H2OOH

Luxe Texas Hill Country resort to add sparkling new crystal lagoon

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa lagoon

The lagoon will bring sandy beaches to the Hill Country.

Rendering courtesy of Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa.

One of the most popular resorts in the Texas Hill Country is prepping a splashy new amenity. In September, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa will add a 2.2-acre crystal lagoon to the property.

According to a release, the family-friendly San Antonio resort partnered with Crystal Lagoons, a Florida-based company known for its breathtaking international builds. The Hyatt Regency project is the first use of the firm’s cutting-edge technology inside the central United States.

This new water feature will include pristine white sandy beaches, luxe private cabanas, and water sports activities. A new poolside venue, debuting in November, will overlook the lagoon and provide space for weddings and private events.

The swanky property will also add new accommodations in time for the busy vacation season, the release says. In May, the retreat will introduce five 2,336-square-foot villas named after Hill Country rivers. Each secluded rental will feature four bedrooms outfitted with soaking tubs, walk-in showers, and private patios.

The villas will be outfitted with luxe amenities.Rendering courtesy of Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa.

The complex will also include enticing shared spaces for socializing with other guests, including a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances, and an outdoor lounge and dining area centered around a firepit.

Each booking includes VIP perks like text access to a 24-hour villa host, twice-daily housekeeping services, enhanced in-room dining, and a golf cart. Vacationers will also have access to the pool and other amenities at the Wildflower Spa.

The new additions continue the resort’s ongoing enhancements. In 2023, Hyatt Regency Hill Country finished renovating all its guestrooms and suites. The following year, the resort focused on updating its dining options, modernizing the Antlers Lodge restaurant, Cactus Oak Tavern, and Charlie’s Long Bar, and adding a new indoor-outdoor concept, Woodbine Bar, to the lobby.

“Hyatt Regency Hill Country has been delivering unforgettable experiences for our guests for over 30 years," said Steven J. Smith, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, via a release. "We are now thrilled to embark on an exciting new chapter that will redefine the resort experience here in Central Texas.”

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Disappear Into Nature

Crazy mirrored glamping houses near Austin reflect the forest

Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

Glamping can still include s'mores with a private outdoor fire pit.

Just in time for unbearable temperatures across Texas, the Lower Colorado River Authority has debuted a cool glamping solution. Opened mid-May, the Ööd Mirror Houses are LCRA Parks' newest accommodations at Lake Bastrop South Shore Park, about 40 minutes outside of Austin.

Hideaway House exterior Both glamping options have floor-to-ceiling windows that look like mirrors from the outside.Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

Operated by Cameron Ranch Glamping, these two luxury houses are tucked away in the park's Lost Pines region, surrounded by trees and tranquility.

The two homes — The Hideaway and The Bloom — feature floor-to-ceiling mirrored glass walls, so guests can look out into nature with complete privacy, from both passersby and mosquitos.

Both are 221 square feet and are pet-friendly. They're equipped with a queen memory foam bed, bathroom with walk-in shower, dining area, Wi-Fi, kitchenette, record player, and perhaps most importantly for this time of year, air conditioning. In the winter, the structures will be heated.

Hideaway House Interior Both mirror houses include memory foam queen-sized beds, WiFi, A/C, and more. Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

No matter how glam it gets, guests can still enjoy classic camping fun like roasting marshmallows in their personal outdoor fire pit, or firing up the grill for some burgers. Plus, Lake Bastrop offers paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, areas for fishing, trails for hiking and biking, mini-golf, playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, and a charming camp store.

Interior kitchen area Kitchenettes come equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, and cooking equipment. Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

Guests can also leave the park and make the 10-minute drive to downtown Bastrop to grab a bite, a drink, some groceries, or catch some music or a movie. (Who can really say what the rules of glamping entail?)

Bloom House The two mirror houses are within walking distance to the swimming areas along the lake. Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

The Ööd Mirror Houses are now available to book online. Rates vary by day, starting just above $200 per night before fees, and increasing to more than $300 before fees during certain times. Find the campground at 375 S. Shore Rd., Bastrop.

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