Luxury holiday ideas in Houston

Last year was a year for Houston, with many developments and openings taking place; including the expansion of Bayport Terminal, the opening of Houston Premium Outlets and Houston Pavillions.

Developments within Terminal E at Bush International Airport and the addition of Houston to the CityPass scheme also improved transport to and around the city.

The year ahead for the fourth largest city in the U.S is also already looking exciting with a wealth of new developments, renovations and new openings.

Here travelbite.co.uk takes a look at few of the highlights.

Houston's first male spa

Gentlemen's Tonic, founded in Mayfair, London has made a breakthrough to the U.S market with the opening of the first location in Houston's Uptown Park.

The unique experience offers the modern man a traditional barber shop experience, in addition to a variety of lifestyle and grooming services, along with iPod hook-ups and LCD screens in every treatment and barber room.

Signature packages include, the Hemingway - perfect after a heavy night on the town - featuring a bloody Mary, aromatherapy facial and a message from $225 (£175), or indulge in the Montgomery, for those who like to take charge, including a steam facial, back tone and tonic followed by a hand treatment from $190 (£130).

For further information visit Gentlemen's Tonic.

Alternatively, the Omni Houston Hotel has just launched its luxurious new Mokara Spa as part of a $30million (£20 million) expansion and renovation project.

With eight treatment rooms, four massage rooms, a wet room, a couples massage room complete with an oversized tub, two aesthetician rooms and a relaxation room with lounge beds, the Mokara Spa is redefining luxury pampering in Houston.

The spa's comprehensive list of treatment choices include options for women, men, teenagers, couples, mums to be and brides.

For further information visit Omni Hotels.

Getting around Houston

Guests to the city are invited to put their headphones on, hit play and let local insiders unwrap stories of Houston's past and present with three new audio walking tours.

Take to the streets with Dan Workman, owner of Houston's famed Sugar Hill Studios and follow the Ultimate Downtown Walking Tour, or take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Museum District on the Museum District Walk & Roll Tour.

Also on offer is a visit to Houston's newest destination on the Walk in the Park: Discovery Green Walking Tour; showcasing public art, family-friendly activities and events at this ever changing park.

All visitors need is an MP3 player or an iPod, to experience these educational and fun tours which are suitable for the whole family to enjoy.

Further information can be found via Houston Downtown.

Also with an eco-holiday bent, getting around downtown and midtown Houston couldn't be easier with the launch of a new environmentally friendly electric/zero emission motorcar taxi service.

REV, Houston's short-trip service allows passengers to hail a cab from designated REV Stops by calling or texting 1.877.Go.REV.Go. This gratuity-based taxi service can be paid for by cash, credit card or prepaid key tags and operates seven days a week.

For further information and bookings please visit GoREVGo.

Outside of Houston, Texas has seen many developments in 2008, along with the addition of a new shopping tour with Shop America Tours.

With more than 15 shopping and cultural packages in Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth and Grapevine, and options include VIP shopping packages, special gifts, exclusive discounts and personal shopping experiences, Shop American has something for everybody.

Where to stay in Houston

The chic boutique Derek Hotel is undergoing a $2.5 million (£2 million) renovation set to transform the hotels 314 rooms, including its suites and floor landings, by adding a warm residential ambience to the hotel.

Known for its trendy décor and celebrity guest - including country mega stars Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Counting Crows and New Kids on the Block as well as a host of others - the Hotel Derek will remain open for business as usual during the renovations, which is scheduled for completion in January 2009.

Further information can be found via Derek Hotel

The Embassy Suites Downtown Houston will also be the first privately developed, full service downtown hotel to be built from the ground up in Houston's Central Business District in the past 25 years.

The property will include 262 full service rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, spa and fitness centre, two levels of underground parking, a restaurant as well as a street level café and wine bar.

American Liberty Hospitality, the developers on this project plan to break ground in March 2009 with an expecting opening of late 2010.

More information

For further information Houston's developments please visit or TravelTex.

Chris O'Toole