From private islands and five-star cruises to posh wellness retreats and world-class culinary destinations, the Modern Luxury editorial team curates the ultimate list for luxury travel around the globe. Here, we focus on the bests in and around Austin.

MOST CHARMING ALBERT HOTEL

Last year we predicted this spot would impress epicures with its four distinctive dining experiences, and now we see it has enticed locals for myriad other reasons. Fans rave about the property’s event spaces, spa, landscaping, service, location, pool, bars, rooms, funky Mirth robes and so much more. Now we can enjoy all Fredericksburg offers and even stay the night in style. 213 E. Austin St., Fredericksburg, alberthotel.com

A sunken limestone pool awaits sunbathers at Albert Hotel. PHOTO BY DILLON MAGNUS

BEST HIGH-TECH, LOW-STRESS EXPERIENCE FRAME HOTEL SOCO

Since opening in January, this future-forward concept with 20 modern suites with kitchenettes, private lanais and more became a vibe. And while it might be found footsteps away from endlessly effervescent South Congress Avenue, once guests check in digitally and without a key, everything is Zen. AI-driven communications enable them to get dining reservations, bespoke local recommendations and more via text. 110 W. Elizabeth St., Austin, framehotel.com/soco

Climbing flowers greet guests at Four Seasons Hotel Austin. PHOTO COURTESY OF: FOUR SEASONS HOTEL AUSTIN

MOST ROSY RECEPTION FOUR SEASONS HOTEL AUSTIN

Through May 25, this already lavish hotel takes it up a level with Roses and Rosé, a series of celebrations paired with garden-inspired installations throughout the property. Expect plenty of rosé to flow: a poolside cart offers rosé cocktails, gourmet picnic baskets include a complimentary bottle of the drink, and the hotel’s Latin-influenced Ciclo restaurant offers a daily tasting experience featuring rosé champagnes, caviar and wagyu bites. 98 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, fourseasons.com/austin

The Omni Barton Creek Resort has gorgeous scenery. PHOTO COURTESY OF: OMNI BARTON CREEK RESORT & SPA

BEST SUMMER ACTIVATION OMNI BARTON CREEK RESORT & SPA

The resort’s annual Summer in the Hills program begins May 23 with Jack Ingram performing, followed by an outdoor Barton Fest event on May 25 with more live music, craft vendors, and Texas-inspired bites and sips. The public can attend the new Barton Creek Live Unplugged, with acoustic performances at Jim Bob’s, an indoor-outdoor lobby bar. 8212 Barton Club Drive, Austin, omnihotels.com

BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT ARLO GREY

Top Chef winner, host and cookbook author Kristen Kish is behind this popular spot, where compelling yet comforting plates feature local ingredients. Lush lakeside views make diners forget they are in a hotel. On Thursdays in May, watch Top Chef while indulging in a five-course menu inspired by the show’s weekly challenge. The Line Hotel, 111 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, thelinehotel.com

BEST HOTEL BAR GOLDIE’S

There is just so much to love at this intimate bar found on the ground floor of the Austin Proper Hotel & Residences, starting with its more-is-more decor anchored by a sunken marble bar. Inventive cocktails and a refined bourbon and whiskey selection are a big draw, but teetotalers also appreciate the list of thoughtful spirit-free offerings and posh weekend afternoon tea service. 600 W. 2nd St., Austin, properhotel.com

BEST FAMILY EXPERIENCE KALAHARI RESORT

Be sure to pack a bathing suit, as all guests get admission to one of the world’s largest indoor waterparks. And while the kiddos have Skee Ball and bowling competitions, adults can partake in spas and shopping. On May 4, however, everyone can enjoy the Food & (Not Just) Wine Festival with more than 75 tastings and live entertainment. 3001 Kalahari Blvd., Round Rock, kalahariresorts.com/texas

BEST MUSEUM BLANTON MUSEUM OF ART AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

Spending contemplative moments inside Ellsworth Kelly’s glowing work Austin, the only building he ever designed, can turn anyone into an art lover. Plus this museum holds the largest public art collection in Central Texas—more than 21,000 objects. That is a lot of eye candy. 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin, blantonmuseum.org

BEST VISITOR ATTRACTION BARTON SPRINGS POOL

On a 120-degree day there are few activities better than taking a dip in this three-acre pool fed from underground springs. Grab a private spot with friends, unroll your Frette towel, and dive in. 2131 William Barton Drive, Austin, austintexas.gov

BEST LUXURY TOURS HOSTÎE

From hosting area tours to full-day hop-on-hop-off treks through Round Top’s antique venues, this home-grown company offers transportation for up to nine participants in its luxuriously appointed Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. Endless opportunities for customization are available. hostievacationrentals.com

BEST DRIVEABLE DESTINATION HYATT REGENCY LOST PINES RESORT & SPA

With so many fun activities here in Austin, it takes a lot to get us locals to brave the traffic and leave town, but this place makes it worthwhile. Less than 30 miles from the Texas State Capitol, this fantastic 405-acre getaway has a spa and golf course, guided nature walks, fishing experiences, horseback riding, hayrides, and a lazy river and waterpark. 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road, Lost Pines, hyatt.com

BEST HOTEL FOR A STAYCATION HOTEL SAINT GEORGE

In Far West Texas, luxury hotels are not exactly a dime a dozen, so if you make the 7-hour drive to Marfa, stay somewhere lovely. Whether you are visiting this area for its annual festivals, art scene and Prada Marfa installation, or those mysterious Marfa Lights, this hotel will keep you sustained for days with Sferra sheets, Aēsop bath products, brick-oven pizzas and Cadillac margaritas. 105 S. Highland Ave., Marfa, marfasaintgeorge.com

MOST RUSTIC CHIC ESCAPE CAMP LUCY

Camp Lucy is located in Texas Wine Country and is a welcome departure from modernity. Guests stay in luxurious accommodations, some with imported stone bathtubs, and they can relax at a pool during the day and warm up at night near a communal fire pit with s’mores in hand. Ask about the new Folklore Spa, designed for socializing, which should be open this summer. 3509 Creek Road, Dripping Springs, camplucy.com

BEST SKI GETAWAY ASPEN, COLORADO

How to make this premium trip flawless: Hop a direct flight from AUS to ASE. Refresh and unpack at an Aspen Snowmass property with a ski-in/ski-out option. Ski four mountains with a single lift ticket. Take in the après scene or head up the mountain in a snowcat for a romantic dinner. Repeat. aspensnowmass.com

MOST ROMANTIC VILLAS AT LA CANTERA RESORT & SPA

Head to San Antonio and book one of these 34 luxuriously appointed accommodations, which share a pool and hot tub, two bars and a market. Even beyond those amenities, a list of adults-only offerings ensures that little ones can not interrupt the groove. 16641 La Cantera Pkwy., San Antonio, lacanteraresort.com

BEST REASON TO AWAKEN EARLY ON VACATION BALLOONS OVER HORSESHOE BAY RESORT

Those who missed this annual event over Easter weekend must book a VIP package for next year and get it on the calendar. Words can not describe how magical it is to see hot air balloons from all over the world aglow at night, and the early morning ascensions make getting up before the sun worth it. 200 Hi Circle North, Horseshoe Bay, hsbresort.com

BEST HOTEL SPA TREATMENT FAIRMONT AUSTIN

Nothing beats the 80-minute Transcend Signature Massage, which incorporates energy-balancing gemstones and herb-infused massage oils. Before and afterward, guests are invited to partake in a steam room, sauna and saline soaking pool with floor-to-ceiling views of the Austin skyline. Bliss. 101 Red River St., Austin, fairmontaustin.com

MOST ANTICIPATED TEXAS OPENINGS AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION

Fans of Commodore Perry Estate will soon be able to enjoy stays at three other luxurious properties just a few hours away. The Knox near Highland Park opens next year in Dallas, offering urban-chic environs and direct access to the Katy Trail. In 2027, The Inn at Mirasol Springs, a unique conservation development on the Pedernales River, is expected to reach completion. Plans include a farm and outdoor activities. And in 2027, Houston’s historic River Oaks enclave welcomes The Birdsall, housed in a 34-story brick tower. The property will boast an elegant spa, a 70-foot pool and serene gardens. aubergeresorts.com

Santa Fe’s Canyon Road is a hub for art lovers PHOTO COURTESY OF TOURISM SANTA FE

BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY SANTA FE, NM

It only takes 2 hours by private jet to arrive at The City Different, where visitors can have chaotic fun at Meow Wolf, relax at the luxurious Ten Thousand Waves and Ojo Santa Fe spas, enjoy savory Southwestern cuisine just about anywhere, gallery hop on and around Canyon Road, learn about Native American culture, and partake in various outdoor activities. Pack an extra bag: souvenir shopping here is sublime. santafe.org

Texan flavors are on the menu at W Hotel Austin’s new Serenade American Brasserie. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KLEINBERG

BEST TRANSFORMATION W HOTEL

Locals and visitors were already smitten with this sleek hotel, arguably in the city’s best spot for concertgoers. Now that it has undergone a multimillion-dollar transformation, there are even more reasons to be obsessed. All the guest rooms have been fully redesigned with a bold palette (and concert photography, natch), and all-new dining and entertainment concepts have been launched, including a coffee shop, cocktail bar and Serenade, an American brasserie. That is music to our ears. 200 Lavaca St., Austin, marriott.com