Kara Franker

I recently visited the food-focused AAA Four Diamond Epicurean Hotel, located in Tampa's trendy Hyde Park historic district, and was blown away by the attention to detail -- from the decor, to the food, to the service and the treatments at the spa.

The hotel was developed by the geniuses behind the legendary Bern's Steak House (one of my favorite places in Tampa) and Mainsail Lodging & Development, and is the first newly constructed hotel in the U.S. to join the prestigious Autograph Collection.

 

Tampa’s trendy Hyde Park historic district is home to the Epicurean Hotel, a food-focused boutique property developed by the same owners of the legendary Bern’s Steak House.

Tampa’s trendy Hyde Park historic district is home to the Epicurean Hotel, a food-focused boutique property
- Epicurean Hotel

Epicurean Room

The 137 boutique rooms at the Epicurean Hotel in Tampa reflect the property’s focus on fine wine and dining.
- Bill Serne for VISIT FLORIDA

Experience Evangeline Spa

Located on the ground floor of the hotel, Evangeline Spa offers a truly sumptuous experience. Named for the iconic statue located in the neighboring Bern’s Steak House, the 2,800-square-foot spa features five treatment rooms, a relaxation room, plus manicure and pedicure stations. You can work with a spa sommelier to create custom spa products using fresh fruits, essential oils and locally grown herbs that can be utilized during the spa treatment or taken home.

The pool area at the Epicurean Hotel in Tampa glows in the sunset.

The pool area at the Epicurean Hotel in Tampa glows in the sunset.
- Bill Serne for VISIT FLORIDA

Epicurean Cook

Executive Chef Chad Johnson prepares a dry-aged strip steak
- Bill Serne for VISIT FLORIDA

 

A fragrant live herb wall in the spa allows therapists to incorporate locally grown cilantro, mint and other fresh ingredients into select treatments. To sweeten the deal, ask for a glass of wine or Moët & Chandon champagne by the glass. Select treatments also include a delicious dessert from the hotel’s pâtisserie, Chocolate Pi.

Unique Product Lines Include FarmHouse Fresh and Caudalie

The spa offers two product lines unique to the area – FarmHouse Fresh and Caudalie. FarmHouse Fresh creates natural and organic bath and body products designed with southern vintage flair and using indigenous regional ingredients. In keeping with the Epicurean’s culinary theme, FarmHouse Fresh offers their liquor-based body polishes, including Butter Rum, Bourbon Bubbler, Watermelon-Basil Vodkatini and the top-selling Whoopie! Cream, all of which can be experienced in a variety of spa treatments such as the Dulce Delight pedicure.

 

At Elevage, the signature restaurant affiliated with Tampa’s Epicurean Hotel, an order of dedar plank salmon and Brussels sprouts with hazelnut and apple glaze is on its way from kitchen to table. The Epicurean in being developed in collaboration with Bern’s Steak House and will be the first newly constructed property in the U.S. to join the Autograph Collection of Marriott International.

At Elevage, the signature restaurant affiliated with Tampa’s Epicurean Hotel, an order of dedar plank salmon and Brussels sprouts with hazelnut.
- Bill Serne for VISIT FLORIDA

Glasses of bubbly are lined up at The Bar at Elevage in Tampa’s Epicurean Hotel.

Glasses of bubbly are lined up at The Bar at Elevage in Tampa’s Epicurean Hotel.
- Bill Serne for VISIT FLORIDA

Evangeline’s second product line – Caudalie – is the creator of Vinothérapie and was founded in the heart of the vineyards in Bordeaux, France. Vinothérapie combines the virtues of naturally warm spring water rich in minerals and trace elements with the latest scientific findings on the benefits of the vine and grapes. Spa services such as the quintessential crushed cabernet massage and the vinoperfect radiance facial showcase Caudalie’s products and blend perfectly with the Epicurean Hotel’s other culinary spa offerings.

The spa also offers a special treatment menu for men, including the Fine as Wine men’s facial, Hot Whiskey Scour massage (served with a shot of whiskey at the end) and the Bern’s Bourbon on the Rocks pedicure.

After experiencing a little R&R at the spa, check out the rest of the amazing amenities at the hotel:

  • Take a class at the state-of-the-art culinary classroom known as the Epicurean Theatre
  • Dine at Élevage, a restaurant where classic recipes are re-imagined
  • Sip on handcrafted cocktails at EDGE rooftop bar,
  • Nosh on dessert at the Chocolate Pi pâtisserie
  • Visit Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits wine shop
  • Take one of the house bicycles for a spin around the neighborhood.

If You Go: The spa is open to the public and spa memberships and gift cards are available. For reservations and more information on the Evangeline spa at the Epicurean Hotel, call (813) 999-8742 or visit SpaEvangeline.com. For hotel reservations, call (813) 999-8700 or visit EpicureanHotel.com.

 

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