The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas

"It’s going to take some time to get used to this Las Colinas outpost under a different resort umbrella after years of the beloved property being a Four Seasons. However, a $55 million transformation project is breathing fresh, luxurious life into the property just outside of Dallas. Don’t worry, TPC Las Colinas is still right outside of your suite’s window, however, now you have the option of club level access to amp your amenities. For locals who fancy themselves foodies, the dining debut of Knife Italian by Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur John Tesar is being met with rave reviews." - Diana Oates

"Why book? The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas is a beloved blending of burb life and the big city. Set the scene: You'll see just about everyone here—a high end wedding party, a young family headed to the pool, or a group of golfers. The pool is pleasantly packed but not in an annoying way and the lawn is full of loved ones lingering for one last drink because the laughs are coming easy. The 400-acre property gets great sunsets and somehow seems miles away from Dallas Despite being just outside the city limits. The backstory For more than 38 years, this property was known as The Four Seasons Resort at Las Colinas. It is now being managed by the Ritz Carlton after a $55 million transformation that wraps up in Spring 2024. Led by design firms Jeffrey Beers International and Leo A Daly, the 427 guest rooms got a refresh to reflect the property’s new brand and chapter. The major change in the room selection is that club level access is now an option which gets guests a dedicated concierge, gourmet culinary and a gorgeous lounge that has a great view of the resort pool. Food and drink Michelin starred chef John Tesar has finally opened his beloved Knife Italian after teasing it for years to the Dallas foodie faithful. Bar Juniper is also a new addition post renovation and name change. The Outlaw Taproom is still around for those who just can’t bear the thought of not drinking a beer by the firepit. Cheers to great food in a beautiful, new space. The spa: The spa not only has a full typical treatment menu with massages and facials, but also a full hair and nail salon for getting glam from head to toe. Although there are plenty of over the top spa offerings in Dallas, locals come here to get away from it all and relax for a bit. The neighborhood/area - Las Colinas is a 12,000-acre master planned community that is home to a lot of businesses, families and entertainment venues. Step just outside the hotel to hit a luxurious neighborhood with golf views and go a little bit farther and you’ll hit the Irving Arts Center for all your entertainment needs. For families From the pool to the golf course and even the spa, there is something for everyone in the family. Kids are top of mine here with events like movie night on the lawn, s’mores by the fire, and even a meet and greet event with the Dallas Zoo. During the summer, kids can take part in the golf , tennis and swim summer camps. Anything left to mention? This is a very popular place to have a wedding in North Texas. If you’re recently engaged, it is perhaps worth a tour." - Diana Oates

"Though technically in Irving, midway betweenDallasand Fort Worth, this Four Seasons outpost has honorary Big D status: Opened in 1986, it was a pioneer in the city’s luxury hotel scene, with Spanish Colonial–style vaulted walkways leading to 12 tennis courts, three pools, and two 18-hole golf courses (the resort’s Hall of Champions displays memorabilia from pro player Byron Nelson’s private collection). The 16-room Well & Being Spa was the first in a Four Seasons hotel and lives up to the honor with standout facilities, including wet and dry saunas, an eight-head Vichy shower, and a thermal area with hot and cold pools. If you’re feeling more active, the 6,000-square-foot gym features indoor­–outdoor jogging tracks, AntiGravity yoga, a half-court for basketball, and a schedule of more than 40 fitness classes every week, from barre boot camps to TRX. After all the fun, retire to one of the 431 rooms and suites, which are located in both the main tower and a series of low-rise villas. Each one is outfitted in a residential style and has the perks you’d expect from the brand, but villa options kick it up a notch with fire pits or gas fireplaces, deep-soaking tubs, and views of the pool or golf courses. Come dinner time, savor refined Texas-inspired cuisine at LAW (Land, Air, Water), which highlights the best regional produce, or enjoy drinks and casual fare at OUTLAW Taproom, where you can also play pool on an heirloom 1891 table inlaid with mother-of-pearl."

"How did it strike you on arrival?Driving up to the property in Las Colinas northwest of Dallas, I'm taken by the Spanish colonial-style architecture and the beautiful grounds. When you're in Dallas proper, it is easy to forget how lovely large stretches of impeccably maintained grass can be. Here that grass is part of two 18-hole golf courses—TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas and Cottonwood Valley. What’s the crowd like?Despite the Four Seasons label, this hotel feel laid back, so you'll find a great mix of people. While sitting in the lobby for any extended amount of time you are likely to see a guys golfing group, a wedding party, and a young family headed to the pool. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.I stayed in a premiere villa suite, which has quite a bit more going on than the entry level rooms, and it was well worth it. There was a lovely living area complete with a fireplace that was perfect for entertaining. There was a full bathroom in addition to a powder room and the large dining table was perfect for enjoying meals as a family. My favorite area was the wraparound terrace and its views of the TPC course. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?Don't underrate a good turndown service. Here it helped to keep the room clean and zen. What do they have for food?Lovers of locally sourced meats will go nuts for LAW, which stands for "Land, Air and Water." Executive chef Christof Syré serves up Akaushi beef from Beeman Ranch in Harwood and scrumptious redfish from Copper Shoals Farms in Port O’Connor. The quail and chicken are also locally sourced. LAW's master sommelier, James Tidwell, will help you select the perfect pairing for your dish of choice. In-room dining here is also an absolute luxury. My meal of choice? Breakfast! Start with a large pot of La Colombe coffee and ease into things with a Texas pecan twist or a piece of banana bread. For your main meal, I would suggest Huevos Las Colinas, with two eggs, tortilla, avocado, black beans, queso fresco, and ranchero sauce. So good (and so Texas). Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The driver of the mini shuttle who transported us from check-in at the main resort to our villa suite was helpful, personable, and offered us some tips and tricks to score the best seats at the two outdoor pools. Anything we forgot to ask about?Those who enjoy staying active on vacation will love this resort and its fitness facilities. Think jogging tracks, an indoor lap pool, group exercise studio (more than 40 classes a week), 12 tennis courts, and two golf courses. My favorite class? AntiGravity aerial yoga for the win. What's the bottom line?The Four Seasons feels like home, and to me, that is priceless. This hotel is warm and welcoming to the entire family. And the golf alone is enough to make it worth it for the athlete in your life." - Diana Oates