Picture this: a classic, flat-bottomed Venetian boat steered by a gondolier glides effortlessly through the canal with flowers draped overhead as you sit snuggled up to your sweetheart.
This dreamy setting is not in Venice — you’re in Irving, Texas! The gorgeous Mandalay Canal winds through the restaurants, shops, hotels, residences, and office buildings of Las Colinas, a 12,000-acre master-planned urban hub and entertainment district, and connects to the centerpiece, 87-acre Lake Carolyn.
Pair your gondola ride with intimate dining, cozy hotel amenities, and plenty more memorable experiences, and you’ve got a romantic getaway that will bring you together for a weekend of one-of-a-kind love and connection.
Your Romantic Retreat at the Omni Las Colinas
Set the mood at the Omni Las Colinas Hotel, where lakeside views and resort-style amenities create a romantic escape for two. Spend sun-soaked afternoons by the pool, cocktail in hand, lounging on a daybed or tucked away in a private cabana with poolside dining and bar service just steps away.
Later, you can retreat to your newly renovated suite in the 27-story tower overlooking Lake Carolyn. Slip into plush robes, order room service, and take in sweeping views from your private balcony. With its serene setting, modern elegance, and close proximity to local attractions, the Omni offers the perfect balance of a romantic retreat mixed with a few exciting adventures.
Dining Destinations for Two
A signature margarita or a glass of wine, tapas for two, entrées best described as vibrant Mexican flavors meet Texas flair, and two spoons for the creamy, rich, house-made crème brulée — a reservation at Via Reál is the perfect recipe for a romantic dinner while in Irving. Dine by candlelight in the intimate, Santa Fe-inspired ambiance while the Via Reál team delivers impeccable service and elegant yet approachable cuisine. This restaurant has delivered unforgettable dining experiences for more than four decades.
Other romantic dining destinations near the Omni — many located around Irving Water Street, one of the city’s newest walkable hot spots with scenic paths to Lake Carolyn — range from Pacific Table’s fresh seafood and sushi with a lakeview patio to Monaco’s elegant Italian and French–inspired cuisine.
You’ll also find relaxed options like The Ginger Man, with its lively pub vibe, spacious beer garden patio, and more than 100 beers on draft and in bottles; Maria’s Mexican Kitchen for elevated, authentic Mexican flavors; and Cork & Pig Tavern for great wine and crave-worthy dishes. Round out your culinary crawl with Bruncheon’s creative takes on brunch, Pax & Beneficia’s stylish coffeehouse charm, and Creamistry’s indulgent ice cream. Along Las Colinas Blvd., you’ll find uniquely Irving dining at Italian Cafe, which offers classic homemade comfort dishes, and Subz N Stuff for a delightful sandwich stop.
Romantic Experiences to Remember
Being serenaded by a singing gondolier on a little love boat that’s straight from a rom-com movie is courtesy of Gondola Adventures. The company is passionate about giving one-of-a-kind experiences, and the year-round cruises (weather permitting) can be customized by adding flowers, wine, dinner, a message in a bottle, and more.
But as one of the most romantic cities in Texas, a gondola cruise on Mandalay Canal and Lake Carolyn is only one of many romantic things to do in Irving. Keep the vibes going on the water with a playful pedal swan boat ride around Lake Carolyn, where laughter and teamwork make the experience even sweeter.
As the sun begins to set, stroll along the pathways of the Mandalay Canal to the Love Lock Bridge for a picture-perfect spot to pause, snap photos, and secure a lock engraved with your initials or a heartfelt message before tossing the key into the canal below.
Throughout the year, Irving adds even more magic with seasonal events and illuminated experiences. Keep an eye on Visit Irving’s event calendar for Mandalay Light Club, a free outdoor series featuring live music, sound-synced light shows, photo ops, and food and drinks, plus special moments like the month-long Las Colinas Love Lights each February.
When it’s time to fully unwind, treat yourselves to a spa day for two. Whether you choose side-by-side treatments at the Mokara Salon & Spa onsite at the Omni, a soothing massage at NOW Massage Las Colinas, or a luxurious, customized experience at the Ritz-Carlton Spa & Salon, these shared moments of relaxation are the perfect way to reconnect and recharge together.
Stay In & Savor the Omni Experience
Sometimes the best way to connect as a couple is to leave day-to-day life (and the kids!) at home and spend quality time alone. Choosing to stay at the Omni Las Colinas means you can have a love-filled escape that emphasizes relaxation and one-on-one time without ever leaving the lake views and comfortable furnishings of the property.
The Omni offers a full-service romantic retreat that includes room service, multiple on-site restaurants and bars, a gift shop, a fitness center, and a spa. Right outside, you’ll find a heated resort-style pool, firepits, lawn games, recreational trails, and water activities on the lake and canal.
Find Romance in Irving
Love doesn’t need a special occasion in Irving. It’s part of our everyday magic whether you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary, popping the question, or just escaping for the weekend with your better half. Book your stay at the Omni Las Colinas today and start planning the ultimate romantic escape.
