Today we’d like to introduce you to Crysti Sherwood.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey began in the Galveston area, where I was born and raised until my early teens. We later moved to Houston during my high school years. It was during that period in my life that I was involved in an accident that injured my right shoulder. The pain was unbearable to the point that I was unable to function properly. A friend of mine suggested that I see Tom Kaptain, a Neuromuscular Therapist. (Formerly Texas Center for Neuromuscular Therapy) His staff administered massage, stretching, and various types of treatments, enabling me to lead a full recovery. It was at that instance that my life would take a turn because I knew then what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I was inspired to bring the same type of joy and relief that I experienced to other people who have to endure similar pain or simply want to relax. Tom later became my mentor and a very dear friend. Sadly He is no longer with us, but his legend lives on…
I have been fortunate enough to visit many luxury spas throughout the country. I have been able to blend the best of the best and use this experience to create a unique and personalized cozy spa retreat location. Now I have embodied a personal touch into the spa. I have a beautiful piano at the entrance. Most people who visit always ask why there is a piano, and I answer that the piano has always been my way to escape into my own world of calmness. The same way we want our clients to leave after every treatment. Sometimes you might find me playing the piano or, if we are lucky, a guest will sit and play a love song to their partner. We take pride in providing superior massage and spa treatments and celebrate love, peace, and tranquility on a daily basis.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Throughout my trials and tribulations in building this spa, the one thing that kept me going was that I never gave up on myself and my dream. The Petite Retreat caters to couples in a way to enhance their well-being and the emotion of LOVE for one another. There have been Hurricanes (Beryl and Derecho)that devastated the city, including my spa. We were all in the dark for a long period of time, but we stood tall and strong. Although these storms were severe, the worst I can recall was during the COVID pandemic. Everyone was isolated from one another. Everyone was going stir crazy, including myself, All I can say is that the people of our city, along with The Petite Retreat, battled and fought through this ailment together. It was tough and sorrowful, but we managed to withstand this vicious virus. The Petite Retreat stood tall and remains standing, promoting tranquility, well-being, and LOVE.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The Petite Retreat is a testament to my blood, sweat, and tears. I molded this spa into an oasis of tranquility, wellness, felicity, and wholeness. We concentrate on couples with various types of couples treatments such as JUST BECAUSE I LOVE YOU, THE PERFECT ESCAPE, AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER, LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN, and ISLAND GETAWAY. Also, there are the FAIRYTALE ROMANCE and HAPPILY EVER AFTER celebrity treatments, which are the luxury therapy. Now we do offer massage remedies for single individuals. We have all types of BODY TREATMENTS from Japanese Foot Treatment, Rose Petal Body Treatment, Detoxifying Mud Body Treatment, just to name a few. There is also a Couples Retreat Tutorial Session, so the couple can learn how to administer a relaxing massage to their spouse or significant other. Homework has never been so much fun. The spa offers facials plus CBD Spa Treatments. We have CBD Collagen Wraps, CBD Foot Treatment, CBD Magnesium Wrap, and the CBD massage. The Petite Retreat has won various awards over the years:
2025- “Neighborhood Fave” on Nextdoor.com
2025- “#1 Best Couples Spa on HTown Best
2022-2023 Nomination for “Best Massage in Houston”, Houston Chronicle
2017-2026 Top Spa on Tripadvisor.com
2017- Featured on Channel 39 News as one of the “Hottest Things to do in Houston.”
2016- Won “Best Day Spa” by Outsmart Magazine
2015- Won “Bride’s Favorite Award.”
2014- Top 5 Best Massages in Houston A List
2013- Won “Bride’s Favorite Award.”
2011-2010- Voted number 1 on Citysearch
2010- Best Couple’s Massage, Best Prenatal Massage, Best Shiatsu Massage, Voted
in the Top 3 for Best massage, Best Sport Massage, and Best Deep Tissue
Massage in Houston.
Yes, I have been here for 26 years, to be exact. Thank you, Houston, I have cherished every moment and second of it. The Petite Retreat, come visit us and experience one of the Best Spa’s in Houston
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I knew from a young age that I was drawn to music. I play the piano and the Oboe. Music has a calming effect on my mind and body. It allowed me to broaden my mind through my imagination. I visited and traveled to many different countries and places that I later visited as I got older. It inspires me to strive to be the best of myself I can be. The Petite Retreat is my dream come true. Though I enjoy music and it’s a huge part of who I am, spreading wellness and tranquility to people is my true calling. Being able to witness their smiles and gratitude nourishes my joy inside, creating wholeness in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thepetiteretreat.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepetiteretreathtx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tprheights
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepetiteretreat/
- Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g56003-d9457422-Reviews-The_Petite_Retreat-Houston_Texas.html
Image Credits
These are my own photos Crysti Sherwood
