Our Guide to the Ultimate Wellness Weekend in Dallas

 

Swimming pool at Rosewood Mansion at Turtle Creek

 

For some visitors, a trip to Dallas might mean chowing down on delicious BBQ ribs and attending a Cowboys game. But if you're craving something a little more relaxing, Dallas also offers a wellness scene that's sophisticated and soothing. Of course, there's no rule against mixing laid-back Texas indulgences with your luxury self-care. We approve! Here’s everything you need to know to plan the ultimate wellness getaway in Dallas. 

Where to stay:

Whether you're drawn to glamour and history or love city lights from a modern high rise, here are two wonderful options.

Rosewood Mansion at Turtle Creek
2821 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219; (214) 559-2100

Rosewood Mansion at Turtle Creek

There's something inherently glamorous about historic 1920s mansions. When you arrive at Rosewood Mansion at Turtle Creek you can just picture the roaring society parties that the mansion once hosted. Over the years famous guests have included Franklin D. Roosevelt and Tennessee Williams. And judging from an exciting celebrity sighting during my recent stay, it's still a star favorite. 

 

Duncan the cat at the Mansion at Turtle Creek

 

The atmosphere at the mansion is luxurious, yet cozy. The staff is welcoming, including the hotel's house cats. (If you're not a cat person don't worry, they stay outside). For me, being greeted by kitty Duncan who just might have been sleeping on the job was a sign of the hotel's sweetness, warmth, and comfort. 

Soaking Tub at Rosewood Mansion at Turtle Creek

The mansion features 142-rooms. Accommodations are elegant and comfy with a curated library of Western-themed books that will make you want to curl up in bed and read. But first you'll want to enjoy a bath in your room's soaking tub. The bathroom is stocked with lovely Diptyque products and the rainfall shower is incredible. 

The mansion also has a restaurant, bar, and fitness center. The dreamy swimming pool is surrounded by flowers and magnolia trees.

Thompson Dallas, by Hyatt
205 N Akard St, Dallas, TX 7520; (469) 320-1234

The lobby at the Thompson Dallas

If you're looking for urban luxury in the heart of downtown Dallas, you'll find a combination of fast-paced excitement and sophisticated relaxation at Thompson Dallas. The hotel's design is stunning and filled with intriguing art. There are plenty of opportunities for dining, nightlife, and spa relaxation. There's also a rooftop swimming pool.

Monarch at Thompson Dallas

Thompson Dallas is home to restaurants and hotspots like CatBird, Little Daisy, Monarch, and Kessaku—each one is visually dazzling.

You'll find 219 guest rooms, including 52 suites that feature expansive windows with skyline views of downtown Dallas. The rooms combine a mix of leather, mid-century style, and modern embellishments with an alluring, masculine flair. 

Where to Dine

Crown Block
300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207; (214) 321-3149

Crown Block at sunset

If you want to be wowed by stunning floor-to-ceiling views of the Dallas skyline, dinner at Crown Block is the place to be. The upscale restaurant, featured in the Texas 2024 Michelin Guide, is an excellent choice for a special occasion, date night, or business dinner—and it's sure to make an impression. I highly recommend making your reservation at this upscale modern steakhouse in time for sunset. I was lucky enough to catch both a beautiful sunset and full moonrise during a visit for dinner. 

Reunion Tower oysters Rockefelle, triple cooked fries with black truffle mayonnaise, house bread

Start with the Reunion Tower oysters Rockefeller, tempura rock shrimp, or heirloom tomato salad. The triple cooked fries with black truffle mayonnaise or mac and cheese are two deliciously indulgent sides. There's plenty to choose from the grill, as well as pescatarian and vegetarian options for your main. The restaurant also boasts an impressive cocktail and wine menu. 

Bistro 31
87 Highland Park Village Suite 200 / 1st Floor, Dallas, TX 75205; (214) 420-3900

Bistro 31 at Highland Park Village

Bistro 31 mixes French, Italian, and Spanish influences with a delicious fresh and flavorful menu. It's a happening option for a satisfying lunch before perusing designer shopping destination Highland Park Village.

 
 

I find myself craving their succulent lobster salad, made with a generous portion of Maine lobster. Their truffle fries are hard to resist as well. 

Little Daisy
1401 Elm Street Dallas, TX 75202; (469) 726-4121

Little Daisy at the Thompson Dallas

Little Daisy is as cute as its name sounds. The stylish French-American bistro is located at the Thompson Dallas, so it's an ideal spot to grab a bite before or after a treatment at the Thompson Spa. From sweet pastries to soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pastas, and more, the menu has plenty to choose from, but if you can't make a decision my recommendation is The Express Lunch Special (available 11am-2pm).

Express Lunch Special at Little Daisy with Blackened Fish Sandwich, Poppy Seed-Strawberry Salad, and Truffle-Pecorino Fries

You get 2 generous half portions with your choice of a soup, salad, and sandwich. For the special, I loved the Poppy Seed-Strawberry Salad combined with the Blackened Fish Sandwich on Texas Toast with Truffle-Pecorino Fries. You can also enjoy live jazz at Little Daisy on Fridays and Saturdays form 7–9pm.

CatBird
1401 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75201; (469) 726-4115

 

Entrance to CatBird Dallas

 

The entrance to CatBird is Instagram-famous. And once inside the dining destination, the interior is just as striking.

Bar at CatBird Dallas

It's a cool destination for creative cocktails (or mocktails) and shared bites. The Japanese-inspired menu features izakaya-style items like Crab Rangoon Dip and Popcorn Chicken Karaage. 

Bowen House
2614 Boll St, Dallas, TX 75204; (214) 484-1385

Bowen House is located in a historic house in Dallas

Located in the heart of Dallas, this cozy historic house is a fun and unique restaurant and bar, great for hanging with friends or for a trendy date night.

 

Cocktails and appetizers at Bowen House

 

Enjoy outdoor or indoor dining, small shareable plates, and tasty drinks like the Beach What? made with El Tesoro Blanco, coconut puree, Chinola passion fruit, lime and agave. The ahi tacos are a must. 

Where to Spa

The Spa at Thompson Dallas
205 N Akard St, Dallas, TX 75201; (469) 726-4114

Plunge pool at Thompson Spa

The star space of the stunning spa is the outdoor deck where you can experience a hot and cold plunge circuit against the backdrop of downtown Dallas skyline views. The deck has plenty of nooks to hang out and unwind, as well as a cedar sauna to complete your plunge routine. Inside, enjoy amenities like the infrared sauna, eucalyptus steam room, and steam shower. There's also a relaxation lounge where you can enjoy tea and snacks while you wait for your treatment.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Dallas Boutique and Spa
28 Highland Park Village, Dallas, TX 75205; (469) 759-6144

Dr. Barbara Sturm Dallas Treatment Room

This chic day spa located in Highland Park Village offers a much needed pampering break between dining and shopping. From express treatments to signature massages and facials, the spa offers a wide selection of services that will leave you glowing from head to toe. 

For our complete guide to spas in Dallas, read: The Best Spas in Dallas

Where to unwind

Dallas Arboretum
8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218; (214) 515-6615

Art at Dallas Arboretum

Spread out across 66 acres, the Dallas Arboretum is where you can spend time in nature surrounded by beautiful flowers, trees, water, and art. In addition to plants, art, and architecture, I enjoyed spotting wildlife including a vibrant red cardinal, skank, butterflies, and mother duck with ducklings during my time wandering Dallas Arboretum. When exploring the Dallas Arboretum, be sure to stop by the DeGolyer House, a Latin Colonial Revival style home that was built in 1939 and recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Nasher Sculpture Center and Dallas Arts District
2001 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201; (214) 242-5100

Outdoor sculptures at Nasher Sculpture Center

You might be surprised to learn that Dallas' art hub is the largest contiguous urban arts district in the United States, covering 118 acres. From award-winning architecture to art museums and performing arts venues, there's plenty of opportunity to take in Dallas' outstanding cultural scene. The Nasher Sculpture Center offers the chance to see more than 300 masterpieces from celebrated artists including Matisse, Picasso, Rodin, Calder, and many more, integrating both indoor gallery and outdoor garden spaces. 

Highland Park Village
47 Highland Park Village, Dallas, TX 75205; (214) 443-9898

Boots at Miron Crosby at Highland Park Village

If you're in need of a little retail therapy, spend an afternoon exploring luxury shopping destination Highland Park Village. From fabulous cowgirl boots at Miron Crosby to the curated gift selection at St. Michael's Woman's Exchange, and plenty of classic designer favorites, it's a great choice for spending your time, even if you're just window shopping and people watching. Make a day of it with lunch at Bistro 31 and a facial or massage at Dr. Barbara Stern.

Afternoon Tea at the Rosewood Mansion at Turtle Creek
2821 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219; (214) 559-2100

Afternoon Tea at the Rosewood Mansion at Turtle Creek

Served in the intimate 1925 Mansion Library at the Rosewood Mansion at Turtle Creek, this gorgeous tea experience is the perfect way to slow down while enjoying a delectable selection of savory sandwiches, freshly baked signature scones, and decadent pastries. I savored every bite from the Heritage Afternoon Tea menu and plant-based tea options are available as well. 

For more Texas relaxation ideas, read: The Best Spas in Fort Worth

 
 

A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer/editor. You can also find her work in publications including Healthline, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo!, MindBodyGreen, Men’s Journal, Bezzy, and more. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @zillizy, @zillizy16