One
of my favorite quick trips in driving distance (3-4 hours) or a short flight
(45 min) from Dallas is San Antonio. When the opportunity presented itself to
attend a Black Tie Gala this March honoring my grandfather - of course I would
accept! An excellent reason to get away to the Texas wine country and visit
with family.
The
Gala was during the St Patrick’s Day holiday weekend, which is a big deal in
San Antonio. During the parade on
the river they dye the Riverwalk water green. The added benefit is to me is that the weather is was turning
warm and you could not ask for better time of year to visit. This was no
exception, with the weekend calling for sunshine and mid 80’s.
Having
been to the area several times I am partial to The Mokara hotel located right on the famous San Antonio Riverwalk,
just 2 blocks from the Alamo. It is not a Virtuoso property but should be based
the high level of five star service they consistently provide. Though issues
are rare, any that might arise are taken care of promptly and beyond a level of
satisfaction you could hope for.
Every guest once they have booked is greeted by name even when calling
from home or your mobile, which I just found a refreshing level of
personalization.
The
rooms are spaciously appointed and quiet roomy even by American standards. The
bathrooms are equally large in size with a separate shower, deep and long
Jacuzzi tub, a separate toilet room and of course the standard two sinks. The
rooms I have stayed in have always faced the Riverwalk, which provides
entertainment from the balcony.
My
favorite part of this hotel after the stellar service has to be the spa. Each
time I stay at The Mokara I have had some kind of spa treatment done. It ranks in the top tier of Resort Spas by
Conde Nast and I know why. The services are executed seamlessly like a
well-run team who love what they do and understand the essence of relaxation.
Many people come to the hotel just for the spa services alone. If you are
interested in enjoying the spa all day, they have a light spa lunch menu that
serves guests up by the rooftop pool area.
Logistically
parking at the hotel is valet only, but we were never waiting for more than 3-5
minutes to have the car brought around which in my book works well. Be sure to
take note, it is a cost that is not always included in the room rate. Honestly
I am not sure you would want to try to self park, as in most larger cities it
is a maze of one way streets and parking decks that seem almost always full.
The
Mokara hotel offers Ostra a fun
seafood restaurant. If you enjoy oysters, they get them in fresh daily. Much of
the menu has a slight Tex-Mex flair to it and using in season produce, giving
everything on the menu wonderful flavor. If that does not strike your fancy, my
all time favorite place to eat is Biga on the Banks. Located on the Riverwalk and an easy few blocks away walking
distance, if you are any kind of foodie it is a must try. The menu changes
daily, is very creative along with a top-notch bar and extensive wine cellar
this is a solid choice for a special dinner or celebration.
In
addition to the normal San Antonio sights, if you are up for a day trip, Fredericksberg is high on my list of to
do’s (both as a day trip from San Antonio or a weekend get away of its own). Immigrants
from Prussia (Germany and Austria) settled the town in 1846. They brought with them the many customs
and artisans as well as vines for the grapes that are now used to support he
growing wine industry in Texas. So many of the shops are family owned
and handed down the generations.
You will find bakeries selling all things deliciously German and if
seeking a slow afternoon there are shaded patios with a bratwurst and kraut
calling your name. But I digress, you can pick up a flier in town that will
give you all the locations of the wineries or you can always ask your travel advisor for
recommendations. Within the Admiral Nimitz Museum grounds there is a
peaceful Japanese Zen Garden and displays from the museum. I still visit most times when I am in
town, as I find it both interesting and relaxing. There is also boutique
shopping that is a fun place to pick up house warming or houseguest gifts and
some substantial Texas scenic paintings. On the way in or out of town, if you
like plants, wildflowers and pottery the WildSeed Farms
is a must with activities happening most every weekend.
With all that you can see how a person could make a
full weekend or more of the area. Offering a wide variety of things to do. Travel does not always have to be far
away to be a good thing. Time with friends or family spending quality time is
what counts.
What interests
you most – wine tastings, spa treatments, shopping or museums?
