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Texas Lifestyle Magazine’s seasoned travelers have selected 25 must-visit destinations for 2025.
From tranquil beach escapes to enriching cultural journeys, each destination promises a blend of luxury, adventure, and discovery. Whether you’re craving a peaceful seaside sanctuary or ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature, our handpicked selection will lead you to a year brimming with inspiration and unforgettable experiences.
International
Montreal is a vibrant city known for its French Canadian heritage, rich history, and year-round festivals, including jazz and country music events. For a modern stay, Hotel Monville offers stunning city views and great dining. The Bota Bota Floating Spa, located on a transformed riverboat, provides hydrotherapy with heated pools, saunas, and relaxation areas, plus a café with river and Old Montreal views. To fully experience the city, visiting during the winter is ideal for the Montréal en lumière Festival, featuring food, music, and beautiful light displays.
Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences in Cabo San Lucas is a luxurious getaway just a short flight from Texas. It offers 36 luxury suites with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Land’s End, along with personalized butler service. Guests can enjoy activities like tennis, golf, water sports, yoga, meditation, and cultural experiences such as cocktail classes and tequila tastings. The Two Bedroom Vista Suite includes a private terrace with a plunge pool and access to gourmet dining at sister properties. Vista Encantada provides a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and fine cuisine for any occasion.
Puerto Rico offers a rich cultural, historical, and natural experience. The Caribe Hilton, an iconic beachfront resort, features private beach access, pools with swim-up bars, and is where the piña colada was invented. Explore Old San Juan’s 500-year-old Spanish colonial history and enjoy local favorites like coffee and Coquito on a walking tour. Puerto Rico is home to three of the world’s five bioluminescent beaches, and Fajardo is perfect for snorkeling and sailing to Icacos Island. With a mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure, Puerto Rico provides a vibrant and unforgettable getaway.
Embark on a road trip through Alberta, from Calgary to Edmonton, and experience a blend of urban exploration, natural beauty, and cultural immersion. Calgary boasts a sunny climate, a dynamic culinary scene, and outdoor trails with public art. The Dorian hotel and unique spots like The Beltliner and Burwood Distillery offer memorable experiences. The Icefields Parkway, connecting Banff and Jasper, features stunning sights like Lake Louise and the Athabasca Glacier. Jasper is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and ice climbing. Finally, Edmonton, known as Festival City, offers North America’s largest mall and year-round festivals. This road trip combines city life, mountain adventures, and culinary delights for an unforgettable journey.
Sandals Royal Curacao offers a luxurious all-inclusive Caribbean getaway, easily accessible from Texas with a short shuttle ride from the airport. Located below the hurricane belt, it provides a safe, year-round destination. The resort features top-tier service, especially for guests in butler suites, with a magic cell phone for personalized services. With 11 restaurants and three food trucks, guests can enjoy diverse cuisine. Visitors can also explore Willemstad, the nearby town, by renting a Mini Cooper for a scenic drive and cultural immersion. Sandals Royal Curacao blends luxury, relaxation, and adventure for an unforgettable experience.
MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club offers a blend of large-ship amenities and small-ship exclusivity, with luxurious perks like private pools, personalized dining, 24-hour butler service, and priority boarding. Guests can customize their experience with preferences for mini bars, pillows, and more. The Yacht Club features a dedicated restaurant, quiet pool deck, spa with unique offerings, and specialty dining options like a steakhouse and sushi bar. The Caribbean itinerary includes destinations like Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Mexico, and MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay, with excursions like river rafting and city tours. The Yacht Club’s thoughtful touches make it a top luxury choice.
Japan is known for luxurious stays, cultural immersion, and serene relaxation. The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho has panoramic city views, while Kyoto has historic sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine and dining at Benoit Kyoto. Karuizawa’s tranquil Japanese Alps is where the healing philosophy of iyashi is embraced. Key experiences that can be found throughout Japan include: onsen baths, soba-making, apple picking, and whiskey tasting. A reflective visit to the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa amidst cherry blossoms and a tea ceremony is another necessity to have a trip that celebrates Japan’s harmony of culture, tranquility, and luxury.
The French Riviera combines luxury, history, and natural beauty for an unforgettable escape. Explore Nice’s landmarks like the Promenade des Anglais and Old Town, enjoy local cuisine, and stay at prime locations like the AC Hotel Nice or Hotel La Pérouse. Discover nearby gems like Cannes, known for its Film Festival, and Monte Carlo, with its yacht-filled port and serene gardens. With scenic walks, cultural landmarks, and exquisite dining, the Riviera perfectly embodies the art of living.
USA Destinations
Arkansas – Little Rock, Fayetteville
Little Rock, Arkansas, offers a weekend getaway with outdoor activities at Pinnacle Mountain State Park and the Big Dam Bridge, historical exploration at the Clinton Presidential Library & Museum, and local brews at Stone’s Throw Brewing. Fayetteville, Arkansas, is another great weekend option, especially in the fall. The town square has boutiques, restaurants, and a Farmer’s Market. The Walton Arts Center and TheatreSquared provide evening entertainment. The Razorback Greenway and The Ramble are perfect for outdoor activities. Enjoy coffee at Arsaga’s, healthy food at Mamaka Bowls, or classic burgers at Hugo’s. Fayetteville is easily walkable.
Coastal Mississippi, with charming towns like Ocean Springs and Bay St. Louis, offers beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and diverse activities. Biloxi, the largest coastal town, provides bay fishing, casinos, and fine dining. The region has 62 miles of shoreline and the world’s longest man-made beach. Foodies can enjoy Gulf seafood, barbecue, and innovative dining. Coastal Mississippi also features 12 casinos, luxury resorts, museums, breweries, and fishing experiences. Family attractions and outdoor adventures can be found throughout the towns, making it a perfect destination for relaxation, culture, and fun.
Spring in Lafayette, Louisiana, is ideal for outdoor activities like swamp tours, cycling, and hiking, alongside enjoying azalea blooms. The city is renowned for its Cajun charm, with live music, delicious food, and unique spots like Rock ‘n Bowl and Adopted Dog Brewing. Foodies can join the Cajun Food Tour or visit local favorites like Johnson’s Boucanière and T-Coons diner. Lafayette hosts festivals such as Festival International, celebrating music and culture. Cultural attractions like Vermilionville Historic Site and Avery Island’s Tabasco Factory are also popular. The DoubleTree by Hilton provides easy access to explore downtown for shopping, dining, and events.
Utah, home to the “Mighty Five” national parks, is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream with stunning landscapes and diverse hiking trails. Beyond nature, Salt Lake City offers a blend of history, arts, and a growing tech scene, while Park City provides year-round recreation and a vibrant cultural scene. Southern Utah boasts unique landscapes like Monument Valley and the Wah Wah Mountains. From outdoor adventure to cultural immersion, Utah offers a diverse and unforgettable experience for all.
WinStar World Casino and Resort offers more than just gambling, making it a great destination for relaxation and entertainment. Guests can enjoy a range of dining options, from upscale meals at Kirby’s Steakhouse to casual Southern comfort food at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Italian dishes at Vino’s Italian Kitchen. The Lucas Oil Live concert venue hosts world-class performances, while the WinStar Spa offers luxurious treatments and hydrotherapy. With seasonal amenities like The Cascades pool area and convenient accommodations, WinStar is perfect for music lovers, foodies, and those seeking relaxation.
Gaylord, Michigan, offers a cool escape with stunning scenery, outdoor adventures, and charming Alpine Village vibes. Known as “America’s Summer Golf Mecca,” it features 16 championship golf courses, including Treetops Resort. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, and elk viewing around its 90+ lakes. The downtown Alpine Village charms with chalet-style architecture, shops, and dining at spots like Bennethum’s Northern Inn and Big Buck Brewery. With warm hospitality and activities for all seasons, Gaylord is perfect for nature lovers, golfers, and relaxation seekers.
Denver has two exceptional downtown hotels, each offering unique experiences. The Ritz-Carlton in Denver provides luxurious accommodations with spacious rooms, fine dining at Elway’s steakhouse, and spa treatments inspired by Colorado’s landscapes. Though it lacks a pool, it offers proximity to LoDo, McGregor Square, and Larimer Square. The Rally Hotel, located in McGregor Square near Coors Field, is ideal for Rockies fans and downtown explorers. It features perks like complimentary drinks at check-in, afternoon ice cream socials, rooftop pool views, and modern brunch dishes at The OG. Both hotels provide premium amenities and easy access to Denver’s vibrant attractions.
Cheyenne, Wyoming, is an unforgettable getaway that combines Western heritage, entertainment, and natural beauty. Each summer, the city hosts Cheyenne Frontier Days, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo. This 10-day event features rodeo competitions, concerts by top country artists, parades, carnival rides, and cultural attractions like Old Frontier Town and the Native American Indian Village. Visitors can also explore the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, and enjoy local dining at spots like Wyoming Rib & Chop House and Omelet House. Nearby Laramie offers historic sites like the Wyoming Territorial Prison, while scenic drives lead to Saratoga Hot Springs Resort for relaxation.
Vicksburg, Mississippi, will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2025 with events like a Music & Culture Festival on April 26 and a grand Independence Weekend from July 4-6. Known for its Civil War history, the city features landmarks such as the Vicksburg National Military Park, USS Cairo Museum, and Vicksburg National Cemetery. Visitors can explore downtown’s shops, the Civil War Museum, and art galleries like The Attic Gallery and H.C. Porter Gallery. Dining options range from Bohemia Café to upscale Anchuca, complemented by a growing craft beer scene at Key City Brewery. Historic homes, the Church of the Holy Trinity, and the Vicksburg Riverfront Murals add to the charm, while the Mississippi River offers outdoor adventures. Vicksburg combines history, culture, and Southern hospitality in a milestone celebration.
The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is a wellness destination that features the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring, with healing waters at 130°F. The resort promotes relaxation with a robe culture, encouraging guests to unwind in swimsuits and robes all day. Guests can enjoy contrast bathing, aqua yoga, forest bathing, and spa treatments like magnesium muscle melts. The Springs Resort will expand in 2025, with new rooms, 25 additional soaking pools, and a farm-to-table restaurant. Pagosa Springs also boasts a vibrant dining scene, including Mexican tacos, farm-to-table options, and a brewery.
A trip to Kentucky’s Appalachian region offers a blend of breathtaking scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture. Highlights include Berea, known for its arts and crafts, historic Boone Tavern Hotel, and scenic Pinnacles trails. Stearns features the Big South Fork Scenic Railway and Blue Heron mining community. Corbin is home to Cumberland Falls, the only moonbow in the Western Hemisphere, and downtown attractions like the Pinball Museum and Sanders Café, the birthplace of KFC. Pikeville offers the Hatfield-McCoy Feud tour, moonshine tastings, and Appalachian charm. Winchester stands out as the Beer Cheese Capital, featuring the Bluegrass Heritage Museum, arts venues, and Ale-8-One, a local soda favorite. Each city delivers unique experiences, from outdoor adventures to cultural discoveries.
Texas Locations
Ruby Hotel, Round Rock
Opened in 2019, The Ruby Hotel is a boutique hotel located in Round Rock, Texas. Inspired by a love letter discovered on site, this hotel is a perfect blend of luxury and nature. The 39-room hotel, with its mid-century modern design, is housed in a 1961 residential home and provides a peaceful creek-side retreat. The Ruby features a popular lounge and cocktail bar, stylish rooms, a poolside retreat, and a tech-enabled meeting space to cater to both leisure and business travelers. The Ruby Bar serves craft cocktails, local beers, and a menu of delicious dishes, including the signature Ruby Burger and chilaquiles for brunch.
Horseshoe Bay: Hot Air Balloons, Tennis Center, Wine, Dine & Jazz Festival
The 10th Annual Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay Resort (March 29-31) in Texas offers hot air balloons, live music, Easter egg drops, zoofari shows, and VIP packages with BBQ, balloon rides, and Easter brunch. Horseshoe Bay Resort also features the Mouratoglou Tennis Center with tennis and pickleball courts, along with family activities like an Aqua Park and floating pool. The 19th Annual Wine, Dine & Jazz Festival (Nov 7-8, 2025) includes celebrity chefs, cooking demos, wine tastings, food samples, and live jazz.
College Station: Great Escapes, Hotel McCoy
Great Escapes RV Resorts in College Station offers a blend of luxury and outdoor fun, with spacious RV spots, cozy cabins, sport courts, pools, a giant obstacle course, and family activities like hay rides and arts and crafts. It’s a great destination for multi-generational families seeking both adventure and relaxation. There is also the Hotel McCoy, which features vibrant murals, colorful rooms, and locally created art. It offers family-friendly rooms, a saltwater pool, pickleball, an art gallery, and events like concerts, outdoor movies, and bingo. Guests can enjoy a Texas-themed breakfast and regular activities like comedy shows and paint-and-sip nights
Thompson Hotels: Thompson Houston Hotel, Thompson Dallas Hotel
Thompson Spa at the Thompson Houston Hotel is a luxury wellness retreat offering advanced skincare treatments, such as the Cellular Activating Hydration Facial and Gold Aurum Radiance Infusion Facial. Guests can enjoy massages, LED light therapy, and CBD enhancements, along with modern rooms, a rooftop infinity pool, and event spaces. Thompson Dallas provides a blend of luxury and wellness with upscale rooms, a rooftop pool, yoga space, and gym. Bespoke wellness packages and healthy dining options ensure a relaxing escape, combining wellness, art, and local culture in the heart of the city.
Seguin is great for those looking to stay close enough to a big city while enjoying tranquil access to the countryside, lakes, natural green space and a cozy ambiance. Stay at the TLM Lakehouse, located on Meadow Lake for a luxurious treehouse experience with stunning lakefront views. The home features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and can accommodate up to 15 guests, with amenities including a chef’s kitchen, game room, office with Wi-Fi, and a cozy patio. Be sure to check out The Schoolyard for a unique and lively experience. The former elementary school has been reimagined into a retail and restaurant center. The Power Plant is a restaurant with a scenic view of the river and live music on weekends. Other must-sees in Seguin include Pecantown Books & Brews and SARA Animal Sanctuary.
Fredericksburg: Food & Wine Festival
The Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival, held the last weekend of October, is a must-visit event in the Texas Hill Country, now reimagined with exciting additions like a candlelit street dinner and yoga wine tasting. It brings together over 30 wineries, breweries, and distilleries, alongside more than 20 culinary booths. Highlights include a Friday night street dinner, Vino Vinyasa yoga with wine tastings, and a grand tasting event with food from local chefs. Guests can also explore Fredericksburg’s culinary scene at restaurants like Cabernet Grill and Halter Ranch. The event is a perfect getaway with options for lodging such as Odonata Escape or the upcoming Albert Hotel.
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Cover Photo Discover Puerto Rico
Hannah Hoffman is a writer and editor in the Dallas-Fort Worth area who enjoys covering local entertainment, restaurants, and events. She has lived in the Dallas metroplex for 12 years now and is ready to show Texas Lifestyle Magazine readers the beauty of the world.
