Press + Reviews

Where to Stay in 2024

Hotel Ritual

I was so exhausted when I went to Hotel RITUAL here in Jacksonville. Whitney gave me all the treatments included in the Super Human Transformation and guided me through those two days. It took awhile to unwind but within an hour or two I was in another world. I almost don’t remember all of the different parts I went through, but I clearly remember how my body and my mind and my spirit felt.

I let go of all my worries and distractions. I actually got to a place of total silence in my mind. My mind was quiet. It had been years since I felt that way. I could, with my eyes closed, feel my blood rush all throughout my body. I remember just sitting still and feeling the flow. My spirit was at peace. I remember being so deeply moved that I cried.

It seems like I memorized all of it and can call it back into being when I meditate now. When I go about my day, I am at a different level of peace that nurtures me.

I plan to go back again soon and then maybe back again and again! And Whitney ---you are a gifted healer unlike anyone I have ever known. From the bottom of my heart …. thank you, thank you, thank you. 

- June Shepherd, PhD. 73 years young - Licensed Counseling Psychologist | 2024

Hotel Ritual is a unique wellness destination that helps rejuvenate physically, mentally, and spiritually.  I recently visited for the third time this year and came home refreshed, refocused  and ready.  There are so many things to say about this “hidden gem”, but here are just a few highlights:

        1.      Holistic Wellness Focus: The hotel offers a wide range of wellness treatments, including massages, facials with organic ingredients, yoga, and sound baths. The high-quality, personalized services provided by the attentive staff  aim to restore balance and energy .
        2.      Exclusive Atmosphere: The hotel prides itself on a peaceful, intimate environment. With its luxurious Carriage House and wellness facilities, including a sauna, chakra rain shower, and outdoor pool, it’s a sanctuary for those looking to reset and relax .
        3.      Farm-to-Table Dining: The Luncheonette serves organic, locally sourced meals, which are a highlight and very delicious. Whether it’s a light meal or a more elaborate dinner with live music, the dining experience complements the wellness journey .

This combination of personalized care, tranquil surroundings, and holistic healing practices makes Hotel Ritual a one-of-a-kind retreat. Whitney and her staff are so knowledgeable and happy to share information and articles to achieve a balance both physically and mentally.

I have cherished my visits to RITUAL and will make it a priority to visit several times a year. The unique treatments, learning opportunities, and tranquil setting combine to create an experience like no other.

-Tricia | Dallas Texas | 2024

Upon my arrival at Hotel Ritual, I was in a state of emotional distress. However, I was warmly welcomed and upon entering my room, I was immediately uplifted by the sight of a beautifully arranged charcuterie board in a clutter-free environment. The privacy and seclusion of the room set the tone for my stay. After a tour of the property, I indulged in the sauna, hot tub, and pool. In the evening, I enjoyed live music at the diner, which also featured a bar on Friday nights serving healthy food choices. The following morning, I experienced a luxurious facial treatment that left my skin glowing and rejuvenated, as well as a hair treatment that left my hair soft and healthy. I also did the Reiki burning ceremony and let go of many things from my past. As I departed, I realized the need for change in my life. Through the guidance of Mrs. Whitney and Bri combined with space and quiet time for reflection, my stay at Hotel Ritual transformed my perspective. It is more than just a spa; it is a wellness retreat that provided me with clarity, goals, and a renewed outlook on life. I am eager to return. Going forward in life I will “Raise my Vibe.”

-Kelly | Houston, Texas | 2024 |

What Year Is It? New Age Meets Days of Yore in This East Texas Hotel and Spa.

- Texas Monthly May 2022

When I arrived at Hotel Ritual and into Whitney’s care, I never expected the life changes that could be possible in such a short window of time. I was totally new to any Ayurvedic medicine or therapies, but open to learn. Experiencing severe burnout, I was exploring wellness spas near the DFW area and about to give up due to the exorbitant pricing… until I found Hotel ritual. 

I arrived anxious and depleted from a stressful career and exhausted as a mom of two young children. Whitney took care to craft the perfect itinerary for my time at Hotel Ritual including the two best massages of my life, a facial with the healthiest, cleanest ingredients, and delicious, homemade meals from her restaurant that were literally Jacksonville-farm and garden to table. The stay itself allowed me the breather from busy life that I needed to rest, think and renew my soul. 

Whitney is truly an angel with a special gifting of healing and restoring the broken spirited. The hotel itself was beautiful-the sauna, chakra shower, outdoor pool, and Carriage House furnishings were wonderful. In addition to Whitney, I was able to meet several beautiful, joyful people at the restaurant, apothecary and yoga studio that were instrumental in this healing journey as well. I returned home with clarity of mind and a refreshed, peaceful spirit. I was also given several tools and practices to bring home and into my daily life to continue the renewal process.

“I will forever be grateful for this profoundly life changing retreat at Hotel Ritual! Jacksonville and Whitney Graham are truly very special.”

-Brittany | Dallas TX |2024

9 Luxury Texas Wellness Retreats to Relax, Reset, and Explore Somewhere New

Ritual Hotel and Wellness Retreat

I needed a retreat to unwind, re-center and BREATHE! I can not possibly write enough to say about how I felt about the weekend I spent here. From the reception, to the treatments and the staff..the kindest most caring individuals. The owner Whitney is an AMAZING human being!

If you need to align with nature, yourself and truly feel blessed with life, this is the place to do it :)

The restaurant, the soda shop, the apothecary..beautiful! Whitney is a beautiful soul!!

-Tania | Dallas Texas | 2023

I can't say enough about how wonderful this experience was. I booked the Super Human Transformation, and it was exactly that -- a rejuvenating, relaxing, inspirational time with amazing facilities, healthy food, and lovely people. Every person took extra care and time with me and made me feel so welcome and cared for. I plan to go back again soon!!

-Tracy | Ft Worth, Texas |2024

Was it all a dream?! Words cannot begin to describe our experience at Hotel Ritual. From the warm welcome by Bri and Whitney, the heavenly massage by Bishop, the high end facial by Whitney, and the deeply nourishing yogic experience provided by Tanita… our experience was nothing short of a dream.
We stayed two nights in the carriage house and genuinely did not want to leave. The privacy it provided along with having the property to ourselves was more than I could have dreamed of. If you’re feeling burnt out from the craziness of life, do yourself a favor and entrust Whitney and Team to bring you back to yourself.

- Amber | Broken Bow OK | 2024

Hotel Ritual is such a treasure. I feel so lucky that my friend heard about this place and we were able to visit for our annual girls' trip. The whole experience was so special! We were greeted at the gate by Miss Bree and Miss Jamie who showed us all around and made us feel so welcome. We stayed in the Carriage House and thoroughly enjoyed the comfortable space and the proximity to the pool, hot tub, and sauna. The facial by Miss Whitney and the massage by Bishop were definitely highlights of our trip! We truly were glowing after Whitney took care of our skin. And we both agreed that Bishop provided the best massage we'd ever had. They are both extraordinary care givers! Aside from the treatments and the hospitality, we savored our time together talking and reconnecting. We loved the pool and hot tub time! I have to mention the food, as well! Fab! We also enjoyed lunch at the Ritual restaurant downtown. Rocky is a very talented chef! Finally, I must give a shout out to Miss Natalie at the Ritual Soda Fountain of Youth. She was so sweet and helped us select some skin care products to keep up our new glow. :) My friend and I both commented that the level of detail is what makes this place extra special. I am from Nebraska, but I definitely want to visit Hotel Ritual again in the future!

Suzy | Nebraska | 2024

I was looking for a quiet, relaxing place to vacay for my birthday. I definitely found an absolute gem! About a 2-hr drive from Dallas, Jacksonville is a small town with welcoming vibes. The Ritual brand, which includes the hotel, luncheonette, wellness studio, and Laboratorium + Soda Fountain of Youth, adds to the welcoming vibe and makes the town even more unique than it already is.

Upon arrival, I was welcomed by the owner and licensed aesthetician, Whitney, and manager, Bri. They helped me with my luggage and gave me a tour of the grounds. The mansion (I believe it holds up to 20 guests) is currently being renovated, so I stayed in the pool/guest house. It has 2 queen beds, full kitchen, bathroom, balcony with pool view, and equipment for in-room facials and massages. I thoroughly enjoyed the sauna, pool and jacuzzi!!

Throughout my stay, I had several in-room wellness services. Bishop is an amazing masseuse and Whitney's facials using lactic acid are 10/10. Her extraction method is nearly painless! I tried Shirodhara for the first time and would definitely recommend. It is extremely calming and has many benefits like reducing stress and anxiety. I had in-room breakfast every morning, delivered by Bri, who was always just a text or call away if I needed anything. The in-room charcuterie board, chicken salad, breakfast sandwich, quiche, and smoothies were all delicious!! Shout out to Chef Rocky.

The luncheonette, wellness studio, and Laboratorium + Soda Fountain of Youth are just a minute drive from the hotel. You have to try the strawberry cake with the ice cream of your pick! You may even be treated to an impromptu piano performance!

I can't say enough good things about Hotel RITUAL. I will definitely be back for another getaway soon.

- Britney | Dallas, Texas | 2024

The carriage house blew me away. The staff was so welcoming, treated my family like family. The place feels spiritually blessed, safe, warm, and cozy. I enjoyed my stay so much! Gorgeous + relaxing treatments offered. Bri and Whitney are a dream team. My massage with Bishop was excellent! Tanita’s reiki and sound bath treatment was a special treat for my husband and I to experience that we will never forget. 5 stars

- Angela | Dallas Texas | 2024

A stay at Hotel Ritual is the ultimate reset from beginning to end with every detail carefully crafted by Whitney.  It was such a joy to work with Natalie as we planned our stay, even allowing us to special order our favorites from the Ritual Luncheonette menu including the charcuterie board that she had waiting for us at check in. During our recent time there, we enjoyed the comfortable surroundings of the Carriage House along with a luxurious spa treatment of shirodhara. While there we had access to the wonderfully relaxing water options of sauna, rain shower, pool and jacuzzi. The grounds feel like an oasis far from the daily life of East Texas.

This easily accessible get-away is a treasure that should not be missed! 

-Lisa | Henderson Texas | 2024

This was the best experience! Whitney and her staff were so accommodating. She met us when we arrived to ensure that we had the best experience possible. Stayed in touch with us the entire stay. I can't express how relaxing and re-energizing this weekend was. We will definitely be back again!
Top notch customer service.

-Shelley |Rockwall TX | 2024

I can't say enough about how wonderful this experience was. I booked the Super Human Transformation, and it was exactly that -- a rejuvenating, relaxing, inspirational time with amazing facilities, healthy food, and lovely people. Every person took extra care and time with me and made me feel so welcome and cared for. I plan to go back again soon!!

-Tracy | Ft Worth, Texas |