Share
Ladies and gents, this is it – the year to travel. From coastlines to college towns, bustling cities to quaint burrows, we have compiled a comprehensive list of must-sees. Each destination has been tried and tested by contributors of Texas Lifestyle Magazine, and through “experiential research” as we like to call it, we have outlined places for you to eat, play, and stay around the globe.
International Destinations
Windstar Cruise to the Greek Isles
Although this list of places to go is in no particular order – the Wind Star cruise through the Treasures of the Greek Isles sits high on our list. As said in a more in-depth article found in our travel section, “There’s no easier way to visit many different islands or towns aboard a Windstar Cruise.” On this trip, you will yacht around the most beautiful Greek islands and hop around the quaint coastal towns with excursions offered at each port. While you are cruising, there is A++ entertainment, the friendliest of the friendly crew mates, a culinary program in collaboration with the James Beard Foundation, and views you cannot imagine.
San Miguel is at the intersection of history, arts, and culture. People flock to this “artist haven” for its bright colors, religious and Spanish history, shopping, and its placement on the Royal Road of Silver transportation. To fully take in the splendor of this bespoke city, the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende is the mansion for you. The scene is set amidst lavender gardens, olive trees, tennis courts, and overall a richness you cannot find anywhere else
We have it mapped out already, the euro has dropped below the dollar, and all signs are pointing to the Brits – now is the time to go to London. Expert tip: you must invest in the Go City Explorer Pass. This digital ticket will allow you to experience the very best of London and save yourself some extra money (to spend at the shops or other restaurants) while you’re at it! Using your go pass, we suggest hopping on the Thames River Cruise or the Hop-On Hop-Off buses. After a long day of exploration, head over to Flemings Mayfair and downstairs to Manetta’s bar. A spirits sommelier awaits with three flavors of gin to pair with the included sweet treats.
Winter is hit or miss in Texas. One day you’re wearing shorts and the next you’re looking for a coat. If you want to experience a true winter with a festival that even celebrates the cold, then venture north to Quebec. “French Canadians embrace winter in Québec with such youthful abandon that it’s easy to get swept up in their enthusiasm. Whether you’re eating molten maple taffy straight off a blanket of fresh snow or sledding down a mountain at breakneck speed, wintertime in Québec is sure to make you feel like a kid again. The most spectacular place to stay in Québec City is the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. This impressive castle has welcomed royalty, global leaders, and countless celebrities in its 125-year history and is said to be the most photographed hotel in the world.”
With crystal clear waters, tropical breezes, and entertainment for all ages and stages – Baha Mar is the “ideal blend between action and relaxation.” Pack a carry-on full of swimsuits, a bottle of tanning oil, and a nice dinner outfit and fly on down to the Baha Mar resort seated in the most prime spot of the North Atlantic Ocean. You will never need (or want) to leave the resort as everything you could possibly fathom is at your fingertips, choose from 43 restaurants, a casino, 10 pools, a white sand beach, Baha Bay waterpark for the kids (or kids at heart), retail therapy, and two spas. Aside from the basically private beach peppered with cabanas on the white sand, the Sense Spa is an amenity that has very little competition. We suggest a 90-minute Bahamian massage – leave your stress and worries behind in the TSA line and step into pure bliss. Need I say more?
This trip is perfect for a tree hugger – Vancouver Island and Canada’s westernmost region is the location to explore. To begin, our seasoned travel writer Heidi Gollub recommends beginning with Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Take Victoria by bike with The Pedaler and on this guided tour, learn about the history of the town and the Indigenous people who called the area home. To wind those gears down, Ritual Nordic Spa hits the spot. A Scandinavian-style retreat complete with Finnish sauna house experiences opens the floodgates to ultimate ritual relaxation.
U.S. Destinations
The Four Seasons Encantado in Santa Fe, New Mexico
In the desert foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains right outside the city of Santa Fe sits the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado – a luxurious location in New Mexico. If you are craving a city rich with Native American culture and historic architecture, this is the jackpot. Santa Fe has long been considered a destination for spiritual enlightenment, art inspiration, or even just learning to ski. It is believed to be a sacred location, if you are craving aligned chakras and inner zen. At the Four Seasons specifically, amenities include a year-round pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, expert guides to lead you on excursions of the Mountains or across the red rocks of Abiquiu, and even a grandiose fire pit! Whether you want a taste of the Native American roots or to ski down bunny hills, make the Four Seasons Encantado your abode while visiting New Mexico.
Calling all Dirty Dancing fans! 2023 marks the year for a DD sequel to hit theaters and also marks the year that you pack your bags for the hills and head over to Virginia to see where this movie masterpiece takes place. For the most authentic experience, you must stay where the movie was filmed – Mountain Lake Lodge in southwest Virginia. The structure is perched atop a grassy hill and tucked away with expansive trees and shrubbery. On the weekends, your itinerary would include a private screening of the original movie, dance lessons, and lawn games. This experience is fit for all ages, movie lovers and tree huggers alike. Bask in the beauty of Virginia and soak in the scenes of Dirty Dancing for yourself.
“Get stuck between a rock and a beautiful place” – the title for our article detailing your future whereabouts in Oregon – encapsulates the breath of fresh air that is Southern Oregon. This West Coast gem has the views of no other state – for instance, Crater Lake National Park. Complete with hiking trails, fly fishing, picnic spots, and a hub for outdoor photography. What really seals the deal is Steamboat Inn. The must-see and must-stay location is seated perfectly in Southern Oregon, leaving you seconds away from the prime fishing territory, waterfalls, the Umpqua River, and even an outstanding culinary program. Thank us later, nature lovers!
The Rocky Mountaineer Train from Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah
Alexa, queue Rocky Mountain High by John Denver! Ladies and gents, this experience is one at the intersection of luxury and outdoor adventure. Chugg through the best of the United States terrain while aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train. With the yellow aspen trees and mountains as a canvas, the Rocky Mountaineer paints a beautiful scene of decadence. You will pass through the world-famous Coors Brewery in Golden, Colorado, and stop in Glenwood Springs to walk around and explore. The next day, you coast through the Ruby Canyon on your way to Moab and bask in the beauty of gorgeous tiered red sandstone mountains. On day two, you will stay overnight at the Hoodoo Moab and visit the renowned Arches National Park at dawn. Once you arrive in Moab, you partner with Utah Luxury Tours and choose from the variety of offerings to complete your experience. This is the train ride of a lifetime, all aboard!
The Sausalito Bayside Village of California
This is the quintessential walking town just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle that California has to offer. To arrive you must fly into the San Francisco International Airport, take the BART from the airport to Fisherman’s Wharf, and then hop on the ferry to Sausalito. The ferry will drop you off adjacent to The Inn Above Tide (previous home to Clint Eastwood) a stunning boutique hotel. With the sun shining and the water lapping on the dock below, you will wake up to a full breakfast brought right to your room. Only 25 minutes away is the Muir Woods National Monument – a forest of the most majestic redwoods and the perfect picnic destination. If you are looking for peace and quiet, look no further – Sausalito is where you go.
Head on over to the hippie town – destination, Denver. We have an itinerary locked and loaded for you. Your living accommodations will be The Maven, a boutique hotel with restaurants, retailers, and cocktail creators alike. The Maven is situated in downtown Denver and is the perfect central spot for the adventures to follow. Make your way over to The Beer Spa – an eclectic spa experience that marries two seemingly different concepts: beer and a spa day. You will not only be able to drink fine brews on tap but also bathe in it. You have to see it to believe it, trust us! After a relaxing spa day, step over to Meow Wolf to be fully enveloped in the creativity of 300 artists. This interactive experience is a 4-story art exhibit with rooms, portals, and installations galore. A Beer Spa and Meow Wolf experience are activities unique to Denver, if you are a lover of all things eccentric – this destination is for you.
Napa Valley, California
Nestled in the heart of California, sits the beautiful Napa Valley. At just 35 miles long and only 5 miles wide – you have a vast selection of wineries, fine accommodations, a coastal scene, and even luxury trains-portation. While you are there, we suggest paying a visit to the Alpha Omega Collective – a decadent tasting room in downtown Napa to wind down and treat yourself to a day at Spa Montage and Hazel Hill at Montage Resort. Most importantly, you cannot forgo the Napa Valley Wine Train with gourmet meals prepared while you sip and take in the views of the valley.
San Diego is home to 70 miles of pristine beaches, an idyllic climate, and family attractions – if you are looking to leave home yet stay in the States, San Diego is your place. More specifically, Paradise Point Resort in Mission Bay. On your first morning upon arrival, we suggest you put your sandals on and march yourself on down to Tidal – a refined Paradise Point restaurant – and order a cappuccino with oat milk (because duh, you’re in Cali) alongside a hearty breakfast of chilaquiles with a side of fresh fruit. This property is shrouded in greenery, as you walk amongst the aromatic florals you will discover several pools, putt-putt, an open bayside beach, Action Sports rentals, paddle boards, and even rentable boats. After your hearty breakfast, let your stomach settle and lay by one of their many pools, perhaps order a virgin mojito, and then hit up the paddle boards or rentable boats… Or both!
The city of New Orleans is always a good time. While many associate the Louisiana town with Mardi Gras and all of its novelties – NOLA channels the vivacious Mardi Gras spirit year-round! We suggest you stay at the Higgins Hotel (by Hilton) for your accommodations – for those who are feeling fancy. Right across your grandiose hotel is the National WWII Museum (an absolute must-see for history buffs), put your walking shoes on and head across the street for beautiful depictions and interactive exhibits. The National WWII is interesting for the whole family and caters to all interests and ages! You know we wouldn’t leave you without a great restaurant recommendation… As far as F&B are concerned, you must brunch at Brennan’s and bask in the old-world elegance that the French Quarter dining establishment has to offer. And, dear reader, you absolutely must order the artisanal eggs benedict with their divine hollandaise sauce and the chicken-fried ribeye.
Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida is the recipe for a happy family vacation with the mix of “easy planning, engaging activities, and good food that you don’t have to cook or clean up.” The Little Adventures website is a goldmine of great entertainment – from learning how to build better sandcastles to surfing, Little Adventures has you covered. Local super-moms are available to chat through the site and Little Adventures outposts are scattered about the white sands of Destin-Fort Walton. The best part is, Little Adventures is completely free! Since you are already there, The Henderson Beach Resort and Spa is an amazing beachside location with a beautiful view of the Henderson Beach State Park and the Gulf of Mexico seaside. The Henderson hides away an adults-only pool, lazy river, family pool, and a packed schedule. From complimentary yoga or aqua aerobics, crafts for the kiddos, and hotel bikes – The Henderson makes Florida YOUR oyster. This is the perfect trip for a momma with littles, a big family reunion, or a weekend adventure.
“If you follow your heart just right, it will get you to New York City,” and following your heart you will. Your heart is taking you to the Walker Hotel in the heart of historic Tribeca for a luxurious yet quaint accommodation in the middle of the NYC liveliness. Your heart then hails a taxi to Belle Reve – a laidback pub with killer oysters and a ridiculous “Dirty Bird Sandwich” with fried chicken drenched in a sweet and spicy chipotle aioli. The heart wants what it wants and it wanted to take the two-minute walk to Broadway to catch an evening show. New York is where the lovers and the dreamers live and it is the perfect getaway for 2023 – it is bustling but has moments of peace, it is eclectic yet elegant, and it has been and always will be the city.
Joyful Journey Sanctuary in San Luis Valley, CO
Let’s wrap up 2023 in style – a good old-fashioned solo trip. Ladies and gentlemen, backpackers and caravanners… Joyful Journey’s Sanctuary for the Soul in San Luis Valley, CO. As Haven Lindsey, our freelance writer, would tell you – don’t forget to pack your bedding! You will be staying in an authentic, Native tipi. You wake up to a breathtaking view of the mountains, you hear the wind as your lullaby and are truly able to reconnect with nature when fully immersed in it. “Void of pretention, naturally authentic, and focused on intention,” Joyful Journey is a Hot Springs Spa located in the northern gateway of Colorado overlooking the Sangre De Cristo mountain range. Complete with spacious tipis and healing waters, the campus has add-ons that cannot be passed up. We suggest scheduling their combo #2 therapeutic massage, with 60 minutes of the most blissful massage work and a 30-minute treatment of choice (scalp massage, foot reflexology, or joyful body scrub). This trip is relaxing and almost meant to be done alone – you become one with nature and one with yourself.
Texas Destinations
Fun and Fabulous Fredericksburg
As put by our 20-year veteran travel editor, Fredericksburg is the place to visit in the great state of Texas. Fredericksburg is a small Texas town packed to the brim with culture and German influence. Load up the vehicles and head on over – we have the perfect Ranch House selected for you and your friends! Camp Hideaway is a stunning Fredericksburg estate that sleeps eight, it boasts a backyard with a covered patio, fire pit, hot tub, private pool – and even a putting green! After you settle in, Uber yourself to the Farmhouse Vineyards for a private tasting. The owners are a farming family in the High Plains of Texas and produce 23 varieties of wine with grapes from all over our great state.
The Loren is on the bank of Lady Bird Lake seated in the middle of downtown Austin – AKA the perfect location for a getaway. Whether you are an Austin native looking for a staycation or a wannabe Austinite, this new hotel is the place for you. The Loren offers a plethora of dining experiences, we recommend the Nido. Executive Chef Brad McDonald created a strong French focus in this rooftop destination, the chic interior is what brings you in but the rich menu and bold cabernet are what keep you there. Walk right across the lobby on the ground floor of the Loren and get some R&R at the Milk & Honey spa. Treat yourself to a deep tissue massage for therapeutic relief or if you are feeling luxurious, try the Ultimate Massage for full-body brushing, a massage style of your choosing, and a warm oil scalp and neck rub.
Wimberley is a small town outside of Austin best known for its spring-fed swimming holes and slower-paced life away from the city. To fully enjoy the magical fairy garden feel that Wimberley bestows, the key is glamping. Spoon Mountain is the most idyllic glamping destination for a weekend away. The property is home to three main imported South African tents named Chism, Kingfisher, and Shaka. We stayed in the Kingfisher tent complete with a king-sized bed, kitchenette (with a Nespresso coffee maker), and a living room with games galore. Although the tents are refuges for alone time and quiet relaxation under the stars – the layout of Spoon Mountain encourages community through shared outdoor games, a hot tub, a sauna, and a fire pit. Step into the city of Wimberley and try out the Wimberley Zipline adventures to have an aerial view of the cypresses and junipers. Most imperative, you must swim at the Blue Hole Regional Park and Jacob’s Well. Two beautiful locations that are quintessential to your time in Wimberley.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Ship
We love a good cruise … if you can’t already tell. Wendi Baird tells TLM all about Norwegian Cruise Lines and its new Prima ship. Leaving from Galveston, the Prima offers a beautiful vacation where you never lift a finger. The Norwegians have entertainment down to the science and have something for everyone. “Do you feel the need for speed? Head for the Prima Speedway where you can race cars around the first three-level racetrack at sea. Are you an adrenaline junkie? You’ll love The Drop = a 10-story free fall off the side of the ship… The Rush is a dueling slide that lets you race a friend down the slide.” Obviously, they also have infinity pools scattered about the deck, a theater that transforms into a nightclub, and amazing dining.
San Antonio is a Texas classic and a stop on your bucket list that can’t be beaten. The Texas city has a flare that is hard to find elsewhere and a culture unique to its blend of history, modernity, architecture, and the people it attracts. Staying at the Grand Hyatt, you will be right on the banks of the San Antonio River and at the perfect destination for exploration. Before your stay, we suggest you book a Topgolf suite at the hotel so you can order F&B, practice your swing, and spend some family time without ever stepping out of your hotel! Since you are there, you also book a Go Rio cruise and enjoy the narrated tour of the River Walk and you don’t forget to swing by the Alamo!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Cover Photo Annie Spratt on Unsplash
