Working on relaxing

Dallas flies high on list of best U.S. places for a ‘wellness workcation’

Or maybe just take a real vacation?

Jean-Philippe Wallet/Getty Images

We’ve got vacations and staycations. But now there’s a new getaway category: wellness workcation.

Wait a minute. Aren’t we supposed to promote wellness by taking vacations and staycations and not embarking on any sort of trip with the word “work” in it? Well, the folks at Icelandair have other ideas.

In fact, they’ve assembled a list of the best places in the U.S. for a wellness workcation, and Dallas grabs the No. 7 ranking. At No. 11, Houston is the only other Texas location on the list. Kansas City holds the No. 1 ranking for both U.S. and global destinations.

Icelandair, the national airline of Iceland, based its ranking on seven factors: quality of life, cost of living, internet speed, health care, air pollution, climate, and safety. Dallas scores best in the air pollution category and worst in the quality-of-life category.

As determined by Icelandair, Dallas, Houston, and Kansas City are among the best places in the country for mixing remote work with relaxation.

“Combining work and travel is a fantastic way to make the most of remote working and prioritize your mental and physical health at the same time,” Icelandair proclaims.

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Hotel News

New dual-branded Marriott hotel property to squeeze into Uptown Dallas

Courtesy rendering

AC Hotel and Moxy Hotel

Uptown Dallas has a new dual-branded hotel development on the horizon: According to a release, ground has been broken on two Marriott brand hotels, AC Hotel and Moxy Hotel, slated to go up at 2910 N. Hall St. with a completion date by summer 2026.

The project will be located on Hall Street just a block south (or is it east) of McKinney Avenue at the corner of Oak Grove Avenue. It's been in the works for more than two years, but got delayed by the pandemic.

The development comes from Atlanta-based Peachtree Group, an investment management firm, and will feature 264 rooms total: 110 rooms for the AC Hotel and 154 rooms for the Moxy Hotel, providing distinct yet complementary experiences positioned competitively with premium hotels in Uptown. AC is an urban boutique hotel that services older travelers, while Moxy caters to a younger demographic.

Each brand will have its own lobby and entrance, but will share some amenities including a fitness center and a 261-stall onsite parking garage.

Dining options will include the signature Moxy Bar and Restaurant, located at street level, plus a custom-branded bar and lounge on the 8th floor featuring a deck with an outdoor terrace, water features, and views of Dallas.

With room rates starting at about $230, the dual-branded hotel will be positioned a little lower than some of the luxury properties nearby.

“Most hotels in Uptown cater to the upper-upscale and luxury segments, leaving the submarket lacking in upscale hotel options to meet the needs of a substantial portion of Uptown's demand,” says Greg Friedman, managing principal and CEO of Peachtree, in a statement.

With modern design and state-of-the-art amenities, the hotels are set to become a destination for business and leisure travelers.

"The elevated amenity deck and custom-branded bar will create a unique destination within Uptown Dallas, driving demand from both hotel guests and locals alike," says Friedman. "This dual-branded property is designed to offer a dynamic experience that will stand out in the city’s competitive hospitality market."

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