beach-bound

Texas-based hop-on jet service takes off with nonstop flights from Houston to Destin

Skip the airport masses and hop on a Hobby flight to Destin.

Houstonians looking to jet to warm destinations and crystal white beaches due east now have a sunny new option. JSX, the Dallas-based, hop-on jet service, has resumed the popular seasonal route from Houston to Destin, Florida, the company announced.

Trips start June 16 and run though September, with fares starting at $229 one-way. Flights run three times a week (Monday, Thursday, and Friday) from Houston Hobby to Destin Executive Airport and include at least two checked bags (certain weight/size restrictions apply), onboard cocktails, and gourmet snacks.

Houston flights depart at 11:45 am and arrive at 1:15 pm. Flights from Destin depart at 1:55 pm and arrive at 3:40 pm.

Boasting crystal clear water, iconic, white sand beaches, challenging off-shore fishing, and plentiful golf courses, Destin has become one of the hottest vacation destinations in Florida’s panhandle. A boardwalk, theme park, and state park are also big tourist draws.

This Houston-Destin addition comes as JSX ramped up its service from Dallas to the sunny spot.

As CultureMap Dallas reported, JSX continues to tout its “no crowds, no lines, and no fuss” travel experience. Passengers have access to valet parking, Wi-Fi lounges, and quick baggage retrieval. Touchless check-in and frictionless security also help pick up the pace.

JSX planes feature 30 business class-caliber seats in a unique 1x1 configuration. The company’s pet-friendly policy allows small dogs and cats to fly for free.
Trips can be booked directly through the website, mobile app, or through codeshare partner JetBlue.

“Texans are ready to soak up the sun on the beaches of Destin and there’s no easier way to get there this summer than flying JSX,” said JSX CEO Alex Wilcox in a statement “The resumption of flights from Houston and increased flights from Dallas answer an unmet need in the market for our joyful, simple, and crowd-free service and we’re proud to answer the call and connect friends, families, and loved ones this summer season and beyond.”

---

Stephanie Allmon Merry contributed to this article.

vacation

Hill country retreat

Canyon Ranch now booking stays for new resort in the Hill Country

Courtesy of Canyon Ranch Austin

Find new tunes on vinyl in the music room.

One of the world's most celebrated wellness brands is finally ready to make its Texas Hill Country debut: Canyon Ranch Austin is now accepting reservations for stays beginning October 15, 2026, at its highly anticipated retreat in Spicewood.

First announced in 2022, Canyon Ranch Austin sits on a sprawling 600-plus-acre ranch at 600 Moonlight Bend in Spicewood, an hour from downtown Austin. The destination spa-resort boasts 141 luxuriously appointed guest rooms that overlook 1.5 miles of Lake Travis and the countryside beyond.

The retreat boasts the largest spa in Texas, at 40,000 square feet, encompassing 37 treatment rooms, whirlpools, therapy tubs, steam rooms, lounges, and more.

Canyon Ranch Austin will also debut a women-only wellness collective, which a press release states is "the world's only dedicated practice and program in a resort setting with specialized offerings for women in every chapter of life."

Canyon Ranch will also provide four food and beverage concepts for guests to enjoy. Notably, the resort's signature restaurant Estella will feature a world-class culinary program led by chef Val Cantú, who was born in Texas and whose San Francisco restaurant, Californios, just earned three Michelin Stars.

Estella Estella is the signature restaurant at Canyon Ranch Austin.Courtesy of Canyon Ranch Austin

Courtesy of Canyon Ranch Austin

Find new tunes on vinyl in the music room.

Additional features of the property include:

A 27,000-square-foot barn that includes a gym, fitness studios, and an outdoor turf field "for fitness, movement, and leading-edge recovery"
A 12,000-square-foot medical center
Private beach on Lake Travis and space for watersports
Five miles of hike-and-bike ranch trails
Tennis, pickleball, and padel courts
Two outdoor pools
A wildflower workshop, garden, and equestrian program

The Austin-area resort is the fifth property in Canyon Ranch's portfolio. The premier wellness brand opened its flagship in Tucson, Arizona, in 1979 and is now headquartered in Fort Worth, home to a Canyon Ranch wellness club and spa.

Since its founding nearly five decades ago, Canyon Ranch has become one of the best-known names in the wellness and spa industry worldwide.

Canyon Ranch CEO Mark Rivers said the new Hill Country resort represents the brand's "bold vision for the future" that shows "what's next in the intersection of travel, hospitality, well-being, care, and culture."

"People today are seeking something fundamentally different from their travels and getaways — life-changing experiences, connection, health, wisdom, and joy," Rivers said in the release. "Time at Canyon Ranch answers the call, with stays inspired to help our guests live younger longer, pursue happiness, reconnect, or relax and feed body, mind, and spirit."

Canyon Ranch Austin will be surrounded by a 134-home residential community, The Ranch Home Collection, that will receive exclusive access to the resort and an on-site concierge wellness program. Homes are currently under construction, per the release.

Stays at Canyon Ranch Austin start at $1,325 per night, which includes a $200 nightly spa and fitness credit that can be used on spa and treatment services. Stays for more than three nights include an additional $300 health and wellness credit. Stays can be booked on canyonranch.com.

travel austin resorts spas hill country health beauty skincare wellness