Getty Photos
The 2026 Essence of Tradition Competition will happen from July 3 to five. Do not miss this chance: tickets right here: Get tickets
After three years at ESSENCE, New Orleans is beginning to really feel like a second (or perhaps a 3rd, since I am a Chicagoan dwelling in New York) residence. And I am not complaining in any respect.
It’s regularly changing into one in every of my favourite cities in the USA. And never simply due to its scrumptious meals and vibrant nightlife. Bravo to Café du Monde and Bourbon Road!
However I additionally actually like its wellness and wonder locations. These embody, however are usually not restricted to, Freedom Apothecary, a Black-owned wellness and group house, and Spyre Heart the place I took one in every of my favourite yoga lessons. Plus, I even love that they’ve a Now Therapeutic massage Heart, one in every of my favourite locations to get a therapeutic massage after I journey. And it actually helps that it is inside strolling distance of my favourite wellness cafe within the space, The Day by day Beet.
As for the right place to remain, to prime all of it off? Actually, Virgin motels. One, as a result of it is near all of the locations above. Particularly the closest, strolling distance to The Day by day Beet and The Now Therapeutic massage location.
Not solely that, I like the inside design. The lodge itself has a lot character that it embodies, in my view, the spirit of New Orleans, with all the colourful colours and textures of its appear and feel.
The rooms are very clear and likewise match this vitality. My favourite half? The vainness, the sink and the wonder space. The vainness comes with the right lighting for placing in your make-up. In truth, after I was there a couple of weeks in the past for my pal’s marriage ceremony, I used to be in a position to obtain a make-up look that I used to be actually happy with (extra on that later!), due to the set-up.
As for the hair, I did a bubble ponytail, utilizing hair and merchandise I bought from an area magnificence retailer, a brief stroll from the lodge, known as Crystal Magnificence. Having it close by can be each magnificence lover’s dream.
I additionally observed that just lately the lodge hosted a wellness collection led by Amber Mortensen that included a 60-minute guided yoga class, cocktails, mild breakfasts and extra. I hope I can catch one thing comparable subsequent time I am on the town. And if not, there may be at all times the unimaginable gymnasium within the constructing!
In addition to all of the wellness and wonder excursions that make this magnificence editor’s coronary heart skip a beat each time I keep on the property, the lodge additionally has loads to supply when it comes to musical performances and nightlife. And, if you recognize, you know the way passionate I’m about music – one more reason why I like NOLA!
For instance, throughout my final keep there, they hosted a Friday evening set with musical artist Nell Simmons Bradley, an up-and-coming jazz singer from NOLA. So, to expertise the sounds of the town, you do not even have to go away the property. In fact, I like to recommend exploring as a lot as attainable. However there’s additionally nothing mistaken with having a pleasant, comfy evening’s sleep. Or a pre-match Jazz second earlier than hitting the streets.
All this to say, I sit up for staying there at any time when I get the possibility. And, for those who’re attending the Essence Competition this 12 months, whether or not on a solo journey, along with your finest pal, or boo thang, I extremely suggest testing The Virgin Resorts NOLA.
