Theres one thing allvisitors should knowbefore traveling to Dallas-Ft.Worth: Youll be in the car a lot.

Harwood District is one of those rare places, and that was intentional.

Ann’s School, the first school for Hispanic children in Dallas.

Aerial view of Dallas and Harwood District

Credit:Courtesy of Harwood International

Another Dallas rarity is finding preserved history, and having this building renovated was a smart move by Harwood.

The restaurants second floor houses theAnn and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection.

Here, long stretches of trees are perfectly lined along a gravel path and divided by quiet water features.

People enjoy the outdoor dining along La Rue Perdue in Harwood District

Courtesy of Harwood International

Marco Galloway

If Harwood is a district of hidden gems, the crown jewel is the newly openedHotel Swexan.

It combines elements of Swiss sensibility and Texan hospitality, inspired by Gabriels Swiss heritage and Anns Texas roots.

The design-forward hotel draws from the couple’s personal travels and is managed by top talent.

Display of Samurai collection

Courtesy of The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection

Upon entry, youre greeted with Texas-sized smiles and understated, European-style interiors.

The 134-room, 20-floor hotel has a residential feel with spacious rooms containing floor-to-ceiling windows.

Our room was full of sincere personal touches that made us feel welcome.

Large chess pieces at the Marie Gabrielle Gardens in Harwood District of Dallas

Courtesy of Harwood International

The rooftop pool is the perfect place to replenish in the sun with plush lounge chairs and private cabanas.

Stillwells is a mid-century ranch-style fever dream with cozy interiors and an exclusive beef program, HWD.

Harwood’s HWD beef is sourced from the family’s Akaushi cattle ranch on the Texas-Oklahoma border.

Bed and hallway in king room of Hotel Swexan

Marco Galloway

Stillwells also has a stunning wine program curated by female Master Sommelier Barbara Werley.

Hotel Swexan was designed by Harwood favorite and world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma.

King room soaking tub with water coming in from the ceiling and sweeping views of Dallas

Marco Galloway

View of rooftop pool from private cabana at Hotel Swexan

Kathy Tran

Neon art of a cowboy and the bone marrow dish at Stillwell’s

Mariah Tyler/Travel + Leisure

Exterior day view of Hotel Swexan, building design by Kengo Kuma

Mariah Tyler/Travel + Leisure