A number of months in the past, I discussed to my pal Katie over dinner that we met fifteen years in the past this August. She recommended we rejoice our fifteen yr frieniversary with a spa weekend and we selected Gaylord Texan, as Relache Spa is one in all my favorites within the Metroplex.
When you’ve by no means seen the Gaylord Texan earlier than, you’re in for a deal with. Situated in Grapevine, Texas fairly near DFW Airport, the Gaylord is a sight for sore eyes. The gorgeous atrium will make you are feeling such as you’re outside, with its lush landscaping, fountains, waterfalls, and rock formations. The resort’s beautiful theming will make you are feeling such as you’re strolling across the well-known San Antonio riverwalk with out having to make the trek south. With a number of eating places on sight, a ten-acre water park, an evening membership, tons of day by day family-friendly occasions, and top-of-the-line Christmas extravaganzas DFW has to supply, there’s a lot to see and do on the Gaylord.
For my part, one of many high causes to remain on the Gaylord merely is to stroll across the beautiful atrium and discover each flip. In simply two days, we went on 4 meandering walks to benefit from the wildlife.
We bought an atrium-view double queen room on the eight ground, proper throughout from the Italian restaurant Zeppole. I can’t imagine I forgot to take photos of the room! Fortunately I did a full room tour on this week’s episode of The Rose Desk which you’ll be able to watch right here:
We’ve got a really giant flat display TV and wonderful room of the atrium, which comes alive at night time with all kinds of colours.
Relache Spa by no means disappoints. I had a number of spa weekends right here in my twenties. The Dreamcatcher therapeutic massage is one in all my favorites, however on this explicit weekend, I selected the Deep Restoration therapeutic massage with eucalyptus and peppermint oil. My troubles melted away within the arms of my succesful therapeutic massage therapist. Katie additionally completely loved her seasonal therapeutic massage earlier than we met again as much as take pleasure in a leisurely steam. (Relache Spa additionally has a sauna.) Afterwards we hit the showers, spritzing the loveliest eucalyptus bathe spray. It’s usually obtainable within the spa reward store however was sadly bought out!
We wished to have lunch on the Riverwalk Cantina, however sadly, it was closed, so we opted as a substitute for Texas Station. We had been thrilled to get one of many coveted out of doors tables with a view of the fountain. I ordered rooster tacos with chips and salsa (how Texan can I get, actually?) and Katie bought actually good rooster tenders with excellent french fries. We shared tacos and tenders earlier than heading over to the spa.
It was a troublesome selection between the Hickory Steakhouse and Zeppole however we determined to have dinner at Zeppole, an Italian restaurant with open-air seating within the atrium. We sipped on refreshing lemony cocktails (referred to as the Sicilian Kiss) earlier than diving into focaccia, grilled octopus, and grilled halloumi arugula salad. The octopus tasted precisely like rooster and the salad was a pleasant technique to begin the meal.
The actual show-stopper was my rooster marsala, which is without doubt one of the finest rooster dishes I feel I’ve ever had. And that’s saying quite a bit since you all know that I’m a serious rooster snob. I may write a love sonnet about this dish. The marsala sauce is absolute perfection and phrases don’t even do the crispy, juicy rooster justice. When you don’t dwell in Texas, it’s price a aircraft ticket. When you do dwell in Texas, what are you ready for?! Go order it!
Brunch the following morning was served at Texas Station and fortuitously, we by some means once more bought one of many few atrium tables with a fountain view. Yay! The $30 brunch buffet features a improbable omelet station, pastries, contemporary fruit, biscuits and gravy, pancakes and waffles, potatoes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, grits, and extra.
I used to be so excited to lastly expertise the Gaylord’s ten-acre waterpark for myself however sadly, the climate had different plans. An enormous storm blew in on Sunday so we determined to go residence proper after brunch to beat the storm. I’m delighted to report that it didn’t begin storming till after I used to be safely at residence, however I’m bummed to have missed a pool day. I’ve been to the Gaylord many occasions within the winter, each for the ICE exhibit and for my birthday, however I’ve by no means truly been in the summertime so this is able to have been my first time. We determined we’ll simply have to return subsequent summer season!
