, but also enriched by a profound appreciation for the epicurean lifestyle.
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Dwi Wanna
Tatiana Tantri Indah Sari
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