Our Time at The Emma

After several stir-crazed months of living in a quarantine version of the movie “Ground Hog Day,” Whiskey and I were in deep need of a getaway—new sights, sounds, tastes, and stimulation were called for, nay, demanded. And so, to San Antonio, specifically, Hotel Emma we went. Texas’ third largest city, and the U.S. sixth largest, and its finest hotel was a perfect fit for our re-entry into life post(ish)-pandemic.

As our car’s tires met the crunchy and manicured pea-gravel circle driveway, regally capped with an outdoor patio complete with seating around a homey fireplace, of the entrance to Hotel Emma, which is situated in the historic Pearl district of San Antonio, our hearts leapt with joy at the prospect of a night away at this beautifully gracious hotel, the crown jewel of the Pearl. A smooth check-in then relayed us to the stunning library, available only to hotel guests, where I was swiftly gifted with the hotel’s signature, and delicious, gin cocktail, and Whiskey in turn was handed the Emma’s special salted house margarita. Sipping these elixirs,and taking in the grandeur of the beautifully appointed two-story library, our quarantine-weary hearts were set at ease and immediately allowed for a well-needed exhale full of the hope for a return to some semblance of normalcy.

our hearts leapt with joy at the prospect of a night away at this beautifully gracious hotel, the crown jewel of the Pearl.

We were soon in our spacious and well-appointed room to don our swimming attire and quickly retreated to the sunny clay-tiled rooftop pool. This beautiful and cordial sun-soaked space is handsomely centered around an antique food delivery truck turned handmade cocktail bar. Feet in the pool and frozen drinks in hand, our spirits were feeling lighter with each moment and with every sip. There is something so comforting just having the warm sun on our backs and cool water in our line of sight that naturally induces a general sense of well-being.

We could literally feel ourselves shedding the shadow of sheltering in place. Whiskey, ever the gentile and gentlemanly social center of a place, made fast friends with the few other couples also indulging in the cool waters, and it was abundantly clear how deeply we all had missed the hospitality of interacting with others. “Enough of social distancing,” was the battle cry of our hearts and the toast to our clinking glasses. Whiskey and I are holding our breath until we have the privilege to stay in this wondrous place again!

Whiskey and I are holding our breath until we have the privilege to stay in this wondrous place again.