Expect a warm Texas welcome from this top-ranking San Antonio resort

Planning a visit to San Antonio with the family this summer? Set your waypoints to the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort, minutes from SeaWorld San Antonio off Texas 151. Though it’s tucked away in the country, your kids will happily hand over their electronics in exchange for days filled with tubing down the Ramblin’ River, riding the waves on Edge Falls or, for the adrenalin munchkins in your group, surfing the 30 ft water slide.

Of course there’s lots here for adults to…

A Texas resort built on family traditions

Built on the 300 acre Rogers-Wiseman homestead, the 500-room resort is a mindful blending of family traditions, Texas hospitality and accessible luxury. It’s a 20-minute drive from San Antonio’s River Walk and serves as a family getaway, convention center – and even a hot spot for Texas weddings. As you step into the lobby (sweetened with the aroma of mesquite wood that burns in huge fireplaces), you’re walking the path to the ranch house. When you’re on the driving range, you’re on the site of the original homestead. And while none of the original buildings remain, the 100-million-dollar limestone façade punctuated by a green metal roof and wooden porches stays true to its Texas heritage.

Accommodations here are exactly what you’d expect of a Hyatt with a range of standard hotel rooms, one and two bedroom suites, most with balconies overlooking the property. If you’re traveling with extended family, consider booking the Sunday house, a replica of a 19th century home where Hill Country farmers stayed when they made the long journey into town for church services. The Sunday House sleeps 6 guests comfortably and offers a full kitchen, living and dining room as well as a functioning fireplace. Average nightly rate is north of $2,000 and can be booked by calling the hotel directly.

Staying busy with (or without) the kids

Golf gets top billing here with an 18-hole Arthur Hills designed course that conforms to a variety of skill levels. The course follows the rambling terrain of the Hill Country region and most hazards are dry creek beds that crisscross the course.

If golf’s not your thing, there are tennis courts, rental bikes and a nature trail circling the property – one loop is .9 of a mile. I walked the loop 5 times my first morning, enjoying the birds and small wildlife that inhabit the area – and of course, waving to the golfers who also rose at dawn.

Undeniably, the resort’s best offering is the 4-acre water park that features a 950 ft lazy river that connects 2 pools. A gentle current pushes tubers through the course, which sounds relaxing but it’s frequented by lots of kids – so don’t expect splash-free floating.

Camp Hyatt is in full swing here as well, which can free you up for time at the spa. The Wildflower Spa is tucked away in a corner of the property, with its own pool and deck area. So if a massage doesn’t relax you quite enough, feel free to hang out here for the rest of your day – or until the kids are finished with Camp Hyatt.

Dinning options are downhome Texas delish

Start your day with breakfast outside at the Springhouse Café, casual, comfortable and tasty. You can pop back here for lunch or grab a bite at Papa Ed’s Grill or Vince’s Watering Hole. Dinner is served at Antlers Lodge with southwest cuisine, like the mesquite smoked prime rib and buffalo rib eye. On your way to dinner – Antler’s Lodge is at the far end of the resort near the golf club – enjoy the storied hallways, filled with photographs of the family over the past century. There are also a smattering of small bars and outdoor grills as well as Aunt Mary’s Porch – perfect for after dinner drinks – or your first morning coffee.

If we’ve whetted your appetite for a taste of Texas, connect with the Hyatt Regency Country Hills Resort online – and don’t forget to tell them GoGirlfriend sent you!

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