Four Seasons at Las Colinas

by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

Even J.R. Ewing never had it so good.

Evian spritzers and chilled towels to cool suntanning skin. Mornings spent on a championship golf course followed by afternoons in a luxurious spa and a pampering salon. A limo to whisk shoppers to Neiman-Marcus to be greeted by a personal shopping assistant.

Thanks to the long-running television series, the metroplex has an image as a place of luxury and wealth where the ultra-rich can enjoy the finest in life. But even oil barons would have a hard time topping the pampered lifestyle enjoyed, even if only for a brief visit, by guests at the Four Seasons at Las Colinas.

Las Colinas, Spanish for "the hills", is a planned community in the city of Irving just west of the Dallas skyline. It boasts some of the largest businesses in the world, companies like Exxon, GTE, and Sprint.

To accommodate the executives that shuttle in and out of Las Colinas, the Four Seasons was built in 1986. CEO's can wind down with 18 holes of golf, a game of tennis or squash, or perhaps a relaxing Swedish massage followed by a world-class meal. The resort has been named by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the top 10 hotels in the United States and one of the top 100 in the world.

Now couples looking for a weekend of pampered luxury are also enjoying the full-service resort. "We've always had a very high occupancy rate with business travelers," explains Angela Enright, Director of Public Relations. "Now we're trying to get the icing on the cake with the leisure traveler."

And what a sweet icing it is. Here days stretch from a room service breakfast served on a balcony overlooking the 400 acre resort to some late evening relaxation in the bubbling hot tub where steam rises from a flowing waterfall made of natural stone. Whether it's languid luxury or non-stop activity you're seeking in a weekend away, it can probably be found at this resort.

For many guests, activity means a round of golf at the 18-hole championship course. The golf course winds behind the resort, with views of the hotel, Irving's high rise executive towers, and the gently rolling prairie. Couples often enjoy a round of twilight golf on the course, carrying chilled champagne and caviar in their golf cart for a romantic twist on this sport.

It's all business on the course, however, during the GTE Byron Nelson Classic, a PGA tour event that draws over 20,000 onlookers. This event occurs every May.

The Tournament Players Course begins at a 9-foot bronze statue of Byron Nelson, the 82-year old championship golfer who is still frequently seen playing the course. His PGA gold medals and other memorabilia from his unmatched career are displayed in the Sports Club, a 176,000 square foot facility used by both resort guests and club members.

Activities include racquetball, squash, indoor and outdoor tennis, half court basketball, swimming in heated pools, jogging on indoor and outdoor tracks, over 50 exercise classes weekly, and workouts in a full fitness center.

If your workout wakes up some long-forgotten muscles, make your next stop at The Spa. Separate men's and women's sections pamper guests in a luxurious environment. Cocoon yourself in an oversized terry robe, enjoy a glass of iced spring water, then relax in the steam room, sauna or whirlpool. An invigorating cold plunge pool is also available.

Massage -- Swedish, Shiatsu, and aromatherapy -- is one of the most requested treatments at the Spa, performed by licensed therapists. Couples can even request a special double room to enjoy their massages together. All treatments, from herbal wraps to the loofah salt glow, are designed to leave guests feeling refreshed and pampered. "Our primary objective at the Spa is for guests to be treated like kings and queens, and leave the resort with an invigorating and memorable experience," says Spa director Kathyrn Waldman.

With its attention to health and fitness, it's natural that the resort would also pay special notice to diet. Nutritional counseling is available in the Sports Club, but even casual diners can select a healthy meal by looking for "Alternative Cuisine" starred on the Four Seasons menus. These healthy entrees are low in fat and cholesterol, and are served in even the resort's most elegant restaurant, Cafe on the Green. Diners can leave jackets and ties back in the room, but still enjoy classic service in the elegant but not stuffy atmosphere.

Although the resort has plenty of activities to keep guests busy, you'll also find attractions just minutes away. The resort and Neiman-Marcus have a special arrangement for guests. You can pick up a certificate from the concierge and arrange for transportation in the resort Town Car (on a space available basis) to the flagship store. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a personal shopper, receive a silver photo frame, and enjoy shopping in a store whose name is synonymous with Texas elegance.

The city of Irving also boasts plenty of distractions for the weekend visitors. Texas Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, is located only minutes away from the resort. Even if America's team is not in town, you can enjoy a one-hour guided tour of the stadium. Next door, the Starcenter Ice Arena is home of the local National Hockey League franchise, the Dallas Stars.

The best known symbols of Irving are the Mustangs of Las Colinas, nine steeds captured in bronze and frozen in mid-gallop. The Mustangs are located near another symbol of Irving: the Mandalay Canal. Like a miniature version of the San Antonio River Walk, the Mandalay Canal is located below street level and lined with specialty shops and outdoor dining. Venetian water taxis transport visitors along the canal.

But don't crowd too much activity into your weekend away. Guests lounging around one of the Four Seasons' three pools, soaking in the hot tub, or just sitting on their balconies enjoying a North Texas sunset know one thing: sometimes the biggest luxury is just the luxury of being able to do nothing at all.

For more information, see www.fourseasons.com.

Copyright Paris Permenter & John Bigley