Travel

Suite Escape: Hotel ZaZa

The latest seductive incarnation of storied Dallas pleasure palace Hotel ZaZa is positively hard-wired for romance (as evidenced by the Dangerous Beauty suite's fainting couch and wall studded with photos of bare breasts). Champagne and chocolate, whirlpools and whipped cream—seductive frills turn a mere night in a hotel into an all-out experience. hotelzazadallas.com.

–Connie Dufner,  Modern Luxury Magazines  

Sales Scan: The Demi Room Package at The Joule

Vacation on the brain? Book a Demi room ($289 per night) at Dallas' The Joule hotel and stay for a complete 24 hours (meaning you check out at the same time you checked in the day before). In addition to the room's mod environs, the package also includes a split of Grey Goose, an in-room movie and breakfast in bed. starwoodhotels.com.

–JuliB  

Hot Spot: Dallas Center for Architecture

LED lighting, mod furnishings, recycled glass floors, a picture-window view of the Arts District, a catering kitchen—one of Dallas' coolest new venues isn't a club, a boutique or a penthouse. You would expect the new Dallas Center for Architecture to hit on all the important industry trends: sustainability, adaptive re-use, LEED compliance. The building design, helmed by lead architect Peter Doncaster of Booziotis & Company, provides ample space for rotating exhibits, meetings and gatherings. Now on view: Birth of Surf, featuring the docu-photography of LeRoy Grannis. Sixteen firms contributed money to develop the center, which is also home to six related organizations. What a draw! dallascfa.com.

–Connie Dufner, Modern Luxury Magazines  

Photo by C. Blackmon.

Serene Getaway: Double J Hacienda & Art Ranch

Longing for those long, sunny summer camp days? Hitch up and head to the Double J Hacienda & Art Ranch in Mineral Wells, Texas (located about 90 minutes outside of Dallas). Started by a duo of dreamers who wanted to foster creativity and holistic practices, the Double J hosts a revolving artists' colony that thrives on the ranch's scheduled sunset viewings, live music and creativity powwows. Become one with your inner energy with the help of an on-site yoga and breathing expert, or take on the hiking trails that crisscross the expansive ranch. Rooms veer toward rustic, with hip art and progressive diaries—feel free to add your own thoughts for future guests. djartranch.com.

–Christopher Luu, JuliB  

Sales Scan: Poolside Play Package at The Joule Dallas

Check out The Joule Dallas hotel's Poolside Play Package (valid Thursdays–Sundays until September 27). It includes two cocktails, plus valet parking and a special CD designed for what? Hanging by the pool, of course. After all, nothing says vacation quite like a refreshing cocktail with the sun shining overhead and the pool sparkling at your feet. starwoodhotels.com.

–JuliB