Best Honeymoon Resorts in Texas

Travaasa Austin is an upscale spa resort set on a hilltop of a gorgeous nature preserve with forested canyons, about half an hour from downtown Austin. Its 72 rooms are housed in seven buildings and offer private balconies with beautiful canyon or garden views. Hiking trails, an infinity-edge pool enclosed by a wooden deck, and a luxurious spa are just some of the amenities here, and there's a restaurant serving organic, local fare, with many of the ingredients used sourced from the hotel's own farm. The serene atmosphere is furthered by the over-16 policy.

The 99-room Mokara is one of San Antonio’s most stylish hotels, featuring swanky amenities that include a beautiful rooftoppool, a premium spa, and fine dining -- all in a prime location right on the River Walk. The rooms at this luxury boutique are bright and sophisticated, though some have much better views than others and most lack flat-screen TVs.

The Spanish Colonial architecture of the Omni La Mansion del Rio gives the upscale hotel a relaxed hacienda feel. The vibe is carried on in one of the city's best hotel restaurants, Las Canarias, as well as mariachi performances at the comfortable and lively heated outdoor pool. Some guests may miss the presence of an on-site spa and fitness center, but these are found just across the River Walk, within five minutes’ walking distance, at its sister hotel, the Mokara Hotel & Spa.

Hotel Contessa, located on a quiet stretch of the River Walk, sells itself as San Antonio's "only luxury all-suite hotel," and in many ways it lives up to that claim. The 265 suites range in size from 500 to 800 square feet, and all feature separate living rooms and bedrooms with contemporary, southwestern-inspired decor, two 37-inch flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi -- but microwaves or mini-fridges only upon request, for a fee. The urban chic rooftop pool and Jacuzzi area is a nice perk, but the pool is small and gets crowded quickly. Those looking for some quiet relaxation should head to the adjacent rooftop day spa.

Hotel Valencia offers chic sophistication in the heart of downtown, along with comfortable, modern rooms and some nice views of the River Walk -- though you'll have to do without some amenities many would consider vital in sweltering San Antonio, such as a pool. It's also a property best suited for adults with a dining- and night-life-centric agenda, or high-end business travelers -- thanks to its modern meeting rooms, and the fact that the River Walk-side restaurant and bar are among the most popular in the city.

Cypress Creek Cottages is a peaceful, country-like property on a creek in Wimberly, within driving distance of both Austin and San Antonio. With only 11 fully-equipped cottages on the entire property, it has an intimate vibe -- although cottages are relatively close together. Each includes a full kitchen, quaint decor (picture fireplaces and floral accents), and updated amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, and pets are welcome. The property attracts both families and couples with its rustic-chic vibe, but -- lacking a pool, fitness center, and full restaurant -- it has very few on-site amenities.

The Joule is one of the coolest -- and most luxurious -- hotels in Downtown Dallas. It's located in a historic building dating back to the 1920s, and its decor is a mix of old and new -- funky furniture and patterned rugs are juxtaposed against dark wood paneling and antique touches in the lobby (including two giant cogged wheels), and the hotel has an extensive art collection, including works by Andy Warhol. There is a popular lounge downstairs and the bathroom walls are made of frosted glass (though a curtain can be pulled across), so this hotel may not be the best pick for families, but all can enjoy the cantilevered pool which juts out over Main Street.

The funky boutique Hotel ZaZa Houston (with a sister property in Dallas) is stylishly designed, with an excess of quirky artwork, patterned pillows and lampshades, and various adornments. Sometimes over-the-top, but often fun, the hotel establishes itself as a unique option for upscale travelers. Even the most basic rooms have a flair for color and design while offering spaciousness and rainforest showers in bathrooms. Located in Houston’s museum district, the ZaZa is near a number of important cultural attractions and dining options. The European-style pool and on-site restaurant, Monarch, keeps things convenient for those who are less interested in exploring.