Over-the-Top Getaways in Texas
To be the best possible version of yourself, you need to take care of your mental health. You need to keep your stress levels low to be a better partner to your significant other, a better parent to your kids, a better employee at work, and a better friend overall.
Even a short weekend getaway can do wonders for your mind leaving you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on anything the world throws at you.
In a 2018 survey conducted by the American Psychological Association’s Center for Organizational Excellence, 68 percent of respondents indicated that their mood and energy improved after taking a vacation.
Whatever your reason may be for wanting to take some time off, we’ve put together a list of our top picks for the best over-the-top getaways in Texas for a truly memorable holiday.
The Inn at Dos Brisas
“Dos Brisas” is a Spanish name that translates to “two breezes.” It is reminiscent of a mesmerizing oasis in the middle of nowhere and is the perfect getaway for anyone looking to escape from everyone and everything.
This quaint little paradise is located in Washington County on a massive 313 acres of open space nestled between Austin, Houston, and College Station. The rustic charm of the Inn at Dos Brisas is accentuated by the pecan trees, wildflowers, and lakes bordering the property. The luxury amenities, alongside the mouthwatering cuisine served at the five-star restaurant, all add to the elegant appeal of this resort.
The inn has no shortage of outdoor activities you can partake in. Whether you seek the thrill of biking or horseback riding or would rather the peace and quiet that comes with fishing, picnicking, or wine tasting, the Dos Brisas has something for everyone.
Divided Find Ranch
If you’re looking for a truly over-the-top getaway experience, you might want to try helicopter hog hunting at the Divided Find Ranch in San Angelo, TX. The property has two lodges and two ranch cabins, each adorned with rustic hunting décor, luxurious linens, and woven textiles that add a contemporary charm to the open spaces.
The rich Texas flair combined with the elegant, relaxing ambiance of the outdoor spaces leaves a lasting impression that will have you wanting more. There’s something utterly relaxing and soothing about the ranch that makes it the perfect stress reliever.
The highlight is no doubt the helicopter hog hunting activities on offer. Divided Find has a subsidiary business – Helicopter Pig Hunting – that offers R44 Raven II and R66 Turbine helicopter rides over a whopping 2.5 million acres of land to hunt the 2.6 million wild-hog population wreaking havoc in the state.
What better way to bond with your loved ones than to shoot some feral hogs? It doesn’t get any more over-the-top than that.
Galveston Island
If you’re looking for a quick and easy getaway, hitting the beach on Galveston Island is a great way to while away the weekend. It’s located less than 50 miles from Houston, meaning you can leave the city and have your toes buried in the sand in under an hour.
As far as Texas date ideas go, there’s so much to do and so much to see at Galveston. You can check in at the Moody Gardens Hotel & Spa and enjoy the lush tropical gardens and luxurious amenities the resort has to offer. There’s a golf course, a massive Texas-sized pool, and a lavish spa you might also enjoy.
You can take a tour of the 1.5 million gallon Aquarium Pyramid, which happens to be the single-largest aquarium in the Southwest. It is teeming with thousands of tropical fish, jellyfish, sharks, seals, and dapper tuxedo-clad penguins.
Additionally, you can take a stroll down to Pleasure Pier and enjoy an exciting over-water rollercoaster ride or go to Schlitterbahn and brave the waterslides if you dare.
We particularly like the private yacht charter dinner cruises that take place Saturday nights between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat. The beautiful sunsets and breathtaking scenery of Offers Bayou make this one of the most romantic getaways in Texas.
Alternatively, you could book a spot on one of the many Gulf of Mexico fishing charters and enjoy some quiet time hunting for Mahi Mahi, tarpon, king mackerel, shark, red snapper, and a host of other saltwater fish.
Galveston has lots of exciting attractions to entertain you all year round.
King Ranch Nilgai Hunt
Nilgai is a breed of antelope that’s native to Pakistan and India. A few of these animals were turned loose on the King Ranch in 1930, and their population has since proliferated. Hunting Nilgai is challenging even for seasoned hunters. They have an incredibly strong sense of smell, exceptional hearing, and powerful eyesight, all of which make it difficult to stalk them and get close enough to shoot. This is part of the thrill that comes with hunting these elusive creatures.
The King Ranch habitat is made up of massive live oak mottes nestled among coastal prairies and an expansive environment of mixed bush. You can stay at the Saltillo Lodge that’s dotted with rustic hunting décor, the majority of which happen to be trophy Nilgai taxidermy mounts.
If an African-style hunt is what you’re looking for, a Nilgai hunting getaway at King Ranch will deliver just that. Private charter flights are available for groups of six or more people to fly you to South Texas. Chartering costs range anywhere between $1,500 and $8,000 per flying hour.
Cypress Valley Tree Houses
Remember how carefree you were as a child? Cypress Valley Tree Houses give you a chance to revisit those good old days and relive your childhood dreams. The resort has several tree houses perched on ancient cypress trees and perfectly positioned for watching fiery sunsets on the wraparound porches, stargazing into the clear night sky, or enjoying the sight of thousands of fireflies illuminating the riverbed below.
During the day, there are a ton of exciting activities you can enjoy, like wine tasting at the neighboring vineyard or zip-lining through the forest. A stay at the Cypress Valley is guaranteed to leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to face the world back at home.
Explore Texas
Everything is over-the-top in Texas. With so many getaways to choose from, there’s always something exciting to discover. Any of the destinations in this list would be a great place to start.
In the meantime, read about Texas COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in our blog.