Looking for a weekend getaway for the entire family (or maybe just that special
someone) that offers a full range of activities and the best rates in Texas?
Then set your sights on The Woodlands Resort, a relaxing haven nestled among
28,000 acres of forest preserves just 30 minutes north of Houston.
After check-in, stake out your spot at the resort’s Forest Oasis Waterscape™, a unique poolside experience with flowing waterfalls, winding waterslides and
seasonal entertainment that provides all-day enjoyment for everyone.
The centerpiece of this oasis is Morgan’s Run, where kids spend hours zooming down two, 30-foot, double-helix water
slides. Children of all ages enjoy exploring a spectacular, 3-D underwater
marine mural depicting dolphins, turtles, reef fish and other exotic ocean
life. And no, your ears aren
’t fooling you … that is underwater music playing! Nearby, Puffy’s Sprayground, with synchronized waterspouts and fountains, is ideal for the
little ones. Mere footsteps from the excitement of the main pool is a
lagoon-style pool with a calming, 10-foot water wall and bench seating for
adults who prefer a quieter, more relaxed setting.
To enhance the Forest Oasis Waterscape experience, the resort offers
complimentary chilled towels, ice pops, frozen grapes and orange slices to keep
the Texas heat at bay. As the sun sets, gather the family around the s
’mores fire pit and build your own gooey confection while dive-in movies play on
the big screen.
Keeping the kids busy is easy thanks to the resort’s activity team, which plans an extensive array of poolside games and
entertainment each summer. Live bands, balloon artists, face painting and
organized water games are just some of the activities for families to enjoy
this summer season.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a bite at Cool Water Café. Or, sit back and order right from your lounge chair from a menu featuring
hamburgers, wraps and salads for adults while younger palates will cheer for
the popular chicken tender basket or oozing, triple-decker grilled cheese.
Plus, there is a great selection of ice cream shakes and smoothies. The
signature smoothie, a Cool Water Cool Down with vanilla frozen yogurt, is a
must-have.
When you’re ready to trade the water for the greens, grab your clubs and head over to the
resort
’s two, on-property championship golf courses, The Oaks and Panther Trail™.
Designed by Roy Case and named one of the Best Courses in Houston, Panther Trail
is highlighted by 20 acres of blooming wildflowers with each hole winding
through the tall, East Texas Pines.
Playing just over 7,000 yards from the back tees, The Oaks allow guests of all
levels to test their skills on one of four tee sets. The signature 18th hole
bordering Lake Harrison adds to the natural beauty and challenge of this
course. Other amenities of this first-rate golf facility include a driving
range and lighted putting green; a staff of PGA professionals available for
lessons and clinics; and a full-service pro shop stocked with the latest
apparel and equipment.
If tennis is your game, choose from 21 indoor and outdoor tennis courts with
hard and clay court surfaces.
And what would a vacation getaway be without a visit to the day spa? The resort’s full-service spa features stimulating facials, massages and body scrubs. In
addition to nature-inspired treatments for men, women and teens, The Spa offers
a variety of pampering options such as the Green Tea pedicure, a luxurious,
green tea and herbal foot soak followed by an oatmeal scrub and invigorating
eucalyptus mask.
Guests choosing to rejuvenate their spirit through exercise will enjoy the
resort
’s fitness center. Fully equipped with cardiovascular machines and Cybex strength
conditioning equipment, the fitness center offers separate facilities for men
and women
—each with saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms and whirlpool hot tubs.
If communing with nature is your desire, rent a bicycle, grab a guided map and
explore 145 miles of biking trails through the forest. Along the way you might
spot a rare cockaded woodpecker or one of the many other species of birds that
have been identified in The Woodlands. There are also 100 parks and several
lakes to enjoy along the way.
If shopping is on the agenda, then you’re in luck. The Woodlands Resort makes it easy to visit the area’s unique boutiques, brand-name retailers and can’t-find-it-anywhere-else-in-Houston restaurants with complimentary transportation
to and from The Woodlands Town Center.
Start with a stroll through Market Street boutiques such as Dolce Bella, Maggie’s, Lilly Pulitzer and Tickled Pink with premium denim from Citizens of Humanity,
Seven for all Mankind, AG and True Religion. Brand name favorites include Tommy
Bahama, Sur La Table and Houston
’s only Cos Bar for luxury cosmetics. Enjoy award-winning cuisine at Jasper’s or the casual flare of Uni Sushi. Savor a glass of your favorite red at Cru
wine bar followed by decadent desserts at Truffles Chocolate Lounge next door.
Want more? Take the complimentary trolley to The Woodlands Mall and shop at over
200 retailers such as BCBG MaxAzria, bebe, Banana Republic, Aveda, Coach and
Sony. While at the mall, visit Xploration Station, a satellite educational
facility of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where kids can view
prehistoric beasts, discover dinosaur bones in a hands-on
“dig pit” and marvel at many other science exhibits. When finished at the mall, hop
aboard one of six air-conditioned Water Taxis cruising along a 1.25-mile
waterway for a calm and relaxing journey through the heart of The Woodlands
Town Center.
Within walking distance from Market Street is the newly opened Riva Row Boat
House where visitors can rent a kayak for use on The Woodlands Waterway
® and Lake Woodlands. Single and tandem kayaks, along with paddles and
lifejackets, are included in the rental fee.
Other family-friendly activities include the Houston Symphony’s summer concert series at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion where mezzanine
and lawn seats are free. In the evening, stop by the Fountains at Waterway
Square for its impressive, night-lit display of dancing columns of water,
cascading waterfalls and
“boomer” jets
