Live Large, Think Big is the Dallas slogan, but I’m thinking “live slim, think healthy” might also be a good fit. This proud-to-be-green city, boasts a number of great spas, a variety of places to exercise indoors and out as well as a thriving culinary scene. Here’s a random sampling for the wellness-minded:
Where to spa
The Spa at the Crescent in the Rosewood Crescent Hotel is one of those places where you can easily spend the entire day. Not just because of the spacious spa and extensive menu of services but also because of other facilities such as the state-of-the-art gym, the variety of fitness classes and the all-day Spa Café, also open to the public.
If you’re looking for a locally inspired spa treatment, try the Texas Crushed Cabernet Scrub or the Cowboy Boogie Pedicure which includes moor mud and heated booties.
Choose the Lavender Pedicure and you get to snack on freshly-baked lavender shortbread cookies. A few of the more unique and especially lavish treatments include the Javanese Lulur (I’ve had this in Indonesia and it’s truly special) and the Bali Spice Boreh Ritual.
At the Spa & Salon at the Four Seasons Resort & Club, a country-club feeling prevails and day-spa guests have access to a number of resort extras such as an outdoor jogging track and swimming pools. The resort also has two golf courses, a mega sports club and 12 tennis courts. Of course, enjoying the day just sitting around the beautifully-appointed spa lounge, where gauzy drapery creates cozy corners for enjoying a spa lunch, is another way to go.
When it comes to bragging rights, the Spa at the Ritz Carlton boasts the eight-hand massage. Many spas offer four-hand massages — two therapists working simultaneously — but eight hands on? Totally Dallas.
Where to eat
Tucked into the Oakcliff neighbourhood, the original Spiral Diner & Bakery serves vegan comfort food — no meat, no dairy, no eggs, with mostly organic ingredients. Try the Mitch Tofu Club, a grilled tofu sandwich with soy “bacon” bits and chipotle majo. On Sundays, there’s an all-you-can-eat pancake (whole wheat, no dairy) breakfast. The place isn’t fancy but the food is great.
For something more elegant, I suggest the posh Pyramid Restaurant at Fairmont where executive chef JW Foster is so into the local-sourcing scene he has created his own substantial roof top garden. In season, it supplies the entire hotel with all the herbs and about 75 per cent of veggies including heirloom tomatoes, about half a dozen varieties of chili peppers and watermelon made into sorbet for serving during the winter.
Villa-O, a Knox-Henderson neighbourhood trattoria with classic Italian cuisine, a subtle nautical theme and a popular outdoor patio might just serve up the tastiest healthy pizza on the planet. Healthy because the crust is made with semolina and wheat flour, and the toppings are all organic or naturally raised. The portabello mushroom “fries” served with tomato aioli dip are also delicious.
Where to run/ cycle
The conciege at the Mansion on Turtle Creek recommends the Katy Trail, a former rail track that runs through the heart of the city. The trail is somewhat elevated, allowing for views of parkland, upscale neighbourhoods and downtown skylines along the way.
More details
For more information on travelling to Dallas, check out www.Visitdallas.com
