With Hotels and businesses are slowly opening up and school officially over, it’s an ideal time to escape on a fabulous stay-cation close to home. Head for the hills {and lake!} in one of these terrific Hill Country respites. Here are some of our favorite kid friendly resorts that also happen to be super close to Austin!
Lakeway Resort and Spa’s pool area
Lakeway Resort and Spa
For a resort-style setting on Lake Travis, you can’t beat Lakeway Resort and Spa. For germaphobes like myself, you’ll appreciate one of the PURE® Wellness Allergy-Friendly Rooms with a patented 7-step purification process. The in-room filter removes up to 99.99% of pollutants and allergens, exceeding HEPA standards. Take that COVID-19!
Their TR restaurant Bar and Lounge showcases stunning Lake Travis and Hill Country views. The menu features Southern comfort cuisine like Martha’s Migas and Texas-shaped waffles on the breakfast menu. The sweet pepper pickled fried Chicken sandwich on the lunch menu and the Rebecca Creek Smoked Ribs starter on the dinner menu are not to be missed. There’s also plenty to choose from on the in-room menu, and play it extra-safe, if you prefer to eat on your own balcony watching the sunset over the lake.
Take a dip in one of three pools or the hot tub, including an adult’s only pool and a kid’s pool with a waterslide. The World Health Organization reports Chlorine kills the Covid-19 virus though you’ll still want to shower before you go in.
Summer prices are as low as $143 a night with specials like a fourth night free when you book direct.
Sonesta Bee Cave
For a more contemporary and stylish setting, the Sonesta Bee Cave is surrounded by gorgeous hill country views and a 2.3-mile walking trail. You’ll find an outdoor pool and sundeck on the courtyard level and on the rooftop is the upscale, glass-encased Meridian 98 Bar and Lounge. Executive Chef Patrick Newman offers seasonal dishes from locally-sourced, Texas farmers and fishermen. Live music plays Wednesday and Thursday nights.
The Hill Country Galleria (outdoor shopping center) is located just steps away (or hop the complimentary trolley) to peruse the shops, dine or catch a movie at the cinema.
Book now to stay after July 1st and find special offers like discounts for healthcare workers here.
La Cantera Resort and Spa
Still in the Hill Country, but a little further south of Austin is La Cantera Resort and Spa in San Antonio. You can book now to stay after the resort opens again on June 3rd. The resort is taking extra precautions to keep you safe from the virus. Its proximity to Six Flags and Sea World draws a lot of families typically but those are closed now. I stayed here on a mini mommy spa-cation just by myself and had the ultimate in solo time.
Even if you bring the whole fam, you’ll want to carve out some mommy time in the spa. Trust me on this. Just explain that you need some “social distancing”, I promise you will not regret it.
My must-do activities included partaking in the spa’s fitness classes, hanging out by the pool, and for the ultimate indulgence, Loma de Vida spa’s Give me a Break facial and massage package.
Dinner at the Signature Restaurant is an absolute must and be sure to book in advance. Prepare to savor the ambiance, the food, and the service; my dinner here was the best meal I’ve had since moving back to Austin a year almost two years ago.
No matter which of these Hill Country havens you choose to staycation at, you’ll pat yourself on the back for how smart you were not to have to deal with TSA, flight delays or venturing further away from home than a few miles.
More Kid Friendly Resorts to check out!
- JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort | The JW is just about 1.5 hours from Austin and has one of the most incredible pools! There is golf, movie nights, great restaurants, and a ridiculously awesome spa. This is a favorite for sure!
- Hyatt Lost Pines | Lost Pines Resort is in Bastrop and a really easy drive to get to. They offer a lazy river style pool, great restaurants, and a crazy awesome Fourth of July Fireworks show!
- Omni Barton Creek | The Omni Barton Creek recently underwent major renovations and the new look is insanely nice! Tucked away in the Barton Creek neighborhood, the kids will love this place. The restaurant is fantastic, but you’re also in Austin so can easily head out to eat in Westlake if you’re venturing out. The spa is pretty sweet too!
- Horseshoe Bay Resort | This resort is nestled in Marble Falls and is right on Lake LBJ! Such a cool spot with tons of kid friendly things to do!
- Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville Resort | Slated to open July 1st, this resort is the farthest away if the ones we listed. Just outside of Houston in Conroe, TX, the Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville Resort is going to have all.the.things that kids will love!
Have a great Summer exploring the Hill Country at one of these fantastic kid friendly resorts!
