7 Resorts In Texas For The Ultimate Lone Star Escape

From lakeside bliss to Hill Country adventure, these are some of our favorite resorts across the state.

It should come at no surprise that Texas is full of spectacular stays. The Lone Star State's wide open spaces, scenic lakes, small towns, and bustling cities beckon for adventure. While you can always pitch a tent or check out a charming bed and breakfast, there's nothing quite as relaxing as unwinding at a resort without worrying about any logistics.

Whether you’re looking for a resort weekend getaway for pure R&R or a vacation full of adventure, you can find it all in Texas. Here, we’ve highlighted some of the best resorts across Texas that allow you to breath easy and explore.

La Cantera Resort and Spa

San Antonio, Texas

Inspired by the King Ranch in South Texas, La Cantera Resort & Spa wows with its rustic lobby decor and sweeping Hill Country views. The resort sits on 550 acres and includes nine restaurants, five heated pools, a championship golf course, and an adults-only floor for those looking for some solitude. Loma de Vida, the resort spa, is a must with its 25,000 square feet of space for massages, facials, pool time, and reflexology. Experience a local and organic dinner from chef John Carpenter at Signature, where seasonal menus include dishes such as Maine scallops with pork belly and a pear puree or herb gnocchi with butternut squash, pepita pesto, and and tomato. Rent a luxury cabana at the adults-only pool, where TVs, a safe, fully stocked refrigerators, and VIP service keep you relaxed all afternoon.

The Houstonian Hotel, Club, & Spa

Houston, Texas

Located in the former home of President George H.W. Bush, the Houstonian Hotel, Club, & Spa is an escape for city dwellers and those looking to stay active while vacationing. The Houstonian has two on-site restaurants, newly renovated rooms, a bar, and a healthy takeaway cafe. Across the resort’s 27 acres, guests can enjoy wine dinners, picnic outings, three pools, and a walking trail. At the Club, check out the list of 160+ weekly classes and an indoor tennis facility. Reserved for guests only, The Kitchen offers an array of dishes, including Gulf red snapper, Thai curry wild salmon, mahi mahi tacos, plus burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Birders should look for migrating birds such as the ruby throated hummingbird, warblers, Swainsons, Carolina chickadees, cardinals, screech owls, woodpeckers, and mockingbirds.

Camp Lucy

Dripping Springs, Texas

In Dripping Springs, just less than an hour west of Austin, Camp Lucy is a great place to escape for a long weekend. Modern-rustic rooms create the perfect setting for relaxation in Texas wine country. Take a vineyard tour through the property’s on-site vineyard and learn about the grape varieties grown here, plus how they’re harvested. There’s a daily calendar of activities to choose from, including yoga, hatchet and ax throwing, sunrise hikes, alpaca feeding, olive oil tasting, mixology classes, and even a guided history tour to learn about Camp Lucy’s buildings and design. The on-site restaurant, Tillie’s, serves American nouveau dishes such as shrimp and grits, smoked beef short ribs, and salmon rockafeller.

Lajitas Golf Resort

Terlingua, Texas

In far West Texas between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park is Lajitas Golf Resort. Here, it’s easy to find some R&R or adventure, whichever you prefer. Enjoy a massage at the Agave Spa, have a poolside drink, or have some fun ziplining, horseback riding, clay shooting, and more. Bring your clubs to play a round of golf at the world-class golf course, designed by Lanny Wadkins, winner of the 1977 PGA Championship and eight-time member of the U.S. Ryder Cup team. There are four eateries on site, including a saloon and general store. Accommodations range from standard rooms to suites, villas, cabins, and even a hacienda. 

Lake Austin Spa Resort

Austin, Texas

On the shore of Lake Austin, stay at Lake Austin Spa Resort, where wellness takes center stage. Healthy meals from locally sourced ingredients and an array of on-site activities are included in your stay, and the LakeHouse Spa allows you to choose the best experience to suit your needs with more than 100 treatment options. Watersports available on the resort’s 19 lakefront acres include fishing, waterskiing, kayaking, and scenic boat cruises. You can also partake in yoga, cooking classes, hiking, author chats, kickboxing, meditation, and photography workshops. The resort only has 40 rooms, making for a custom-tailored experience for each guest.

The Las Colinas Resort Dallas

Irving, Texas

Not far from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, The Las Colinas Resort Dallas is a haven for golfers and those looking for a luxurious resort experience. Set on 431 acres, the resort includes 36 holes of championship-style golf, three pools, three bars and restaurants, and an impressive spa. In-room amenities from Diptyque are provided, and dining choices focus on Texan cuisine. Enjoy a meal at Law, where items such as chicken roulade, cauliflower steak, and steaks from Arrowhead Ranch are all crowd pleasers. Have a cocktail at Outlaw Taproom, shareable plates such as loaded fries, charcuterie boards, house-baked pretzels, and blistered shishito peppers pair well with craft cocktails. Order a Texas Flood—honey, grapefruit, aperol, bourbon, rosemary, and Amaro Nonino—for an elevated experience.

JL Bar Ranch, Resort, & Spa

Sonora, Texas

About 2.5 hours northwest of San Antonio is JL Bar Ranch, Resort, & Spa, a sprawling ranch resort covering 13,000 acres. Here, guests can get away from day-to-day stresses and unwind next to the pool overlooking the resort, or have fun with outdoor pursuits such as hiking, clay shooting, horseback riding, ranch excursions, stargazing, archery, and more. Guests can also partake in culinary activities such as cowboy cookouts, wine tastings, and whiskey tastings. The on-site restaurant offers breakfast, Sunday brunch, lunch, and dinner menus with menu items such as cajun pasta, Chilean sea bass, and steaks. Don’t forget a trip to the spa, where hot stone massages, body wraps, and scrubs leave you feeling relaxed and revitalized. 

For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Southern Living.