Uptown

Maryam Naderi introduced Houston to the nontoxic manicure in 2016 with Paloma, the very first salon in the city to ditch the chemicals for five-free nail polish (formulas that contain no formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, resin, or camphor).

It's difficult to fathom what 2.4 million square feet looks like until you step inside the Galleria. The usual European suspects—Gucci, Céline, and Dolce & Gabbana—all have individual boutiques showcasing the full range of new collections.

Chef Paul Friedman represents South Africa well, merging Dutch, Portuguese, and Asian influences into perfectly seared meats and seafood, served with a side of lush chutneys and spices.

The word "caracol" means "snail" in Spanish, an ode to chef Hugo Ortega's memories of ceviche de caracol served fresh in his brother's kitchen in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Dr. Andrew Weil's bastion of healthy, balanced eating is a welcome change to the famously rich local cuisine.

Businessman Tilman Fertitta, the owner of the Houston Rockets, aspires to provide the global traveler with the ultimate respite with his new hotel, the Post Oak.