Some places just feel like home.
From the layout of the rooms to the familiar music in the lobby to favorite lawn chairs by the pool, having a favorite summer getaway to retreat to is a decadent treat in the Texas summertime.
For my family, making an annual summer pilgrimage to the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa is among our favorite-ever traditions.
Enjoy a peaceful walk at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa. Contributed by JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa
Tucked amid 600 acres of verdant hills and home to a waterpark, two 18-hole championship golf courses and an indulgent 26,000-square-foot spa, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa is a multifaceted gem beloved by many Texans, like us, because it’s so hospitable to various ages, group configurations and types of travelers.
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Two welcome drinks are included in the resort fee and can be redeemed at various locations, including the Crooked Branch bar. We typically grab ours, although with lemonades for the kids, at the poolside Rivertop Grill due to its proximity to the River Bluff Water Experience.
The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort offers a relaxing escape close to Austin. Contributed by JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa
This 9-acre waterpark features a lazy river, tube chutes, beach area and body slides appropriate for all ages. Little ones will enjoy the kiddie pool, where three small slides, a zero-depth beach entry and a large, friendly armadillo water feature offer an easy-going welcome, while older kids, like ours, won’t want to miss the body slides, which can reach up to 20 miles per hour.
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While our kids always enjoy what they claim to be “the best cheeseburgers of their lives” at the Rivertop Grill, Cibolo Moon is easily my favorite restaurant due to the amazing service and diverse and delectable cuisine. During our July visit, the quesadillas and salads were top-notch, and our kids loved the breakfast buffet, where they discovered everything from omelets to gluten-free pancakes.
Every evening, don’t miss the chance to watch the flames kiss the marshmallows over the open fire pit during nightly s’mores, a messy, sticky and delicious tradition we can never get enough of.
If you want to steal away to the spa, a round of golf or a relaxing hot-tub soak in the adults-only section, the property also hosts various children’s programming that may include everything from decorating your own inner tube to building your own birdhouse.
Bring your pup when you stay at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa. Contributed by JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa
Traveling with four-legged friends? The resort is offering a new luxury pup experience that offers accommodations in uniquely decorated standard guest rooms with walk out patios providing easy access to the property’s lush lawns. The rooms are thoughtfully arranged for canine convenience and comfort and include a cozy dog bed, water and food bowls, and a blanket, all of which are permanent to the guest room. A take-home welcome amenity will be waiting for the guest of honor that includes a chew toy, dog treats, and a fashionable bandana to make the pup’s vacation extra memorable. After each canine stay, the guest room is professionally cleaned.
If You Go
Getting there:
The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa is a one-hour, 15-minute drive from central Austin.
Stay:
Tuck in to one of the resort’s 1,002 guest rooms, including 85 suites, that feature plush bedding, gorgeous décor, and stunning views of the rolling Hill Country landscape.
Do:
If you’re traveling as a family, the River Bluff Water Experience, which spans 9 action-packed acres, is a must-do.
Insider tip:
Whether you’re craving a juicy steak or want to grab a quick cocktail, the resort has a half-dozen restaurants ready to suit the needs its diverse groups of travelers.
