Dallas is a Texan millionaire’s playground – with high-end shopping aplenty, a sophisticated cultural scene, and of course lavish five-star hotels, spas, bars, and restaurants. Heading to the Big D and looking to spoil yourself? Here’s the best way to do it.
Stay at Thompson Dallas
The hotels of now are without a doubt the Thompson’s, and the Dallas edition is luxury perfected with a heavy helping of fun. Located within The National, the 51-story tower was curated by world-renowned designers and has 219 rooms including 52 suites and two penthouse suites, two restaurants (rooftop restaurant Catbird and daytime American/southern Nine at The National – a brunch hotspot), a comprehensive spa, hair lounge, barbershop and two acres of outdoor space on the ninth-floor deck. Tip: Look out for renowned pieces by Damien Hirst in Nine and sparkling Swarovksi embedded Matryoshka dolls by Metis Atash at Catbird.
Penthouses aside, we were allured by the Thompson Dallas’ mirror-clad Corner suite, adorned with beautiful walnut-colored furnishings, accent lighting, and modern tech including a sleek 55” flat-screen for Hulu streaming. There’s an illy coffee machine – a welcome change from the copy-and-paste Nespresso in most hotels, and a golden bar display. In the bathroom swirl in the aromas DS & Durga Bowmakers bath amenities in either deep soak tub (with handy champagne rest table) or rainfall shower, and the bedroom envelope in the softness of Sferra linens, custom duvets, and Frette robes with fluffy black slippers. And soak in those views…you’re knee-deep in them! Floor to ceiling windows provides an observatory feel – like standing on the Reunion Tower in a robe. Topped with impeccable service, this is Dallas’ latest jewel.
Dine at The Crescent Club
The Crescent Club at Hotel Crescent Court is Dallas’ best exclusive private dining club, beautifully designed with classic rich wood décor, arched skyline views, and marble pillars. Dinner, lobster brunch, and champagne toast are all occasions to dress up for here – you don’t want the interiors to outshine you. We recommend booking a dinner slot and trying our stand-out – a pan-seared free-range Jidori chicken with crispy fingerling potatoes, local mushrooms, fava beans, artichokes, and olive powder, and also the Tagliatelle Pasta is a surprising front runner too. Finish with the Madagascan Vanilla Creme Brûlée and you’re in heaven. Five stars at every possible angle.
Spa in ZaSpa
ZaSpa is uptown’s spa destination, with a wide selection of treatments for the whole body, plus infrared sauna, Naturopathica skincare/herbal remedies, and BABOR skin care products. Those coming from another time zone should try the ‘Swedish Bliss Massage’ or ‘Mind, Body and Spirit Massage’ to help combat jet lag. There are some great facials to splash out on pre-night on the town, such as the ‘Light, Collagen, Action Facial’ which delivers a glow and time-turned-back in just one luxurious treatment (there’s a light therapy in it too). Pair it with Obvi supplements and you’ll morph into Jennifer Lopez. Finally, post-night out there’s an invigorating ‘Morning After Scrub and Wrap’ which does wonder.
Travel by Vonlane
Aka ‘the private jet on wheels. If you’re traveling in and out of Dallas, treat yourself to a Vonlane journey. The luxury motor coaches have seats wider than those on a commercial jetliner’s first-class cabin, with finely upholstered leather, 150-degree recline, and plenty of onboard pamperings such as refreshments (including vegetarian options), noise-canceling headphones, and a closet for your garments – all with the help of a dedicated crew member. For those in Dallas on business, the coach has complimentary Wifi and ample workspace for you to catch up on emails whilst heading down to Houston or Austin. Alternatively, take a nap – there are pillows, blankets, and masks available upon request.
Do the Reunion Tower the VIP way
The best way to do this Dallas icon is naturally VIP. The Reunion Tower offers a ‘Love Is In The Air’ package for those seeking to take date nights to a new height (470 feet to be exact). The package includes two GeO-Deck General Admission Tickets, VIP Elevator Service, and photography presented in a stunning silver frame. While you’re soaring over downtown, you and your loved one are treated to sparkling glasses of wine (and you can even keep the logo flute glasses as a souvenir of the experience) and your designated coordinator is on hand to make sure everything is running smoothly behind the scenes. Additional services are available to make an occasion even more special (rose petals, food, and drink), and for those, without a lover, there’s no need to worry. Bring along a bestie or relative and share the magic anyway.
Say Cheers at Ellie’s
Arty, modern, and friendly – Ellie’s is the perfect spot to get glam with pals or wind down after exploring nearby museums. Book a table in Ellie’s Lounge to enjoy live music and entertainment by the Steinway grand piano and under twinkling lights, or if the weather allows, out on the terrace for inspiring views of Dallas Arts District. The venue is well known for specialty cocktails and incredible wines, including Ellie’s Cabernet Sauvignon, from HALL Wines. Varieties are also available to buy from their online store if you want a glass of Ellie’s back home.