The Inn at Dos Brisas, Hill Country

Location

A short drive from Houston or Austin, this ranch is situated in the eastern foothills of Texas Hill Country on grounds that have hosted everything from Union solider-prisoners and cotton farmers to horse trainers and cattlemen. Now, its rolling meadows are best explored on an afternoon hike or a horseback ride along the ranch’s trails. If you’re here over spring, the nearby Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is not to be missed.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in Spanish-style deluxe cabins, evocative of the area’s rural past. The fireplace heated Haciendas feature soaring cathedral ceilings, antique furnishings and French oak floors along with an enclosed porch complete with pool deck and patio. Their magnificent en suite bathrooms come with walk-in rain forest showers. Smaller Casitas, also furnished with a private porch, are perfect for shorter stays with roaring fireplaces and small kitchenettes. All rooms come with complimentary WiFi.

Dining

The inn’s restaurant is the only Forbes five-star dining establishment in the state, serving food heavily informed by the property’s extensive organic gardens and greenhouse. Creative menus blend this green focus with typical Texan flair in dishes such as roasted Amish chicken, ricotta gnocchi and Rohan duck prosciutto. The 7,000-bottle strong wine cellar is equally impressive and is recognised by the Wine Spectator magazine with a ‘Best of Award of Excellence’.

Facilities

Home to the second largest privately owned indoor riding arena in Texas, The Inn is a fantastic destination for equestrians with carriage tours, riding lessons and trail rides. However, it’s not all horses as those inspired by the restaurant can book into a baking, cooking or wine tasting class or, for a faster pace, there’s a full range of outdoor activities including clay target shooting, fishing, biking, swimming, hunting, golf and tennis. Or simply take a walk in the rose garden, try your eye at stargazing and let the in-room masseurs spirit you away.