For the second consecutive year, Niche.com ranked The Woodlands No. 1 Best City to Live in America. Located 30 miles north of downtown Houston, the planned community sits on 28,000 tree-filled acres. A welcoming retreat from the city, the 402-room Woodlands Resort is a short drive from George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

In early January, the AAA Four-Diamond property became the first Curio Collection by Hilton resort in Texas. A flurry of multimillion-dollar improvements is underway at the

Woodlands Resort with a focus on improvements to food and beverage, health and wellness, and outdoor events. The 10,000-square-foot spa is undergoing a top-to-bottom makeover and the fitness center will be expanded. Curated art will unite the spaces. The enhancements are being meticulously orchestrated to avoid disruption of the guest experience.

During our three-day visit in April, the azaleas were in full bloom and we eagerly opted to sit outdoors at every opportunity. The Woodlands Resort encompasses 350 acres in the Texas Piney Woods. The family-friendly destination boasts two on-site golf courses, bikes for rent, 21 indoor and outdoor tennis courts, hiking trails and a complimentary shuttle to nearby shopping.

© Jim Twardowski

Our first-floor guestroom provided a terrace just steps from the kid-magnet swimming pool area. Through the sliding glass doors, we could see a 30-foot-high water tower. The Forest Oasis pools, water slides and lazy river are open year-round (everything except the 1,005-foot lazy river is heated). An adults-only pool is located by the Pro Shop. Currently the spa is closed. The spacious guestroom with a king-sized bed, desk, mini fridge and coffeemaker was surprisingly quiet and sleep came quickly in the comfy bed.

We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the Woodlands Dining Room with windows facing the lake. For dinner, we sat outside at Back Table Kitchen + Bar with views of ducks paddling and golfers finishing a round before the sun set. Conversing was effortless in the serene surroundings. We sipped on cocktails before dinner and shared a bowl of gumbo. The menu contains a variety of Southern-inspired favorites including biscuits, beer can brick chicken, and a melt-in-your-mouth old-fashioned tres leches cake.

The Woodlands as a destination is filled with restaurants and shops. We spotted a trolley on the grounds, but opted to walk to a nearby mall. On the advice of a friend, we dined at Sorriso — the restaurant is located in the Westin. The Italian countryside selections were perfection. We highly recommend the veal meatballs and lasagna with homemade pasta. Of course, we ordered wine to accompany the meal and had a lively conversation with the manager from Italy.

Back at the Woodlands Resort, guests were sitting under the stars beside outdoor fire pits. We snuggled on a couch and listened to the nocturnal creatures. Reconnecting with nature is instantaneous at the resort. Surrounded by trees and water views, Woodlands Resort has impressive meeting facilities and draws the business clientele. The property effortlessly accommodates a couple’s getaway or a bustling conference.

The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton

2301 N. Millbend Drive
The Woodlands, Texas
tel 281 367 1100