Situated between Houston and Austin lays Washington County, one of the wealthiest counties in Texas. Hidden even further away is the luxury ranch resort, The Inn at Dos Brisas. Even one night’s stay will make you privy as to why big city men quietly retreat to the Brazos River Valley for a little recuperating.
The Texas ranch family retreat was originally purchased by Doug Bosch of Houston in 2000. Their secret getaway was too good to be true, and eventually their secret got out. The Bosch family shared their private resort with friends and family with the ranch blossoming into a 313-acre luxury ranch open to the public. The Inn at Dos Brisas features a large indoor riding arena for equestrians along with several additional ranch buildings, five luxury haciendas, four casitas, an outdoor swimming pool and an organic garden that is put to use at the Forbes five star restaurant and wine cellar.
Dos Brisas Hacienda Del Lagos
Upon check-in, guests are taken to one of the five haciendas or smaller casitas in none other than electric golf carts. A horse and carriage may seem more appropriate but that can be done on a different day, with a bottle of bubbly in hand. See if you are able to spot the helicopter pad on the way to your room.
The 1,700 square foot hacienda holds everything and anything a luxury guest could hope for. A bottle of champagne and charcuteric plate are awaiting your arrival and the 50-gallon tub in the master bathroom or the private plunge pool will have you winding down from your day of travel in no time.
Dos Brisas Del Lagos plunge pool
Daily housekeeping, turn down service, a stocked mini bar full of Texas treats, a flat screen tv, dvd/Blu-Ray player, iPod docking station, in-room safe and two gas fireplaces are just some of the hacienda’s amenities. But the most enticing part of the room may just be the Frette Italian sheeted king bed and the lake view from the patio, plunge pool or bedroom. Waking up to the sounds of blue herons and a possible red tail hawk sighting will have you heading to the outdoors in no time. Water oaks and cedar trees lead the way to orchards of fruit trees and the 20 acres of garden.
The perfectly manicured estate is not just enjoyed by guests, even the chefs will head out to the garden to fill their baskets with freshly picked, organically farmed produce that will be a part of that evening’s five-star meal. Before choosing one entree from the dinner menu, consider trying the five-course tasting menu paired with the ranch’s wide selection of wines. Being among five-star chefs is always a treat but learning how to cook like them is even better. If reservations are made in advance, cooking classes can be made to learn how to create professional side dishes, sauces, warm breads, cakes, cookies or how to crafting the perfect cocktail.
Horseback riding is available at Dos Brisas
If a glamorous, luxurious and peaceful getaway is needed in your near future, The Inn at Dos Brisas is the place to be. Take a trip to Lone Star paradise and don’t forget to use the Butler’s Pass in your luxury hacienda for some sweet unexpected treats.
Review and photos by Equine Writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of The Inn at Dos Brisas, however, all opinions are my own.