PaperCity

October 2000

"After months of mindlessly tolling from Sante Fe to St. Tropez, hypersocial types admit they're desperate for a glamour fix.  Oh thank heavens the social season is in full swirl. So, time to oil up the family limo, and drag out the heirloom jewels.  It's time for Life in the Show Lane.

Brea [Gratia] (Brea Sanctuary d' Sante, 3637 W. Alabama, Suite 235, 713.622.7722) Brea calls her nurturing treatment the "Cure Lavish." And after experiencing this popular two-and-a-half hours of pampering, clients don't question why. Cocooned in a candlelit room, you're eased into the treatment with a scalp massage before the one-hour facial.  Then for the following 90 minutes, you're senses are surrendered while you experience hot and cold surprises ranging from finger massages to foot baths.  Famous for the intoxicatingly sublime services she's perfected for more than 21 years (she's been written up in magazines like Time and Vogue), Brea has garnered flocks of faithful fans like Gracie Cavnar and Janie DeGuerin who don't mind waiting two months for an appointment.  Clients also clamor for her creative Ritual experience.  No talking is permitting upon entering the candlelit room that pulsates with recorded earth sounds and a heartbeat rhythm.  The relaxing 75-minute production, which includes light body brushing, heat, aromatherapy massage, cradled rocking and Shirodhara (warm oil slowly flowing onto the forehead and scalp) has been said to provoke a personal spiritual seance of the senses."