Texas’ Top 5 Resort Hotels for 2025: The Ultimate Retreats According to Travel + Leisure Readers
Published: July 14, 2025 | Source: Austin American-Statesman | By: Alexis Simmerman
If you crave relaxation, world-class amenities, and a true escape without leaving Texas, the state’s premier resort hotels are ready to deliver an elevated experience. As part of Travel + Leisure’s esteemed “World’s Best Awards 2025,” nearly 180,000 travel enthusiasts shared their insights, voting on premier properties that blend comfort, service, amenities, and local flavor. The result? Texas’ five top resort hotels, each defining hospitality in the Lone Star State with signature luxury, recreation, and renowned spas.
What Sets Texas Resorts Apart in 2025?
With tourism in Texas reaching new heights—according to the Texas Economic Development Corporation, the state’s travel and tourism industry is projected to exceed $95 billion in direct spending for 2025—resorts are doubling down on both family-friendly and business-focused amenities. Whether it’s massive wellness centers, championship golf, waterparks, curated culinary offerings, or sophisticated meeting facilities, Texas resorts are positioned as destinations for both leisure and business travelers seeking memorable hospitality near the state’s largest cities.
Travel + Leisure readers rated properties on rooms/facilities, location, service, food, and value, and the selected winners reflect a blend of urban sanctuary, Texas hill country charm, and impressive facility investments made during recent years.
The Top 5 Texas Resort Hotels in 2025
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The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, Houston
Reader Score: 96.15
Set on a lush, 27-acre wooded campus just minutes from Houston’s bustling Galleria district, The Houstonian offers an unrivaled oasis-feel with an expansive 26,500-square-foot spa, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and three sparkling pools. Guests enjoy complimentary access to a private health club—one of the most exclusive in Houston—boasting nine tennis courts, a mile-long shaded jogging trail, and an indoor track. The Houstonian’s world-class Trellis Spa features 20 treatment rooms, an adults-only pool, and luxurious relaxation zones, consistently recognized by Forbes and Condé Nast Traveler among the nation’s best.
Recent renovation investments of over $45 million, completed between 2022 and 2024, have upgraded guest rooms and expanded both wellness and outdoor spaces. The Houstonian’s dedication to guest service resonates strongly, with one Travel + Leisure reader sharing, “The staff treats you like you are a long-awaited family member.” With robust offerings for business travelers, including multiple meeting venues, the hotel continues to attract local staycationers and international guests alike. Visit The Houstonian Hotel.
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Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, Frisco
Reader Score: 93.50
Located in the rapidly growing Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Frisco, the Omni PGA Frisco Resort debuted in 2023 and has quickly earned acclaim. As the home base of PGA of America, the resort sets new standards for golf resorts nationwide with two championship courses, a high-tech training facility, and 13 restaurants and bars. The luxury spa, extensive retail promenade, and the signature “Ranch House” rooms provide a residential resort vibe, ideal for both professional golfers and families.
Year-round events—from world-class tournaments to wellness retreats—complement state-of-the-art conference amenities, making the Omni PGA Frisco a magnet for meetings, conferences, and destination weddings. In 2025, Frisco ranks among the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., further propelling the resort’s popularity. Explore Omni PGA Frisco Resort.
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JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, San Antonio
Reader Score: 89.45
Embracing the scenic Texas Hill Country, this sprawling resort features a celebrated nine-acre waterpark, the 26,000-square-foot Lantana Spa, and access to two world-class golf courses. Popular with families as well as corporate clients, the JW Marriott’s culinary reputation continues to rise in 2025, with award-winning restaurants and local farm-driven menus.
The summer occupancy rate here has consistently exceeded 80% since 2023, a testament to its popularity. With over 1,000 rooms, 265,000 square feet of meeting space, and breathtaking views, business and leisure guests alike praise the seamless service, spacious accommodations, and thrilling recreational options. Discover JW Marriott San Antonio.
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Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin
Reader Score: 88.69
Nestled in the rolling hills just west of downtown Austin, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa stands out for its sophisticated blend of contemporary luxury and natural beauty. The resort underwent a $150 million transformation completed in 2019, adding a new 13,000-square-foot Mokara Spa, seven dining outlets, four championship golf courses, and extensive event spaces.
Recent years have solidified Barton Creek as a top destination for wellness seekers and golf enthusiasts, with curated fitness programs and an on-site golf academy. The property’s proximity to Austin allows for vibrant city excursions, while its serene setting offers a tranquil escape. Learn more about Omni Barton Creek.
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Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine
Reader Score: 83.53
Perfectly situated between Dallas and Fort Worth in historic Grapevine, the Gaylord Texan is famed for its jaw-dropping 4.5-acre indoor atrium, meandering riverwalk, and year-round waterpark fun. As one of the largest convention hotels in the region, it hosts hundreds of events annually, with a vast array of dining options, luxurious spa experiences, and spacious guestrooms.
The resort’s spectacular annual events—including Christmas at Gaylord Texan and the Lone Star Wine & Music Festival—draw both out-of-state visitors and locals seeking a grand staycation. Visit Gaylord Texan Resort.
Trends Shaping Texas Resort Travel in 2025
- Wellness Experiences: Spas remain at the heart of guest demand, with each top-ranked property investing heavily in holistic wellness offerings—think salt rooms, hydrotherapy circuits, nutrition coaching, and mindfulness retreats.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Expansive waterparks, children’s clubs, teen lounges, and multi-generational activity programming ensure every guest—no matter the age—enjoys their stay.
- Business and Events: With rapidly growing tech and business hubs in cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston, resorts increasingly cater to small and large corporate gatherings, offering state-of-the-art meeting technology and flexible event spaces.
- Sustainability: As eco-conscious travel rises, Texas resorts are adopting green building certifications, locally-sourced menus, water recycling, and native landscaping to attract today’s mindful traveler.
Plan Your Luxury Escape in the Lone Star State
With domestic and international visitor interest in Texas surging, these top five resorts showcase the best in Southern hospitality, service, and world-class leisure. Whether you seek a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a sophisticated environment for business travel, Texas’ leading resort hotels are elevating expectations—and setting new standards for the future of luxury travel.
Ready for your spa day in Texas? Explore the full World’s Best Awards list at Travel + Leisure, and plan your visit to one of these acclaimed resorts in 2025.

