Spa time

These 9 luxe new hotel spas are palaces of pampering in Texas’ biggest cities

The lounge at the new Ritz-Carlton Spa in Las Colinas.

Photo courtesy of Ritz-Carlton

Sleek luxury hotels have been debuting at a dizzying pace in Texas' biggest cities in the last year. There's nothing more indulgent than arriving at a hotel and slipping upstairs for a soothing massage after a turbulent flight; nothing more celebratory than a bachelorette weekend away at a spa. Here are the nine hottest new spas at luxury hotels around Texas, all of which have opened (or reopened) in about the last 18 months. Bonus that a few new DFW hotels have must-visit bars, too.

Dallas-Fort Worth

The Ritz-Carlton Spa & Salon, Las Colinas
After a rebranding and refurbishing, the newly christened Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas hotel is ready to unveil its highly anticipated spa. According to a spokeswoman, the spa is targeting Saturday, May 4 for its grand debut. The 14,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa features 16 treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite and a full-service salon. (Watch the website for more information to come on services offered.) Spa packages range from two-hour treatments to full-day packages for total indulgence. The spa also features a wet and dry sauna, heated whirlpool, cold plunge pool, and a Vichy shower room – a power shower with six shower heads. The spa will welcome both hotel guests and dedicated spa-goers, 9 am-5 pm Tuesday-Saturday. 4150 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, 972-717-2555.

The Spa and Salon at Loews Arlington
The swanky spa on the second floor of the new hotel in Arlington's Entertainment District opened February 13. The new pampering palace features six spa treatment rooms, including a dedicated Couple's Suite offering massages, facials, and body treatments; a co-ed Relaxation Lounge, and a specialty boutique. There's a full-service salon for manicures, pedicures, and hair styling to look camera-ready for Rangers' and Cowboys' games. The spa uses premium wellness products from Privai, Ultraceuticals, and Botanika Life in treatments, but the signature service is a Tequila Body Treatment, which incorporates Jose Cuervo Authentic Tequila with a detoxifying body brush exfoliation, hydrating body mask, and antioxidant-rich face, neck and shoulder massage ($200 for 50 minutes). The spa is open to hotel guests and the general public, 10 am-6 pm Sunday-Thursday and 8 am-8 pm Friday-Saturday. Check the website for a limited-time Spa Escape Package and several Mother's Day specials. 888 Nolan Ryan Expy., Arlington, 682-318-2810.

Loews Hotel in Arlington spa salon The spa and salon at the new Loews Hotel in Arlington. Photo courtesy of Loews Hotel in Arlington

Canyon Ranch Wellness Club + Spa at The Crescent, Fort Worth
Known worldwide as a premier destination spa, Canyon Ranch debuted its first Wellness Club in Fort Worth’s new Crescent Hotel in December 2023. While a membership affords some special perks, the club's luxurious spa and salon is open to both hotel guests and the public alike. A lengthy menu of services includes some high-tech facials and body treatments never before offered in Fort Worth. Among them: a multisensory Vichy table used as part of a CBD Wellness Ritual and Hungarian Mud Wrap Ritual (both $340-$350); and a Custom Ionixlight Facial, blending full-spectrum LED light with negative ion therapy, oxygen therapy, microdermabrasion, microcurrent, and ultrasound ($415-$425). Bonus: A day-pass to the spa affords access to the first-in-Fort Worth CR Vitality space, a state-of-the-art room offering infrared sauna, red light therapy, neuro stimulation, and more. The spa is open daily, 8 am-8 pm. 850 Van Cliburn Way, Fort Worth, 682-786-4656.

The multi-sensory Vichy table at Canyon Ranch.Photo courtesy of Canyon Ranch

Ash Spa, Bowie House, Fort Worth
Located on the second floor of Bowie House, the new Auberge Resorts Collection hotel in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, Ash Spa is “where the ashes of everyday life are gently swept away,” they promise. In keeping with the hotel’s Western-glam aesthetic, Ash is a tranquil space inspired by the barns of Texas and “all things wild and free,” with five treatment rooms, a sauna and steam room, fitness center, nail studio, boutique, relaxation lounge, and private access to an outdoor terrace. Experiences and treatments include water dancing, synergistic skin treatments, infrared therapy, and non-sleep deep rest massage. A signature treatment called Ashes includes compression, full-body lymphatic feathering, a targeted charcoal mask application, and advanced acupressure to promote relaxation (110 minutes, $355). A new-to-Fort Worth skin treatment called the Qi Beauty Facial incorporates 24k gold-covered micromagnets to move around subdermal fluids and promote recovery ($195-$275). The spa is open to visitors and hotel guests, 8:30 am-8:30 pm Thursday-Monday. 3700 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 855-683-4092.

The Bowie House and its Ash Spa have a Western theme.Photo courtesy of Bowie House

Houston

Thompson Spa at Thompson Hotel, Houston
Thompson Houston, Houston’s newest luxury lifestyle hotel, opened its doors in February 2024 as an urban haven overlooking the lush Buffalo Bayou Park, with rare unobstructed views of downtown Houston’s skyline. The just-opened Thompson Spa fills an entire floor, with its six treatment suites plus indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, saunas, a salon, and a state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness center. Customizable treatments - available to both hotel guests and spa seekers - include massages, facials, body and hydration scrubs, men’s treatments, regenerative treatments, and more featuring products from Pietro Simone and Agent Nateur. Signature treatments include the Gold Aurum Radiance Infusion Facial, incorporating a 24-karat gold activation peel; and a Texas Starry Night Massage that uses CBD and essential oils to promote deep relaxation (check website for pricing). Hours are 10 am-6 pm Monday-Thursday, 10 am-7 pm Friday, 9 am-7 pm Saturday, and 10 am-5 pm Sunday. 1717 Allen Pkwy., Houston, 346-560-4150.

Thompson Hotel Spa Couples may utilize a dedicated treatment room at the Spa Thompson in Houston. Courtesy of The Thompson Hotel Houston

The Total You Medical Spa, Blossom Hotel, Houston
Open since March 1 in the two-year-old hotel in Houston’s Medical District, The Total You is not only a relaxing retreat inspired by Asian temple architecture, but a high-tech, cutting-edge med spa (a rare offering for a hotel). Available to both hotel guests and the public, The Total You offers a lengthy menu of services from classic facials and massages to medical aesthetics like fillers and body sculpting. Among the unique and cutting-edge services are ultra-hydrating IV drip therapy, stem cell-driven exosome treatments for skin and body rejuvenation, and easy platelet rich fibrin (EZ PRF) facials, which use plasma to smooth wrinkles for smoother, youthful-appearing skin. But for those who just want to indulge in some tranquility and self-care, a menu of massages starts at $155 for a 60-minute Classic Swedish. The second-floor spa has four massage and treatment suites, plus a large IV drip lounge. To celebrate the spa opening, Blossom Hotel Houston guests will receive an additional 15 percent off all spa services with proof of their activated key card through Labor Day (September 2). Open 10 am-6 pm daily. 7118 Bertner Ave, Houston, 713-940-1808.

The Total You Medical Spa, Blossom Hotel Houston The Total You spa takes design inspiration from Asian temples. Photo by Alex Montoya

San Antonio

The Spa Plaza, San Antonio
After months of anticipation, Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, the city’s first Marriott Autograph Collection property, checked in its first guests in mid-January. Surrounded by lush gardens and greenery, the Spa Plaza is located in two beautifully re-imagined historic homes that date to the 1850s, the Elmendorf-Tyler House and The Staffel House. It features six treatment rooms, a Zen Lounge, and a Wellness Concierge. Treatments include massages, facials, and nail services, along with three "Immersion Packages" ($360-$790) that offer multiple treatments, plus tea service or a full lunch. Open 9 am-6 pm Tuesday-Saturday, 9 am-4 pm Sunday. 555 S Alamo St., San Antonio, 210-353-8016.

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa opened in early January 2024. Photo courtesy of Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa

Austin

Away Spa, W Hotel, Austin
The W Austin's Away Spa underwent a complete refresh in 2023 and now features a new aesthetic, new menu of services, and new products. Away Spa is a go-to in Austin for massages, facials, body wrap treatments, manicures and pedicures, and other beauty services. Unique offerings include ashiatsu, cupping therapy, couple’s massages, oxygen facials, and a suite of other enhancements. All Away Spa guests receive complimentary valet at W Austin for three hours, and full access to Wet Deck and Fit, a full gym complete with Peloton, yoga studio, and Pilates reformer. Hours are 9 am-6 pm Sunday-Thursday, 9 am-7 pm Friday-Saturday. 200 Lavaca St., Austin, 512-542-3626.

W Austin Away Spa Away Spa's concierge can help you plan a full spa day with your squad. Photo courtesy of W Austin

Milk + Honey Spa, The Loren Loren at Ladybird Lake, Austin
The sweet boutique hotel The Loren didn't look to some swanky international brand for its wellness offerings; it partnered up with Milk + Honey, an acclaimed Austin-based spa (which has several locations outside the city). The entrance is actually across from the hotel, under a breezeway that faces South Riverside Drive and South Lamar Boulevard. (Don't worry, there's complimentary valet parking.) After a few deep breaths in the Relaxation Room, guests settle in for signature Milk + Honey facials, body polishes and wraps, and even medspa treatments like fillers and injectables. Open 8 am-9 pm Monday-Sunday. 1211 W. Riverside Dr., Ste. 200, Austin, 512-580-1182.

Loren hotel Austin The Loren at Lady Bird Lake features a location of Milk + Honey Spa. Courtesy of Loren Hotel

luxury spas hotels

Traveling around Texas

Historic Texas town charms visitors with antiques, museums, and seafood

Courtesy of The Pink Door on Main

The Pink Door On Main is perfectly-curated by interior designer Lauren Ross.

A historic town between Houston and San Antonio is dusting off its boots and tossing its hat into the ring as a vacation hidden-gem — historic Burton, Texas.

Mostly known for its annual Cotton Gin Festival and Cotton Gin Museum, Burton is an impressively-walkable town on the Texas Historical Commission’s “Texas Independence Trail.” Located near the antiques mecca of Round Rock, Burton itself is teeming with antique shops, cafes, a coffee house, an old tavern, and even a local wild peacock named “Percy."

Burton is about 210 miles south of Dallas, in Washington County, close to the Blue Bell and bluebonnet capital, Brenham.

We recently visited Burton during the 37th annual Cotton Gin Festival. Taking place on the third Saturday of each April, the festival draws 3,500-5,000 visitors to enjoy a parade, take tours, watch demonstrations, eat all sorts of fun festival fare, check out antique and vintage cars, have their faces painted, and watch locals compete in a very competitive tractor pull. Those interested in heavy machinery will enjoy the antique engine and tractor display put on by The Sharecroppers’ Antique Farm & Engine Club.

The Burton Farmers Gin has been widely recognized as the best operational example remaining in the nation of an early, fully-automated systems gin still in its original historic setting. Built in 1914, it stands as a testament to the era of King Cotton. Guided by the Smithsonian, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and other advisors, dedicated volunteers restored the 1925 Bessemer twin-type IV oil engine that still powers the gin. The gin has been designated a National Historic Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (1994), is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (1988), and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1991). Other historic buildings on the museum campus include the historic Wehring Shoe Shop and the Burton Farmers Gin Cotton Warehouse.

With only two paid staff members and a handful of volunteers, the museum is able to squeak by without receiving state or federal funding, which is why the festival and a couple other events are so important to the town.

“It was started as a way to fundraise annually, save the buildings, preserve the buildings, and ultimately turn it into a museum,” explains Steph Jarvis, the museum’s director. “It would take 13 years from when all of that started, and then in 1999 we became a museum. We continue to do the festival as a way to fundraise, but really, more of it is about education, celebration, and getting people out to see the gin.”

Another fun stop for history enthusiasts is the Burton Railroad Depot. This museum is a time capsule like none other — think antique train cars, ticket counters, the original post office door and so much more. They even have authentic antique trunks and luggage in the old luggage hold in the depot. They have thought of everything.

Where to shop

Burton participates in seasonal antiques festivals by having pop-up shops and other events, but its local businesses shine year round — especially for antiques. The antiques mall, hilariously named Junk in Yer Trunk, is a collection of vintage and antiques dealers who truly appreciate the craft. Unlike some cooperatives, this place really is only vintage and antiques dealers — no random crafts or knock-off, imported slop to be found within these walls. Visitors take note, the building will soon be renamed the decidedly more grown-up “The Old 1900 Antiques & Mercantile,” but will otherwise remain the same.

It doesn’t take long to see a trend that takes shape as more of the town is explored. A group of retired Texans are, essentially, living their dreams in Burton. Take, for example, Lauren Ross and her husband, formerly of West University, who moved to Burton from Austin in 2022 and immediately bought and restored a 1905 farmhouse, complete with a pink door. Being known around town as “the lady with the pink door,” Ross decided to lean into her new moniker by restoring yet another Burton property — a former gas station, turned food pantry, built in 1928.

The Pink Door On Main opened March 13th, 2026 and is, in itself, worth the drive to Burton. This home decor store is curated with things that Ross would put in her own home. The main room with the restored pine floors has more of an English vibe with the floral cabbage rose wallpapers, seagrass rugs, mix of patterns, bedding, antiques, etc. The back room has more of a French vibe with bath, garden, and kitchen products, painted antiques, and faded floral papers.

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“I have had a design business for over 20 years, but always dreamed of having a store where I could share my love of pretty textiles, antiques, and home decor,” Ross tells CultureMap. “I want customers to walk in and feel like they've entered someone's well lived home and to feel at peace and be inspired. My goal was to create a cozy and inviting space where people want to visit and feel welcomed to Burton. Creating a sense of community is important to me and this is my way of giving back to the little town I've decided to call home.”

Ross carries a variety of lines, including California-based custom bedding company Linen Salvage. Visitors are invited to call ahead to make an appointment with Ross if they want any assistance designing something special from the company. Impressively, the sofa pillows, lavender sachets, tablecloths, etc. are all designed by Ross with fabrics primarily sourced from England. The store also stocks baby gifts, gardening tools, hats by Haute Hippy, aprons by Porter Lane Home, chocolates, and so much more.

At Bluebonnet Boutique, award-winning jeweler Barbie Gonzales showcases her sterling silver pieces and handcrafted handbags in this adorable clothing store. While it’s smaller than the other shops on the list, there is a lot to see!

Where to Eat

Burton Seafood & Steakhouse is the do-not-miss spot on the list. Family-owned and operated, this spot serves top quality seafood paired with friendly service. The decor pays homage to Percy, Burton’s local peacock, and the back of the restaurant serves as a bit of a de facto visitor’s center, with brochures, pamphlets, and local magazines to look through while dining or take on the road. Do not miss the snapper or the hush puppies.

Find burgers and other casual fare at Burton Short Stop or Tex-Mex at Los Patrones. The very cute Neon Moon Coffee is also worth a visit. If something with a little more of a kick is calling, The White Horse Tavern is very cool — and be sure to snap a photo with the gigantic white horse sculpture out front.

Where to stay

While Burton is only about an hour west of Houston, more than a couple libations on the porch at the tavern may have folks seeing two white horses. Not to fear. Just around the corner from the tavern is Pigs Fly & Co. Guesthouse & Mercantile. Formerly Henry’s Grocery Store, the 1920s building is full of charm and character.

Another nice spot for an overnight stay is The Coop at Flown the Coop. This former boutique and workshop space currently offers one rental and is working on a second space. Keep an eye out for their resident chicken and be sure to take a photo with an amazing pink vintage truck.

Courtesy of The Pink Door on Main

The Pink Door On Main is perfectly-curated by interior designer Lauren Ross.

shopping burton antiques anderson