With all the fa la la la la, feasting and family, the travel and socializing of the Holidays can leave us feeling less than bubbly. To prepare myself for the busiest time of year, the family and I visited our neighboring city for some pre-holiday R&R. Our staycation to San Antonio’s top-notch resort provided the perfect backdrop to recharge in relaxed sophistication.
OVERVIEW
As you wind up the private road up to the resort, postcard views of the lush green fairways and beautifully architected white buildings with red tile roofs towering above the treeline convey a sense of distinctive style.Upon arrival, we were greeted by the most attentive, service-oriented valet staff, which went above and beyond to ensure a seamless unloading of three children and our luggage effortlessly while informing the front desk reception of our arrival for check-in. The resort truly fosters a culture of uncompromising quality, stewardship, and authenticity and it is evident throughout the property — a true testament to its’ heritage to one of the largest and most famous ranches in the world, the King Ranch, located in South Texas.
WHAT WE LOVED
- Capturing picturesque sunsets at City View Terrace with its’ surreal panoramic vistas
- Bocado, walk-up appetizer market in the hotel lobby. Order a charcuterie platter featuring the finest smoked meats, gourmet010 cheeses and small bites and head out to the Plaza San Saba for an afternoon of conversation.
- S’mores every night made over an open fire
- Private lux spa experiences in the Sky Loft situated above the resort’s golf course with an outdoor soaking tub and covered private deck.
- Telsa charging stations
THINGS TO KNOW
- Resort location perfect launching point for a visit to nearby Fiesta Texas amusement park and the upscale Shops at La Cantera
- Resort fee not included in the nightly rate
- Spa day-pass available (at a fee) for non-guests and locals
INTERIOR DESIGN
Relaxed sophistication. Following a multi-million-dollar overhaul in 2015, this ranch-style, AAA® Diamond “Texas Colonial” landmark is reflective of the traditions, cultures and legends of Texas. The resorts’ upscale feel is inspired by the architecture of the King Ranch. When you enter the lobby of La Cantera Resort, you’ll be immersed in elements – wood beams in the ceiling, the roaring
stone fireplace in the lobby and the look of Sire Bar’s rustic colors and furnishings, that all tie back to the “Big House” at the King Ranch.
ACCOMODATIONS
I was particularly drawn to the resort as it has emerged as a premier spot where both families and the adults-only crowd feel at home. With 496 well-appointed guestrooms the resort caters to a variety of needs. The main rooms and suites
have a small standing room only balcony with majestic views of the surrounding hillside, and feature NEST products, rain showerheads and plush furnishings.
SEVEN
In the spirit of a true hill country oasis, SEVEN represents the premier “adults-only” guest floor experience in Texas. While the resort takes pride in being very family-friendly, SEVEN is one of several thoughtful adult areas throughout the resort that allows guests to make that decision for themselves. A 21-and-over floor, your SEVEN experiences include a dedicated concierge, an exclusive lounge with daily breakfast and cocktail service, upgraded bath products, private check-
in, and more.
The Villas
Privately nestled a short golf cart ride from the Resort, with a separate reception,complimentary golf carts, oversized tubs and Bvlgari Personal care products, and their own pool bar, cafe, and market, the Villas at La Cantera Resort & Spa are an escape within an escape. Enjoy the intimacies of a remote boutique resort coupled with the benefits of a full luxury resort. The paths surrounding the collection of 34 villas are adorned with inspiring fire and water features that ignite a sense of connection to nature’s most precious elements. Each villa is aptly named after Texas ranches. Set on the golf course with a private walk out patios,The Villas are the perfect secluded option for guest seeking an elevated experience.
LIFESTYLE
Families will be well entertained during their stay at the resort with access to a kids pool with two slides and a splash area, bocce ball court and bean bag toss boards, an arcade game room with a pool table, foosball, and more, including a Kids Club Camp with interactive and engaging indoor and outdoor activities. The hotel even has a partnership with high-end baby gear label Babiege, which grants guests discounts on crib, stroller, and accessory rentals they might need to enjoy a day out Meanwhile, grown-ups will appreciate the adults-only and heated saline pools, private poolside cabanas (available for a fee), which come stocked with fridges, HDTVs, local snacks, and a personal attendant. Guests can also tee off at the resorts’ two 18 Hole Championship Golf Courses which offer some of the most scenic vistas in the Texas Hill Country. Beyond the resort there are numerous dining, shopping and active options within a few minutes of the resort. Guests can enjoy Top Golf, iFly, and Fiesta Texas as well as dining and luxury shopping at The Rim and Shops at La Cantera. All just acomplimentary shuttle ride away.
CULINARY DELIGHTS
No stay at La Cantera Resort & Spa would be complete without a culinary experience from their James Beard Celebrated Chef Andrew Weissman at Signature. Indulge your palate and explore the resorts’ nine restaurants and bars,each showcasing Texas-inspired cuisine with a distinctive Hill Country twist. Regional favorites such as huevos rancheros take on new heights at SweetFire Kitchen, which is open daily – breakfast through dinner.
SPA
Inhale, exhale, soak in the views and recharge. Loma de Vida – which means “Hill of Life”, is the resort’s state-of-the-art, 25,000-square-foot, world-class spa and wellness center created for those looking for a new southwest locale to unwind and discover healing elements complimented by Southern Hospitality.Designed with intentional spaces that inspire wellness, peace, relaxation, and
empowerment, the spa has 15 treatment rooms, along with saline pools, private garden terraces, and serene alcoves.
In addition to the wide variety of treatments (deep tissue massage to signature rituals or body treatments), Loma de Vida also offers active movement classes including spinning, TRX suspension training, and fusion of movement as well as
passive classes (like art, breathing, or meditation) and several varieties of yoga classes.
