11 Best Resorts in Texas for a Rejuvenating Getaway

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Texans know how to go big, and the Lone Star State’s resorts certainly don’t skimp when it comes to spoiling their guests.

Is it about time you went on a well-deserved vacation? You don’t need to travel to a resort in some exotic land when all across Texas there are first-rate resorts designed for your rest, relaxation, and recreation. With gorgeous pool areas, inviting spas, countless guest experiences, and more, these spots will leave you feeling both rejuvenated and reinvigorated before you make your way back to the real world.

Whether you’re looking for a decadent, all-inclusive escape or a more casual, secluded retreat, these are the best resorts in Texas to consider the next time you want to kick your vacation up a notch.

1. The Woodlands Resort

Why you should stay: This family-friendly resort in the Texas Piney Woods has activities that guests of all ages will enjoy.

Location: The Woodlands
Class: Four star
Rates from: $188/night

Located a 30-minute drive from downtown Houston, The Woodlands Resort offers 350 acres of fun for the whole family.

On the property, you’ll find two champion golf courses, tennis courts, and a large pool complex you might have to drag your kids away from — there’s a lazy river, mini waterpark, whirlpools, and more! Oh, and you can’t forget about the over 200 miles of hiking trails. Into running? The hotel staff can show you where to do a 5k loop trail or a 3k loop trail.

When it’s time to relax from all those activities, treat yourself to an in-room massage or have a tasty meal at one of the resort’s three restaurants.

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2. The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa

Why you should stay: This expansive Hill Country ranch resort serves up rustic luxury with a hefty helping of exciting outdoor adventures.

Location: Sonora
Class: n/a
Rates from: $399/night

The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa spans a whopping 13,000 acres, making it even easier to check your worries at the door and embrace the luxuries of this serene escape.

You’ll never be bored with all the guest experiences available on the property, such as sporting clays, horseback riding, mountain biking, and deer and quail hunting. To break up your time outdoors, why not schedule a cooking class, whiskey tasting, or paint and sip class? All of that’s just scratching the surface of the activities offered here.

The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa even has its own private airport for those truly traveling in style.

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3. Horseshoe Bay Resort

Why you should stay: This upscale resort is perfect for anyone who loves to golf or spend time out on the lake.

Location: Horseshoe Bay
Class: Four star
Rates from: $224.40/night

A little over an hour’s drive west of Austin, Horseshoe Bay Resort overlooks Lake LBJ and invites you to experience all the fun the Texas’ Highland Lakes region has to offer.

Staying here means having easy access to activities like kayaking, fishing, and sunset cruises. Conveniently, the resort has a marina where you can rent a variety of watercraft. For water recreation closer to home, hop into one of the resort’s three pools.

Another highlight of Horseshoe Bay Resort are the three award-winning golf courses on the property. Golf Digest even named it one of the best golf resorts in the southwest.

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4. Miraval Austin

Why you should stay: It’s self-care heaven at this all-inclusive wellness resort close to Lake Travis.

Location: Austin
Class: Four star
Rates from: $539/night

Think of Miraval Austin as a peaceful sanctuary where everything is centered on your wellbeing. In 2020, this resort was named North America’s Best Resort Spa by the World Spa Awards.

Found in the Hill Country by Lake Travis, Miraval Austin offers its guests a suite of wellness experiences ranging from yoga and meditation to equine activities and kayaking. Just remember to sign up for your desired activities in advance since they’re known to book up quickly. The resort is also unique in that it has on-site specialists, including a culinary expert, a beekeeper, and spiritual guides with whom you can book one-on-one sessions.

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5. La Cantera Resort & Spa

Why you should stay: Enjoy all the R&R you want at this Hill Country resort with numerous amenities, including famous golf courses.

Location: San Antonio
Class: Four star
Rates from: $170/night

La Cantera Resort & Spa is right next to some of the city’s top attractions, including Six Flags Fiesta Texas and The Shops at La Cantera.

At this resort, there’s not one, not two, but five pools to enjoy, including one with water slides that’s just for kids plus another that’s adults only. Golfers can also play a round at one of the two championship golf courses — one was a PGA Tour stop for over a decade and the other was designed by Arnold Palmer himself!

The spa alone here takes up 25,000 square feet, and on top of more standard treatments like massages, it also has a menu of fancy-sounding “enhancements” like the invigorating scalp ritual, and KNESKO face masks.

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6. Lucky Arrow Retreat

Why you should stay: You can have a cabin or yurt all to yourself at this casual Hill Country retreat that’s surrounded by wineries and breweries.

Location: Dripping Springs
Class: n/a
Rates from: $179/night

If your ideal resort is something that’s a little bit more laidback, then consider Lucky Arrow Retreat. Nestled among lush green hills, this escape offers a variety of unique accommodations, including cabins, porch houses, and yurts.

Lucky Arrow Retreat serves as a good home base if you want to check out the many wineries, distilleries, and breweries nearby like Bell Springs Winery and Twisted X Brewing Company. To make things even easier, you can book wine, beer, and food tours for up to nine guests with the resort’s retro Land Cruiser.

When it’s time to unwind, go for a swim in the heated pool. Kids have their own pool too.

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7. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Why you should stay: Having racked up golf, culinary, and spa awards, this resort has its own little mini water park.

Location: San Antonio
Class: Four star
Rates from: $283/night

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa brings the reliability and quality of its respected brand and includes those extra amenities you’d want and expect in a high-end resort, including championship golf courses and a relaxing spa.

The crown jewel of this resort though is probably its nine-acre water park, which has slides and its very own lazy river that stretches over 1,000 feet. The attractions in this so-called River Bluff Water Experience do close if the temperature goes under 55 degrees Fahrenheit, but don’t worry the other pools and hot tub will still be open.

Plus, with six restaurants on the property, you’ll be able to mix up your dining without having to step foot off the resort.

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8. Wildcatter Ranch

Why you should stay: Pretend you’re a cowboy with the activities and experiences at this homey resort that’s also a working ranch.

Location: Graham
Class: Four star
Rates from: $167/night

Drive nearly two hours west of Dallas to reach Wildcatter Ranch, a 1,500-acre resort where the Wild West meets modern hospitality.

When booking your room, you can opt for one of the hotel rooms, choose a cabin suite, or reserve a whole guest home for you and your crew. Once you’ve settled into your spot, get ready to have some fun with the many different activities offered to guests here from horseback riding to tomahawk throwing to archery. The resort also has a shooting range and offers jeep tours.

Sometime during your stay, make sure you reserve a dinner at the resort’s Wildcatter Steakhouse. Their mesquite-grilled steaks will have your mouth watering.

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9. Lake Austin Spa Resort

Resorts in Texas 11 — Photo: LakeAustin.com

Why you should stay: You’re right by the Colorado River at this classy, all-inclusive resort which has a jam-packed activities calendar.

Location: Austin
Class: Four star
Rates from: $775/night

Lake Austin Spa Resort ranked as the number three “destination spa resort in the United States” in the 2021 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. Just arriving feels luxurious since you can take a 30-minute water taxi ride here from downtown Austin.

The all-inclusive resort really makes the most of its location on Lake Austin’s shores with its long list of water activities, including wake surfing, paddleboarding, and tubing. For something more relaxed, go for the wine cruise or try out one of the aquatic spa treatments in the resort’s pool barn.

To keep up with all the possibilities, check out Lake Austin Spa Resort’s activities calendar. You’ll find numerous options to fill your itinerary for your whole trip.

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10. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa

Why you should stay: With its many on-site activities, this riverside resort makes sure everyone in the family can have a good time.

Location: Cedar Creek
Class: Four star
Rates from: $259/night

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is situated on the banks of the Colorado River, next to McKinney Roughs Nature Park. You may not want to leave the 405-acre resort though given all it has going on.

Putting some numbers to it: There are 18 spa treatment rooms, 10 places to dine, two tennis courts, two pools, one on-site water park, and one 18-hole golf course. If you’re coming with kids, they’ll also love the interactive experiences available with the resort’s livestock, including longhorns, alpacas, and miniature horses.

Some extra touches: Complimentary s’mores kits, which you can make use of at one of the fire pits around the resort, and complimentary bike rentals.

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Related Read: 8 Cozy Cabin Rentals Near Dallas, Texas

11. The San Luis Resort

Why you should stay: Make your island getaway a luxurious one at this beachfront hotel.

Location: Galveston
Class: Four star
Rates from: $249/night

Looking out onto the ocean, The San Luis Resort puts you just a few steps from the beach and Galveston’s historic seawall. One great place to enjoy the sea views right on the property is the resort’s tropical pool area.

Each of the guest rooms at this hotel features a private balcony so you can take in the salty ocean breeze. If you’re here for a special occasion, then you can’t do better than booking one of the resort’s 800-square-foot villas, which have their own private entrances and hot tubs.

When it comes to mealtime, you may have a hard time deciding where to eat since you’re spoiled for choice with the 10 different restaurants in and around the resort that vary from a casual bistro to an elegant steakhouse.

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