7 Wellness Resorts Around Texas for an Escape

January 27, 2020January 28, 2020 by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Travel, Where to Stay

This post was originally written for and published on the Dallasites101 Blog. To see the original article click here.

Sometimes it easy to forget that there is more to this state than just Dallas and everything going on in the city! If you are ready for an escape for some R&R, we have gathered 7 wellness resorts around the state that are sure to help you wind down!

MIRAVAL AUSTIN

MIRAVAL AUSTIN

Set only 30 minutes outside of Austin overlooking the Lake Travis, Miraval is a perfect place to retreat into your personal inner world of peace for a tranquil getaway. The property is staffed with astrologers, psychics, mystics, pilates instructors, yoga instructors, sound healers, and therapists. Unlike booking a room at a hotel, Miraval sells packages. The Miraval Ultimate Package starts at $629 per night and includes a $175 nightly credit, unlimited classes, luxurious accommodations, unlimited snacks, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages.

AUSTIN | DIRECTIONS

LAKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT

Lake Austin Spa Resort was the #1 Texas Resort by Conde Nast Traveler in 2018 and is a great location for anyone looking for a couples getaway. This awesome facility offers a whole host of wonderful activities including: fitness and culinary classes, lectures, boating, Yoga, Meditation, Health, and many more. Other water activities include hydro-bikes, kayaks, and sculling boats. There are two types of packages that this exclusive Spa Resort offers its customers, but we recommend the Spa Refresher Package that costs $575 per person per night; a $160 spa and fitness credit per person per night, is included with this package!

AUSTIN | DIRECTIONS

HORSESHOE BAY RESORT

HORSESHOE BAY RESORT

Nominated for the 2019 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, Horseshoe Bay Resort offers quite a few unique accommodations for their guests. For sleeping accommodations, guests have the option to either stay in a hotel room or they have the option to rent a lakeside condo, villa, or private home. They have a private jet center which includes fuel services and discounts, hangar storage, vehicle rental, charter services, and more. Anyone looking for a romantic getaway, there are several fun activities for couples which includes: sunset cruises, Winery Tours, and couples massages.

HORSESHOE BAY | DIRECTIONS

DEER LAKE LODGE

Glamping paired with a full spa and wellness facilities, Deer Lake Lodge is the perfect place for anyone looking to get far off the beaten path. Amenities includes a shop that sells CBD oils, creams, and ointments, detox and cleansing services, massages, facials, body wraps, colon hydrotherapy, harmonizing rituals, iridology, reiki, scalp therapy, ionic foot baths, private and group yoga sessions. The minimum stay is three days and two nights and guests are given the option to stay in either a cabin or a suite. Suites start at $1050 for three days and two nights. Cabins start at $1250 for three days and two nights.

MONTGOMERY | DIRECTIONS

LOST PINES RESORT & SPA

Set right outside of Austin, Lost Pines Resort and Spa is the most family-friendly resort spa on this list, with several activities that are enjoyable for adults and children alike. These activities include trapshooting, fishing excursions, tomahawk throwing, archery, equestrian, ziplining, survival skills, kayaking, and more. Some enjoyable activities geared more for adults include: Wolfdancer Golf Club, Spa Django, StayFit Gym, Stories Fine Dining, Shellers Barrelhouse Bar and Scribes Club (seasonal).

CEDAR CREEK | DIRECTIONS

CIBOLO CREEK RANCH

Located just East of the Chinati Mountains in Marfa, there is a highly exclusive hotel that is worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. Cibolo Creek Ranch has some fantastic amenities including wonderful ranch-style cuisine and fine wines, a pool, charging stations for your Tesla, fitness center, media room, and a private airstrip. You can even bring your best furry friend because pets are allowed everywhere on the ranch except for the dining room. Guests have the option to either rent a Fort or a Room.

MARFA | DIRECTIONS

THE JOULE

If you don’t want to leave Dallas, the Joule Hotel is a fantastic alternative! It is home to a full spa and a fitness studio (VITAL) that includes group fitness and yoga classes. It’s the spa that takes the cake though – you’ll head down to a cave-like set up with impeccable facilities that include a special rainfall shower, steam room, sauna, coed pool with lounge chairs, a relaxation room with tea and snacks and some of the best treatments in town.

DALLAS | DIRECTIONS

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The Most Instagramable Hotel in Austin, TX – The Driskill

September 23, 2019September 17, 2019 by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Travel, Where to Stay

Happy First Day of Autumn! It is now officially my favorite season of the year! Autumn is my favorite season for many reasons! I love the fall colors, the weather (Texas weather during Fall is glorious), Texas Tech Football, and of course the holidays.

Thanksgiving is easily one of my favorite holidays during the Autumn Season! With fall finally upon us, it is officially time to start solidifying our travel plans for the Thanksgiving Holiday. This Thanksgiving, my boyfriend and I will be traveling to the lovely and bohemian Texas Capital (Austin, TX). We are primarily visiting so that we can attend the Texas v. Texas Tech Football Game on November 29th. But I digress, I am super thrilled to visit the city of Austin! During our trip, he and I will be staying at the amazing Driskill Hotel.

Perfect Location for Instagram

Photo Courtesy of The Driskill Hotel

Originally opened in 1886 by Cattle Barron, Jesse Driskill; the hotel has seen some amazing events and A-class guests (including President Lyndon B. Johnson) over the last 130(+) years. Currently, the hotel part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. The Hyatt has made the conscious decision to stay true to the hotel’s original Romanesque Revival Architecture. The Interior Decor (expertly designed by Volz & Associates, Inc.) is an absolutely stunning and ornate Art Deco Design that includes many period-motifs. This makes the Driskill the perfect location for any Instagramable moment, especially: marriage proposals, wedding pictures, family photos, and more!

Rooms & Amenities

My boyfriend and I will be staying in a Balcony room, which is one of the premium guest rooms available (aside from the Suites). Along with traditional room amenities (i.e. flat screen TV, Wifi, In-room Safe, and several more); this room also includes fantastic view of historic 6th Street in the Heart of Downtown Austin. Other amenities include, museum-quality art work, live music every night, upscale dining, and traditions such as afternoon tea. Nightly turn-down services are also available for anyone wanting to add a little more romance to their stay.

1886 Cafe & Bakery

Photo Courtesy of The Driskill Hotel

The 1886 Cafe & Bakery is open daily from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM and serves breakfast and lunch all morning and early afternoon. Executive Chef, Christian Aptez, delights his patrons with fantastic breakfast options, including: Austin Hot Fried Chicken, Smoked Salmon & Bagel, Hangover Omlet, and the vegan Texas-Shaped Waffle. Some lunch options include Poblano Corn Soup (which is gluten-free), Arugula & Melon Salad, Turkey B.L.T Croissant, and the Hangover Burger. To drink, be sure to try their The Breezy One Cocktail.

Every Second Monday at 6:00 PM, the 1886 Cafe & Bakery hosts the Craft Series at 1886. This series offers guests four craft beers accompanied by a four course dinner all for the great price of $45.

The Driskill Bar

Photo Courtesy of The Driskill Hotel

Named one of the Top 10 Bars in America by USA Today and Best Bar in Texas by Southern Living, The Driskill Bar is a wonderful gathering spot for travelers over the age of 21. Happy Hour is from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Daily. If you are looking for a few bites to eat: try their Margarita Flatbread or Smoked French Dip. Or after a long day, guests can relax in a large lounge chair, listen to some live music (which is offered nightly), socialize with some new friends, all while sipping on the The Batini (the Official Drink of Austin).

This post was originally written by Kelsey Andriot and posted on The Chronicles of Kelsey Blog.

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8 Glamping Getaways Around Texas to Visit

Featured by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Where to Stay

The following article was first published on Dallasites 101 Blog. To read the complete article click here.

Glamping has become a fun and unique way to relax and enjoy nature but without the hassle and discomfort of traditional camping. The term (“glamping”) was first coined in the United Kingdom in 2005 for luxurious, resort-like camping. And luckily, it was carried through to the US, with our own State of Texas offering some wonderful glamping spots that are perfect for a great solo trip or couples getaway. Here are 8 of our favorite!

EL COSMICO

The gold standard of glamping in Texas, and maybe the entire US, El Cosmico is a bucket-list getaway. From DIY Self Tent camping to renting updated trailers from the 1970’s, to Sioux-TeePee Rentals, Mongolian Yurt rentals, African Safari Tent Rentals, and even short-term apartment rentals, they have the perfect accommodations for any traveler with any level of “roughing-it” experience. And the flat, desert backdrop that is Marfa makes the entire experience unforgettable. You more than likely have seen this place on Instagram, or have heard of some of its sister hotels like the Hotel San Jose or Austin Motel, all owned by the Bunkhouse Group, that does an amazing job of curating unique and retro hospitality experiences.

El Cosmico also hosts the annual Trans-Pecos Festival of Music + Love, coming up on September 26-29 this year!

COLLECTIVE RETREATS: MONTESINO RANCH

The Collective Retreats is a national glamping brand aimed at offering romantic getaways for couples! And one of their locations is in the Hill Country at Montesino Ranch. For $750 per night, you can treat yourself and your significant other to some really fun treats; including a luxurious 60 minute in-tent couples massage, reservations for dinner at the on-site Farm-to-Table restaurant at the Three Peaks Lodge on your first night, along with several other romantic treats. The Collective Retreats also has other fun activities that are great for couples and include: Wine Tour Wimberly, Electric Bike Tours, and a “Beer, Brining & Branding Culinary Class” just to name a few.

GERONIMO CREEK RETREAT

Geronimo Creek Retreat is the perfect retreat for any group of friends looking for accomodations near New Braunfels. They have several options for sleeping accommodations including Treehouses, TeePees, Cabins, and the Homestead Haus. But we like the Treehouses best – they can fit up to eight people and have quick access to Geronimo Creek where guests have 24-hour access to the kayaks and paddleboards. Should the group decide to stay-in for the night, you can challenge your friends to a game of foosball or shuffleboard, or just hang out and have drinks by the firepit. If the group is going out, Schlitterbahn is a 24 minute drive and Gruene Hall is a 30 minute drive.

WALDEN RETREATS

With two large safari tents overlooking the beautiful Texas Hill Country and the Pedernales River, Walden Retreat is the perfect destination for any romantic couple looking for some much needed privacy. Each tent includes a King-Sized bed, Clawfoot Bathtub, an outdoor deck, a private fire pit, and several other luxurious amenities. If you and your significant other are looking for other activities during the day some fun activities we recommend the 290 Wines Trail, visiting Fredericksburg, and Garrison Brothers Bourbon.

SINYA ON LONE MAN CREEK

This is a great isolated glamping site with some wonderful amenities that make it feel like home. The lovely Safari-inspired getaway includes some wonderful features; including a hot tub, hammock, a stone patio, and fire pit. Also, if you are looking to go swimming during the hot summer months, Sinya is surprisingly close to some local swimming holes including Jacobs Well (16 minutes) and The Blue Hole (8 minutes).

BASECAMP TERLINGUA

At least once in your lifetime, Basecamp Terlingua is a destination-must. They have several great options for sleeping accommodations, including cabins, tee-pees, and lotus tents. But we recommend the Bubbles. The Bubble is an inflated dome, where the top half or the dome is perfectly clear, allowing you and your travel partner to admire the rustic beauty of the West Texas desert by day or stargaze by night, all while lounging in a luxurious queen bed. And it is all for the price of $199 per night.

WAHWAHTAYSEE RESORT

Three beautifully designed safari tents are the perfect place to visit during the hot summer months because they have quick access to several beaches along the San Marcos River. Each “tent” is 650 square feet and includes all the luxurious amenities of home; including hardwood floors, fully equipped kitchenette, large indoor shower, and a luxurious king-sized bed. For activities guests have several options including visiting the 150 year old pecan orchard is within walking distance. Or if you would like to float the river, the Texas State Tube Rental is a 16 minute drive west.

THE GETAWAY (COMING SOON)

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THE GETAWAY (COMING SOON)

Coming soon in the Piney Woods Region of Texas, there will be a brand new Glamping site called The Getaway. It is a fun and unique concept, using tiny cabins as a new way to get out of the overconnected city life, retreat to the woods and unplug. The Getaway has all the luxuries of home such as indoor plumbing and A/C. Each Tiny Cabin also includes a firepit with a gill rack, making them perfect to try newly found Pinterest Campfire recipes.

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