One hour northwest of Houston and 1.5 hours east of Austin sits The Inn at Dos Brisas. This luxury ranch resort is tucked away in Washington County, one of the wealthiest counties in Texas. After having stayed two nights at Dos Brisas, I can see why city slickers would slip away to Dos Brisas for a little hard earned rest and relaxation in the Brazos River Valley.
Doug Bosch of Houston originally purchased the Texas ranch as a family retreat back in 2000. As with all good things, Bosch and his wife Jennifer decided to share their hideaway with friends and one thing led to another. With a lot of TLC the property went from one large indoor riding arena with several buildings in disrepair to a Relais & Chateaux ranch resort with four casitas, five luxury haciendas, an outdoor swimming pool, a Forbes five star restaurant and wine cellar, along with an organic garden that would make any chef jump for joy.
The Inn at Dos Brisas
Red tail hawks soar overhead while blue herons wait patiently by the ponds for something to move. There is no shortage of food in the circle of life that is known as The Inn at Dos Brisas. Water oaks and cedar give way to orchards of fruit trees on this 313 acre luxury ranch.
After stretching his legs, walking some of the 20 acres of garden, the chef heads back into the restaurant. His basket is heaped with brightly-colored, organically farmed, produce that will soon adorn plates of food at the Forbes five-star restaurant on property.
Wine lovers should request the five course tasting menu, paired with unique wines to compliment each course. Check the website for current prices.
Dos Brisas luxury lodging
After check-in, guests are escorted to one of five haciendas or four smaller casitas via electric golf carts. I’m sure a horse and carriage could be arranged on request, but why not save that experience for the next day, along with a glass of champagne or two? Oh, and did I mention there is a heli pad on the ranch?
Luxury Hacienda Del Lagos
At over 1,700 square feet, my hacienda – with a lake view – has everything my little heart could desire. A charcuterie plate and bottle of bubbly are waiting to welcome me to lone star state heaven. Should I soak in the 50 gallon tub in my enormous bathroom or grab a glass of champagne and head to my private plunge pool?
Truth be told, I snacked on the house cured meats while relaxing on the swing bed in the screened patio while scanning the list of activities on tap for tomorrow. Sporting clay or horseback riding while I re-connect with my inner cowgirl?
As is typical of luxury resorts, expect daily housekeeping and turn down service, an in-room safe (though I never locked my door once) stocked mini bar with all sorts of Texas libations, flat screen tvs, dvd/Blue-Ray player, ipod docking station and two gas fireplaces.
I never did see the cow jump over the moon, but the king bed with Frette Italian sheets dropped me into slumberland mighty quickly.
Cowboy breakfast in room
One of my highlights of the trip was discovering the Butler’s Pass in my luxury hacienda. I won’t give away all the surprises, but lets just say this gourmet ranch breakfast never tasted so good.
Inn at Dos Brisas rates
Rates start at $450 per night for a Casita and $850 per night for a Hacienda. These rates include daily gourmet breakfast and one activity.
Insider Tip
With advance reservation, foodies may take cooking classes, sharpen their knife skills (selecting Japanese vs. Western knives), learn proper potato dish preparation, create professional sauces, bake breads, cakes and cookies or dive into a mixology class and craft the perfect cocktail.
For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter and follow @InnatDosBrisas.
If You Go:
The Inn at Dos Brisas (979) 277-7750
10000 Champion Drive (Off FM1155)
Washington, Texas 77880
Article written by, video and photos courtesy of Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. I was a guest of The Inn at Dos Brisas.
Related Post:
Looks amazing and fun. Everything is always better and bigger in Texas.
@Rachel
It was a fun trip. You must be from Texas!?