I Didn’t Really ‘Get’ Staycations…Until I Went to This Dallas Resort

It seems odd to say the location of a Dallas staycation is what convinced me to give it a chance, but hear me out. This Four Seasons Resort is located just outside of town, on a stunning stretch of property that lets you walk around without hearing cars beeping or lie by the pool without seeing the steam rising from the cement. By being just that much farther out of town, the resort makes you feel like you’re actually “getting away” without really ever going anywhere at all. This is the same reason why the suites and villas are so exceptional: They’re set up to make you feel at home and boast views that downtown Dallas just cannot compete with. The lush greenery? The soothing sounds of the babbling brook? A resort-style pool with live music beating in the background? Toto, we aren’t in Kansas Dallas anymore.

When it comes to food, I take meal planning very seriously. I also firmly believe that variety is the spice of life, so for me, a hotel with one restaurant is bound to get boring after day one. Not the case here: I noshed on fish tacos and hummus at the Agave Pool & Bar, devoured a ribeye with twice-baked potatoes at LAW, and lived my best life via the app that allowed me to book in-room dining for breakfast in bed one morning. (Why are eggs, bacon and coffee so much better when served bedside?) And to say I’m still dreaming about the dessert room (yes, room) at LAW’s Sunday brunch buffet would be an understatement. I would happily trek the 12.5 miles in the snow on a bike to revisit the dining options alone.

Did I mention that this weekend away was technically a babymoon? I say it only to emphasize the importance of my spa time. When I was pregnant with my firstborn, I had some prenatal massages in Dallas that left me in a deep sweat before I cut the sessions short because they were just not good. At the end of my treatment at the resort’s spa, however, I was actually sad it was over and contemplated asking for an extension. (The only reason I resisted was because a hydrating facial and pedicure awaited me.) Needless to say, this mama-to-be was pampered from head to toe. And the chilled cucumber towels and orange juice in a champagne glass were just icing on the cake.

If you’re a golfer—or vacationing with one—this is a huge perk that potentially puts this place at the top of the Dallas hotel and resort list forever. After all, this is one of the only resorts in the area that has multiple golf courses: TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas and Cottonwood Valley. If you’re not quite ready to play 18 but are still intrigued by the sport (*cough* me), take a lesson from director of golf Tim Cusick, who was recently named one of the top 100 teachers in America by Golf magazine, or get pointers from Michaelyn Bradford, currently the only female head pro in the entire TPC network of golf courses. Note: This is what totally won over my husband, who was also previously anti-staycation.

Anyone who knows the reputation of the Four Seasons brand would not be surprised to learn that this property was nice. But what separates it from other top-notch hotels in the area is its ability to be luxurious without feeling over-the-top. It has a quiet confidence that almost feels as if guests are members of an exclusive country club. The pool is zen but populated, and the restaurant and bars are buzzy but not too crowded. The service at both? Couldn’t ask for more. In fact, when a waitress came around and offered complimentary ice pops at the pool, I kind of felt like I was in heaven. Hey, it’s the little things.

And while this resort surely can’t be the only place in DFW to get me to momentarily relax, I do appreciate that it helped open my eyes to how invigorating a staycation can be if it’s done right. I’ve never been so happy to be wrong.