It happens every year like clockwork. As wonderful as the holidays are, the constant pull of events, parties and the extra time and effort to make them special take their toll. As the new year arrives, it comes with new focus—and often more tasks on your to-do list. It’s important to remember you can’t pour from an empty cup. To be your best at home and at work, you need to take time to recharge. Setting aside time for self-care isn’t optional—it’s a necessity to be your best self.
Few understand the importance of self-care quite like Dawn Aquila, Spa Director of Spa Evangeline at Epicurean Hotel in South Tampa. With over 20 years in the spa industry, she’s seen firsthand the value an investment in self-care can bring. “If you don’t slow down and take the time to take care of yourself, other things are going to start to fall off. It’s important to treat yourself to some kindness and love. When we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t help take care of others. It’s important to take that time to find ways to help your mind relax,” shared Aquila.
The crush of stress when you’re feeling under pressure has a tremendous impact on your mind and body. “It’s something that will affect every part of your body at some point. If you don’t manage it with self-care, you could be in for a lot more damage. The mind affects everything. Even aging your body and your face,” explained Aquila. Stress left unchecked can create an unhealthy cycle that can be difficult to break free from. While it seems daunting to add another item to your schedule, prioritizing yourself is an important way to keep that stress in check. “You need to start somewhere. Just taking that first step, even if it’s only a half-hour service, helps,” added Aquila.
Self-care doesn’t have to be boring. While some prefer relaxing in solitude, it can be a great opportunity to set aside time with friends and relax together. When schedules are crazy, it can be the perfect opportunity to reconnect and catch up on what’s going on in each other’s lives. Even better can be committing to self-care alongside your partner. Booking a couple’s massage and lunch together can make your self-care double as date time. “Anytime you’re able to bring a friend or a significant other, it’s going to make the whole experience more invigorating and relaxing,” shared Aquila.
Committing to setting aside time for self-care is often just half the battle. Finding the best way to make it happen can often prove challenging. On the most basic level, establishing a meditation routine or adding daily walks in nature can be impactful. But there’s something healing about factoring in the human touch. “People get mechanical massagers. It’s not the same thing,” said Aquila.
Scheduling a massage or pedicure at a local day spa can reap dividends. “Taking care of your feet is like taking care of your heart. The more you stimulate those nerve endings, it just radiates throughout the entire body,” added Aquila. Booking a facial or body treatment allows you to improve your skin health while relaxing your mind. Even a simple manicure with a hand massage can offer an enormous impact. You forget how much abuse you put your body through daily until you enjoy the simple indulgence of a massage.
Taking your self-care a step further and booking a weekend away for a spa weekend can feel like an indulgence, but it’s well worth the investment. Celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries make a great incentive to make your self-care the ultimate experience.
While the Tampa Bay area has a wealth of day spas and resorts to consider, Epicurean Hotel and Spa Evangeline sets itself apart. “When you come to Spa Evangeline, you step into a world where flavor and wellness beautifully collide,” explained Aquila. Located across from Bern’s Steakhouse, the hotel and spa take much inspiration from the legendary restaurant, offering refined relaxation. From their welcome glass of wine at check-in to the world-class cuisine of their Michelin recognized restaurant, Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar, booking an experience here celebrates the art of living well. “It’s a perfect balance of indulgence and intention,” added Aquila.
Even just booking a simple treatment at the spa, you can experience all Epicurean Hotel has to offer through their Resort Pass. “It doesn’t matter which type of service they book, valet parking is included, and guests receive a robe, slippers, a locker, and a brief tour. Then they’ll have a complimentary glass of champagne, wine, or bourbon, and we invite them to stay,” explained Aquila. Spa guests receive a wristband that grants them access to the hotel’s pool for the day, turning a simple service into a rejuvenating mini staycation.
For those indulging a little longer, Epicurean Hotel delivers the ultimate food and wine lover's experience. The rooms offer a well-stocked bar, including a curated selection of elevated wines. Before dining downstairs on steaks sourced from their neighbor Bern’s, you can enjoy a cocktail at their luxuriously comfortable lobby bar or take in the Tampa skyline and Soho neighborhood from the EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge. With careful planning, you can also time your visit to indulge in a food or wine event at their state-of-the-art culinary classroom, the Epicurean Theatre.
Whether a daily gift of self-kindness or an indulgent weekend of spa services and world-class cuisine, setting aside time for the investment of self-care will reap rewards all year long. It will be the best resolution you could make for your personal health and wellness journey.
Epicurean Hotel and Spa Evangeline
1207 South Howard Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33606
(813) 999-8700
EpicureanHotel.com
Spaevangeline.com
Epicurean Hotel and Spa Evangeline offer specialties showcasing all the flavors of the season. Check the website and hotel event calendar to see what special opportunities may be available during your visit.
“When we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t help take care of others.”
“It’s something that will affect every part of your body at some point. If you don’t manage it with self-care, you could be in for a lot more damage. The mind affects everything.”