We’ll admit, we haven’t been able to get Ella Langley’s smash hit out of our heads! So, instead of fighting it, we're surrendering to the music and using it as a fun backdrop for this week’s travel feature.
Now, falling in love with Tennessee is pretty easy work. Between the rolling Smoky Mountain mist and a thoroughly civilized glass of local whiskey, the Volunteer State makes a pretty persuasive case for staying put. But as a certain country ballad astutely observed: never underestimate the gravitational pull of the Lone Star State.
When high-end travel gets turned up, discerning wanderers invariably find themselves choosin’ Texas.
Where Tennessee possesses a soulful, quiet charm (ideal for brooding over classic country tunes), Texas counters with unbridled extravagance, immense scale, and an undeniable swagger. No matter how enchanting that Smoky Mountain rain might be, luxury travelers always seem to leave for bigger, bolder pastures.
Here is how five stellar Southern retreats stack up in our ultimate state showdown. (Sorry, Ella...but he’s choosin' Texas!)
1. Blackberry Farm (Walland, Tennessee)
The Vibe: Pastoral elegance & quiet soul
Tucked serenely into the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm represents pastoral hospitality at its absolute finest. This 4,200-acre agrarian estate offers understated sophistication where guests trade urban bustle for artisanal epicurean pursuits, world-class fly-fishing, and an extraordinary wine cellar.
You could easily spend days enjoying the quiet comfort of the mountain air while nursing a rare vintage. The service is impeccably warm yet reassuringly unobtrusive, making every stay feel like a private, tailored sanctuary.
The J5Travel Verdict: For all its refined, tranquil charm, Blackberry Farm’s quiet country rhythm can occasionally feel a touch too subdued for those craving high-octane drama. It’s the sort of place that makes you sigh contentedly in a plush armchair—right up until the magnetic siren song of Texas inevitably starts calling your name.
2. Austin Proper Hotel (Austin, Texas)
The Vibe: High-design maximalism & vibrant social scenes
If Tennessee is a gentle acoustic ballad, Austin Proper is a full-throttle anthem. Designed by the legendary Kelly Wearstler, this Downtown Austin sanctuary marries sultry, tactile design with effortless Texan hospitality.
Step inside and you're surrounded by rich vintage textiles, monumental stonework, and a striking rooftop pool deck where the city skyline unfolds beneath you. The dining—anchored by Mediterranean standout The Peacock—attracts a remarkably handsome, cosmopolitan crowd.
The J5Travel Verdict: Austin Proper proves that contemporary Texan luxury doesn't rely on big belt buckles. It thrives on cutting-edge design, vibrant atmospheres, and an electric charm that instantly dismisses any reservations.
3. The Hermitage Hotel (Nashville, Tennessee)
The Vibe: Classic Beaux-Arts heritage & Music City history
Nashville's grand dame since 1910, The Hermitage Hotel remains a masterclass in classic elegance. Featuring vaulted stained-glass ceilings, intricate plasterwork, and a storied history, it exudes a regal grandeur that feels reassuringly European. The addition of culinary concepts by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten takes the dining experience up to match the opulent surroundings.
Sitting in the plush lobby lounge, with faint echoes of Southern music drifting through the corridor, you easily appreciate Music City’s historic romance.
The J5Travel Verdict: It’s refined, rich in heritage, and 100% lovely. However, heading out toward the open highway afterward can feel oddly solitary when you realize that Nashville’s historic charm (no matter how impeccably preserved) struggles to match the expansive, contemporary glamour waiting further west. It remains a stunning pitstop, yet ultimately functions as an exquisite prelude.
4. Miraval Austin (Austin, Texas)
The Vibe: Mindful wellness with expansive hill-country views
High above Lake Travis in the Texas Hill Country, Miraval Austin redefines wellness luxury through a distinctly Texan lens. Sitting on 220 acres of protected nature preserve, this sanctuary offers transformative spa therapies, equine experiences, and mindful culinary options that nourish the body and spirit.
Rather than brooding over life in solitude, guests unwind with outdoor floating meditation, challenge courses, and serene infinity pools overlooking breathtaking canyon vistas.
The J5Travel Verdict: Texas manages high-end serenity with surprising finesse, blending vast open skies with world-class pampering. Waking up to a glorious golden sunrise over the hills will quickly dissolve any lingering doubts, proving that Texas can soothe the soul just as effectively as it thrills it.
5. Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa (Frisco, Texas)
The Vibe: Grand-scale ambition & high-octane luxury
If you ever required proof that Texas operates on a grander scale, look no further than Omni PGA Frisco. This mammoth luxury oasis is a modern mecca for sport and leisure, featuring two championship golf courses, a 10-hole short course, and a sprawling spa complex.
It represents the pinnacle of Texan ambition. Between rounds on the fairways, guests can indulge in thirteen diverse dining venues, private cabanas, and panoramic infinity pools.
The J5Travel Verdict: Texas builds resorts so captivating that departing the grounds becomes entirely unthinkable. While Tennessee offers charming boutique intimacy, Frisco demonstrates that when Texas goes big, it does so with astonishing elegance. It’s simply impossible not to succumb to the spark of this spectacular playground.
Ready to Plan Your Ultimate Southern Escape?
Whether your ideal getaway involves brooding over a glass of whiskey in the Smoky Mountains or basking in high-design luxury under the big Texas sky, J5Travel is here to craft your bespoke Southern itinerary.
From exclusive VIP amenities at Blackberry Farm to preferred room upgrades at Austin Proper, we ensure your journey is seamless from start to finish.
Contact the J5Travel Team Today to start planning your next luxury getaway!