Say Spaaaah

Melt away holiday stress at this luxe resort that's just a few hours from Dallas

Despite all its sparkly decorations, delicious food, and festive excitement, the holidays can also be an intense and stressful time. Family comes into town. Children go crazy over sugar and gifts. The mall is packed with frenzied shoppers. So why not take some time to escape the madness? Choctaw Casino & Resort–Durant is the ideal place to relax and refresh during the holiday season.

Perhaps you're looking for a quick pre-Thanksgiving getaway, or the chance to steal away before all the Christmas events really ramp up. No matter when you carve out the time, Choctaw has plenty of ways to blow off steam. The resort's gorgeous hotel rooms offer incredible bathrooms, outfitted with deep tubs that are just begging for an uninterrupted bubble bath (stay in the Spa Tower for an extra touch of luxury). You won’t have to make your own bed or clean your own bathroom the entire time you're there.

Choctaw is an AAA Four Diamond entertainment destination, so you won’t have to worry about anything but having fun and unwinding while you’re there. And it wouldn’t be a casino without games, so make sure you come ready to play. A round of slots or blackjack is the right medicine to get your mind off the in-laws, and if you want to step away from the cards for a while, there are plenty of places to grab a drink around the tables. Who knows? Maybe you’ll make a few bucks and can pad your holiday shopping fund.

The resort boasts 12 onsite restaurants, so you’ll definitely be well-fed during your stay. And the best part is that you don't have to do any of the cooking (or dishes). Offerings include 1832 Steakhouse, where you can order up the perfect cut of meat; Bamboo Noodle Bar, to satisfy your Asian cuisine cravings; and La Cantina, for your taco and tequila fix.

"Me time" might be hard to come by around the holidays, but it's ready and waiting at Choctaw Casino & Resort–Durant's spa. Escape reality for a while through a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, or selection of body treatments. Registered guests can use the fitness center, lounge areas, steam room, and whirlpools for a daily resort fee. In-room spa serves and spa parties are also available.

During the season of giving, give yourself permission to rest and relax at Choctaw Casino & Resort–Durant — it'll definitely help you get on the "nice" list.

Escape the holiday madness this year — even if just for a day or two.

Photo courtesy of Choctaw Casino & Resort–Durant

Escape the holiday madness this year — even if just for a day or two.

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In This Week's Top Stories

Global ice cream chain tops this week's most popular stories in Dallas

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Ice cream from Dumont Creamery & Cafe

Editor's note: A global ice cream chain from India that opened two DFW locations was the hottest topic this week in Dallas. Also of note: A buzzy burger restaurant, the death of a beloved Dallas musician-DJ, and an impressive ranking for Flower Mound. Here are the most-read stories of the week. If you're looking for things to do this weekend, we got you: That list is here.

1. Global gourmet ice cream chain debuts in U.S. with 2 Dallas-area shops. An ice cream concept from India has made its U.S. debut, right here in Texas: Dumont Creamery & Cafe was founded in Hyderabad and now has two locations in the Dallas area. Ice cream is the centerpiece with more than two dozen flavors, ranging from Italian-inspired sorbet to a New Zealand-inspired honey ice cream called "hokey pokey."

2. Acclaimed Burger Schmurger pop-up finds permanent space in East Dallas. A buzzy burger pop-up is graduating to brick-and-mortar status: Burger Schmurger, which has earned oodles of acclaim for its smash burger style of burgers, is moving into a permanent home at 718 N Buckner Blvd., the space previously occupied by Bar None which closed in August..

3. Colorful Dallas musician and DJ Mark Ridlen passes away at 65. A bright and colorful light in Dallas' music scene went out: Mark Ridlen, DJ and musician, passed away on November 17, following a bout with cancer; he was 65. As a professional DJ under the moniker "DJ Mr. Rid," Ridlen had been a steady staple on the local creative scene.

4. Fill up on the festive fare in this roundup of Dallas restaurant news. This roundup of restaurant news around Dallas is all about new menus, with lots of festive-themed dishes and menu additions. There's a new brunch at a surprising destination, new cocktails, and lots of hot chocolate, fitting for the season..

5. Well-to-do Dallas suburb lands on top-10 list of holiday big spenders. It looks like Santa Claus is going to be competing with residents in Flower Mound to see who brings the most lavish holiday gifts this year. Festive Flo-Mo ranked No. 7 in WalletHub's annual report on U.S. cities with the biggest holiday budgets in 2024.