‘Refreshed and renovated:’ Spa Castle Texas reopens in Carrollton

Spa Castle Texas in Carrollton has reopened after an estimated $4.5 million renovation. 

The upgrades to the popular Korean spa focused on improving the reliability of systems such as pools, hydrotherapy areas and saunas. Locker rooms, flooring, furnishings and other aesthetic features also got a makeover, said Stephanie Chon, COO and the daughter of Spa Castle founder and owner Steve Chon.

“It was a good reset button for us not only to strengthen our infrastructure but to really set up the foundation to elevate the hospitality and the experience overall,” said Stephanie Chon, who oversaw the renovation. The spa reopened on July 4.

Beyond technical upgrades, all of the upper management team and most of the front-of-the-house staff were changed, Stephanie Chon said. Stephanie Chon started with Spa Castle back in 2007 and has seen the company go through many iterations. 

The company’s New York flagship location’s renovation made it look like a Greek spa, for example. Stephanie Chon said the aesthetic change didn’t align with Spa Castle’s mission.

“We missed the mark on staying true to who we are,” Stephanie Chon said. “We got to stay true to the Asian heritage that we have and infuse it across all the different departments.”

That heritage appears in Spa Castle Texas’ renovation through its updated spa menu. There’s now an emphasis on Korean spa practice with treatments such as the Korean Glass Facial and a partnership with Korean skincare brand Savor Beauty.

Stephanie Chon also took inspiration from her own wellness retreat property in Alexandria, Va., Balian Springs. She said Spa Castle Texas will begin to roll out more “community-based” programming such as yoga, Pilates and meditation classes.

The One Boutique Hotel attached to the spa remains closed for Phase 2 of the renovations. Its 8,000-square-foot banquet hall was underused in the years since Spa Castle Texas opened. That and the hotel’s penthouse are the next targets for a refresh, Stephanie Chon said.

Spa Castle Texas’s owner, Steve Chon, also runs the flagship in New York. His businesses ran into controversy in 2022 when he pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion charges. Stephanie Chon said that a lack of employee oversight led to the incident. She said the family has since become more directly involved in managing their company.

“That’s why I think he brought me back in to help with Spa Castle, because there’s nobody that you can trust more than family,” Stephanie Chon said.

The July 4 soft opening came with some kinks, but guests responded positively, Stephanie Chon said. Guests’ reactions made the 11-month renovation worth it to the Chon family.

“It was just a marathon and so emotionally and physically draining,” Stephanie Chon said. “Seeing the difference that we’ve made, it made it all worth it.”

Spa Castle Texas day passes are available for purchase online or in person. The website recommends purchasing passes in person.