The Post Oak Hotel in ritzy Uptown is the only five-star hotel and spa in the whole of Texas, so there’s a good chance you’ll bump into Kendall Jenner or Houston-born Beyoncé in its art-filled, crystal-flecked lobby. From its sumptuous Swarovski chandelier to its direct helicopter pad access, luxury is everything here. But to truly enjoy its lavish spoils, book into the Spa. A world of unparalleled wellness, the 20,000-square-foot subterranean space transports you to a place of pure bliss. Indulge in transformative rituals, take a dip in the Tranquility Pool, relax in body-contoured hot-stoned daybeds, and experience high-performance facials using exclusive In-Skin technology and skincare brand, Biologique Recherche.

The geographical proximity of Mexico means Houston – and Texas as a whole – serves up magnificent Mexican food. But instead of Tex-Mex (a cheesy American riff on Mexican cuisine that is most notably heavier in dairy), go authentic – and that means Hugo’s. Award-winning chef, author and co-founder, Hugo Ortego, opened his eponymous restaurant 10 years ago, putting authentic Mexican cuisine on the map. Introducing regional flavours to the forefront of American dining, Ortega changed the way Houstonians eat Mexican. Since then, Hugo’s has become a culinary institution, serving up freshly milled blue corn totopos and perfect guacamole, buttery lobster tacos with frijoles refritos, pico de gallo and avocado, and the best hot chocolate and churros you’ll ever eat (three types of Mexican cacao melted, whisked and hand-poured for you at the table). The first Mexican-born chef to win a prestigious James Beard Award, he even has a day named after him: June 20, the Hugo Ortega Day. And unlike other chefs of his ilk, Ortega still works the kitchen – you might even spot his smile over your hand-shaken Hugo Rita (which, for the record, is superb).

While the Museum District lays claim to some of the finest paintings and sculptures in the world, some of Houston’s most fascinating art is in fact outside. Given his study of space and light, it makes sense that preeminent American artist James Turrell’s work is scattered throughout “Space City”. Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany Skyspace at Rice University is the star (so to speak). A shimmering LED lightshow that is only seen at sunrise or sunset, soak up the dazzling blaze through a squarish aperture that quite literally brings new light to the sun’s spectacular rise and fall. Or, savour art from the outside at the Rothko Chapel. While pious in name, you don’t need to be a believer to relish the surrealist wonder of Latvian-American artist Mark Rothko, who’s 14 black-hued murals fill the non-denominational chapel. Outside, Barnett Newman’s sculpture ‘Broken Obelisk’ rises above the reflecting pool, providing a spiritual space for moments of meditation.

Barbecue is an art form in Texas, but not all barbecues were created equal. Just ask John Toomey, founder of Houston’s latest smoky addition, J-Bar-M BBQ. Hailing from a long-line of BBQ-ers, Toomey has mastered the craft, prodigiously researching everything from wood science to state-of-the-art smokers to the perfect “smoke ring” (the purplish-pink layer that sits below the crust). And the result? Melt-in-your-mouth, delicately smoked brisket, sausage and ribs – aka, the Texan trinity. Served with an abundance of Southern-style sides – creamy cauliflower gratin, classic mac ‘n’ cheese, beautiful briny pickles and, of course, plenty of house-made sauces – don’t attempt on a full stomach.

Houston, there’s no problem here. Home to human spaceflight activity and astronaut training for more than half a century (and, of course, one of the most famous lines in movie history), the NASA Johnson Space Center is a must for any traveller. But to truly experience space (or the closest thing you’ll get to it), don’t miss a NASA VIP Tour, which gives you an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the historic NASA facilities. Jump into a flight simulator at the Space Mission Simulation Facility, witness the extraordinary lengths astronauts go to to achieve microgravity in the pool at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, learn about future space developments (including a manned mission to Mars), and soak up history at the Apollo Mission Control Center — the site that exercised full mission control of the Apollo 11 lunar landing.