Oaklawn Hot Springs Extends Lead as Arkansas’ premier resort destination
(BPT) - Long heralded as one of America's top destinations for thoroughbred racing, Oaklawn Hot Springs has solidified its reputation as a premier destination for luxury travel by securing four distinguished recognitions in the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) and Star Awards.
This year Astral Spa remains Arkansas' only Forbes 4-Star-rated spa. Two Oaklawn restaurants, The OAK room & bar and The Bugler, join the Oaklawn Hotel as recommended destinations in the 2025 FTG. The Oaklawn Hotel was previously recommended in the 2024 FTG.
The Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises. Its rigorous evaluation process assesses properties based on service excellence and guest experience. Oaklawn Hot Springs' inclusion in the esteemed list highlights its commitment to providing outstanding hospitality.
"It is a great honor to have The OAK room & bar and The Bugler join the Oaklawn Hotel as recommendations in the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide," said Louis Cella, President of Oaklawn Hot Springs. "To have The Astral Spa again rise to the top as one of the few spas in the country to receive a 4-Star Rating is astounding. We designed Oaklawn to be a world-class resort that Arkansas can be proud of. These recognitions from one of the world's preeminent hospitality rating systems confirm that our vision has become a reality."
Located within the Oaklawn Casino, The OAK room & bar is an elegant dining establishment offering refined dishes, an extensive wine selection and craft cocktails. The Bugler provides a more relaxed yet equally refined atmosphere, serving expertly prepared seafood and steak selections with a stunning view of Oaklawn's historic racetrack from its spacious outdoor patio.
In addition to being recommended by Forbes' hospitality experts, The OAK room & bar and The Bugler each received 2024 OpenTable Diners' Choice Awards, which recognize the restaurants based on feedback from confirmed diners.
Astral Spa is a world-class facility that provides visitors with a customized experience. In addition to standard spa services, Astral Spa offers premium amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, dedicated men's and women's wet lounges, and locker rooms equipped with heated loungers, needle showers, steam rooms, infrared saunas, whirlpool tubs, cold rooms and a dedicated co-ed parlor.
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Oaklawn Hotel is located adjacent to one of the country's premiere Thoroughbred racetracks. Fans from across the globe travel to Hot Springs to experience thoroughbred racing at its highest level - the road to the Kentucky Derby begins at Oaklawn. A stay at Oaklawn provides guests with valet services, friendly bellmen, lavish room amenities, outstanding room service, and expert assistance from experienced concierges.
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Located in scenic Hot Springs, Arkansas, only minutes from Hot Springs National Park and endless outdoor recreation opportunities, Oaklawn Hot Springs originally emerged as one of the world's premier thoroughbred racetracks. Today Oaklawn Hot Springs offers guests a variety of leisure and entertainment options including racing, gaming, sports betting, fine dining and live performances. Whether you are seeking horseracing at its highest level, a world-class spa experience or the unique flavors of an award-winning restaurant, Oaklawn is your destination in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains.
Visit oaklawn.com to plan your experience.
Must be 18 for race gambling and 21 for casino gaming. Always bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org.
Please drink responsibly. Learn more at responsibility.org.
Source: BrandPoint