As a native Texan, I can tell you firsthand that the old phrase “everything is bigger in Texas” is true. The skies are vast and blue, the mouthwatering barbecue is limitless and the best resorts in Texas span from the Gulf of Mexico, across the Hill Country and beyond.
Whether you’re a Texan like me looking for a great in-state vacation or you’re from elsewhere heading down to experience Tex-Mex and two-stepping, the resorts in Texas have something for everyone. Options include everything from luxurious, high-end properties to working ranches where you can get your hands dirty with the whole family.
In the Texas Hill Country, you can fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and experience a taste of Texas cool. Or, you can head to San Antonio International Airport (SAT) for the Mexican- and Spanish-infused spirit that permeates the culture before heading off to a spa resort. Both the Houston and Dallas areas have multiple airports, making it pretty easy to get to two world-class cities and the regions beyond.
The majority of the best resorts in Texas are classic (think: wide open spaces, pools and activities). Others emphasize spa services or offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of a major city like San Antonio.
Either way, you can’t go wrong with any of these fabulous Texas resorts.
[circuit type=roundup circuit_id=”8713″]
Austin may be an oasis for music, technology and tacos, but it also offers plenty of places to get outside in nature and relax, including the all-inclusive Lake Austin Spa Resort, found 30 minutes from downtown by car or via water taxi.
Forty rooms with private porches, tall ceilings and soaking tubs await guests looking for a tranquil escape; all of your meals are included in the rate, plus snacks, juices and smoothies.
Outside of the airy rooms, activities abound. Take advantage of the included lake equipment like stand-up paddleboards, kick it in a hammock by the water with a book or splash around the resort’s two pools.
Related: The best hotels in Austin, Texas
But the real star of the show here is the 25,000-square-foot spa that includes treatments (for an additional cost) like signature facials or deep-tissue massages, plus saunas, whirlpools and steam rooms. Sure, it’s on the pricey side, but after a full day of hiking, a few hours in the spa and an order of room service will be worth it.
Rates at Lake Austin Spa Resort start at $1,100 per night, based on double occupancy.
[circuit type=roundup circuit_id=”20420174513″]
There are many reasons to love Lost Pines, a TPG favorite resort and one that offers something for the whole family — seriously. You can spend your days lounging along on the 1,000-foot lazy river, learn the art of archery, go horseback riding or play a round of golf on the resort’s 18-hole course. Parents can rest easy knowing there’s a kids club (open for ages 3 to 12) where you can drop off the little ones and then spend a few leisurely hours at the on-site spa.
It’s just 20 minutes from the Austin airport, and the food is as diverse as the Texas capital. Start the day with a classic buffet breakfast (biscuits are a must), grab a wood-fired pizza and a patio seat for lunch; then, look forward to a range of dinner options, including a Texas-style roadhouse with chicken fried steaks (also a must), an upscale steakhouse and a 10-seat sushi restaurant.
Rooms are airy and modern with a just touch of Texas twang (think: western posters on clean white walls and the occasional sliding barn door). For larger groups, consider booking a family suite or even the 2,600 Littleton House, which has a living room, kitchen and two bedrooms.
Rates at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa start around $349 per night or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
[circuit type=roundup circuit_id=”20420174517″]
San Antonio is one of Texas’ most vibrant cities, and it’s full of good food, great attractions and an impressive resort called La Cantera. The resort puts you close enough to all the action, yet it has so much to offer that you might not want to ever step foot off the property.
At La Cantera, rooms have an elegant but rustic feel with highback leather armchairs, huge leather headboards and a muted sensibility that makes relaxing easy. While the resort is totally family-friendly, it also happens to offer an exclusive adults-only floor and experience called “Seven” that offers a private check-in area and lounge.
While at the resort, activities abound. Kids can enjoy activities at the kids club while the adults hit up the spa. Guests can also lounge by the pool in a cabana, roast s’mores as a family around a fire pit, play a round of golf on the 18-hole course or take the free shuttle to Six Flags Fiesta Texas for some scream-worthy thrill rides.
Just don’t forget to eat: Food options range from casual Tex-Mex to a high-end restaurant for dinner and everything in between.
Rates at La Cantera Resort & Spa start around $280 per night.
[circuit type=roundup circuit_id=”8917″]
For a wellness-centered retreat, there’s nowhere in Texas better than Miraval Austin. It’s an adults-only resort — and TPG favorite — that offers an all-inclusive-like experience with all meals and many activities included in the nightly rate. Even better, the resort is mostly “unplugged,” meaning that you can feel good about disconnecting for a bit while you’re there.
During the day, hit the Life in Balance Spa for healing spa treatments, take wellness classes like Rise and Shine Yoga or Cardio Drumming, then spend the afternoon conquering the challenge course or taking a cooking class. Or, simply relax by the pool and bask in the warm Texas sun. (Just note that spa treatments and some activities are an additional fee.)
At the resort, guests are invited to enjoy three daily health-conscious meals at The Hilltop Crossings Kitchen; they can also learn about their gut health or healthy eating habits through sessions with nutritionists or classes.
Rates at Miraval Austin Resort and Spa start around $1,200 per night or 65,000 points, based on double occupancy.
[circuit type=roundup circuit_id=”9675″]
Luxury knows no bounds with Auberge, and that’s exemplified at the Commodore Perry Estate — a resort spread over 10 acres in Austin that’ll have you wondering if you’re in Texas or actually somewhere in Europe.
At Commodore Perry, rooms are grand and chic and can be found in the resort’s historic mansion or the Inn. In either location, expect beautiful spaces full of art, four-poster beds and a cheeky in-room shopping experience called “The Estate Sell.”
Days at this Auberge can be as relaxed as you want. Soak up the sun by the pool and then learn the ins and outs of tequila during a tasting. Or, opt for an experience that’ll keep your mind and body active (think: yoga, hiking or joining a HIIT class). For something extra special, you can even set up an experience where you shop for custom boots with a glass of Champagne in hand.
Fresh meals full of ingredients from local farmers and Texas ranchers are on offer at Lutie’s Garden Restaurant — a Ken Fulk-designed space that pays tribute to the woman originally behind the former estate.
Rates at Commodore Perry, Auberge Resorts Collection start around $520 per night.
[circuit type=roundup circuit_id=”20420174576″]
A member of Preferred Hotels and its I Prefer program, the Houstonian is a classy and classic city resort. It’s near all the fabulous shopping of Houston’s Galleria area, lush parks full of hiking trails and the arts, culture and diversity of America’s fourth-largest city.
Set on 27 acres and decked out in a swanky Texas style, the property actually used to be home to former president George H.W. Bush. Now, the resort has 284 rooms and suites; a Trellis spa with a new outdoor soaking pool and a garden; tennis courts; and three different climate-controlled pools, including one with a waterslide and one perfect for swimming laps. In fact, the resort actually doubles as a sports club, so don’t be shocked if you see high-performance athletes training.
Houston has no shortage of incredible dining, and the Houstonian is absolutely part of the scene. It offers a handful of restaurants, including an upscale option serving up flavors of Texas, Louisiana and Mexico; a patio bar and grill; a poolside dining area; and a coffee and juice shop.
Rates at the Houstonian start around $469 per night. Or, members of I Prefer can book with points or cash and receive elitelike perks, including potential room upgrades, early check-in or late checkout and more.
[circuit type=roundup circuit_id=”20420174580″]
Slightly west of Austin in the rolling hills, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa is an oasis of relaxation and fun that serves up a side of gorgeous Texas sunsets. Here, you’ll wake up in a room with huge windows that provide natural light and views of the surrounding hills; then, you can set off for all the adventures the resort has in store.
For starters, head to the Mokara Spa for a rejuvenating treatment then relax on your favorite level of a tiered pool deck. (It offers three different pools, including an adults-only option for people without kids.) The rest of the day is whatever you decide to make of it: Play a round at one of four golf courses, join in on one of 30 weekly fitness classes or take a private tennis lesson. You can also see what the seasonal activities schedule offers; it normally includes things like bounce houses for kids, arts and crafts and miniature golf.
Eight restaurants, bars and dining experiences — including a true Texas-style steakhouse, a Latin restaurant, an in-room dining option and poolside bites — round out the resort.
Rates at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa start around $343 per night.
[circuit type=roundup circuit_id=”20420174581″]
North of sprawling Houston, Hilton Honors fanatics can book a vacation with points at The Woodlands Resort, a Curio Collection property that makes for a great trip, whether you want to stay for a weekend or an entire week.
There, 402 rooms and suites offer comfort for all. Some rooms open right up to a patio or balcony, and club-level rooms offer access to the Canopy Lounge. For even more fun, book a room that opens up directly to the pool.
Other on-site activities include golfing on 36 holes; a water park with a 30-foot waterslide and lazy river stretching over 1,000 feet; biking and jogging pathways; and even access to water sports equipment like pedal boats, kayaks and standup paddleboards. Feeling sore after all that activity? Book an in-room massage.
Food options include the Back Table Kitchen & Bar overlooking the golf course, a poolside grill, breakfast and lunch at Harrison’s, and a lobby bar serving Texas classics until midnight.
Rates at The Woodlands Resort start around $230 per night or 60,000 Hilton Honors points.
[circuit type=roundup circuit_id=”20420174582″]
Down in Galveston on the Gulf of Mexico, there’s no hotel more iconic than the pink-hued Grand Galvez, aptly called “the Queen of the Gulf.” Dating back to 1911, this resort has seen it all: It has hosted presidents, served as a wartime command center for the U.S. Coast Guard and managed a handful of brands before landing as a Marriott Autograph Collection property in 2023.
Now, it has been restored to its century-old splendor, featuring stunning and stately public spaces. Founders Bar has massive red chandeliers and a specialty cocktail called the Ghost Bride, named after a ghost that allegedly still calls the resort home. (If you’re curious about the otherworldly, sign up for a ghost tour around the property.)
Guests can enjoy a luxurious spa, a popular Sunday brunch, an Instagram-worthy pink cabana at the pool and even soon-to-open private beach access. There’s also an on-site boutique with stylish resort wear, an espresso bar and a restaurant serving seafood and steak.
Rates at The Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection start around $184 per night or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
[circuit type=roundup circuit_id=”20420174583″]
Marfa, Texas, is a haven for art lovers and a great entry point into rugged West Texas. About 30 miles away, Cibolo Creek Ranch offers a homey way to experience life in the west — Texas style — on a 30,000-acre ranch that dates back to the late 1800s.
At Cibolo Creek, guests get an immersive experience that starts in accommodations. Options range from poolside rooms to haciendas and forts full of rustic furniture, many rooms with fireplaces and included breakfast. Plus, guests to the ranch can enjoy an outdoor pool, pickleball courts, dining on Mexican food inside an adobe fort and more.
While at the ranch, newbie cowboys and cowgirls can enjoy activities like horseback riding, ATV tours, birding, mountain-view yoga, spa treatments, shooting sport clays or learning about the area’s history.
Rates at Cibolo Creek Ranch start around $408 per night.
[circuit type=roundup circuit_id=”20420174598″]
In San Antonio, you definitely won’t forget to “remember the Alamo,” and you’re sure to enjoy a rush of excitement at Six Flags Fiesta Texas or SeaWorld. After days packed with activity, if you’re looking for a relaxing resort that packs a powerful punch, don’t pass up a stay at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country. It has more than enough to keep your crew entertained.
At the 600-acre resort, you don’t even have to leave for a full-on water park experience thanks to the resort’s on-property water park, River Bluff Water Experience. It features 9 acres of fun, multiple pools (including one strictly for adults), a 1,100-foot lazy river, waterslides and cabanas you can rent.
For a more relaxing day, a spa offers a wide menu of treatments, or guests can enjoy an 18-hole championship golf course. Afterward, retreat to the upscale steakhouse 18 Oaks for a true Texas-style dinner or indulge in Mexican food at Cibolo Moon. When it’s time for bed, rest easy in one of more than 1,000 rooms and suites designed to fit any traveler’s need.
Rates at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country start around $280 per night or 41,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
[circuit type=roundup circuit_id=”20420174599″]
As it turns out, big resorts in Texas love to have an on-property water park, and the Hyatt Regency Hill Country is no different. It features a 5-acre park with a 950-foot lazy river, an activity pool, a zero-entry beach, a baby pool and a waterslide.
Come for the water park but stay for everything else, including some great dining ranging from casual bar snacks to upscale lodge food. Other amenities include a 27-hole championship golf course, a spa and a calendar full of activities to keep the young and young-at-heart busy.
As for the rooms, expect fresh and modern design with a little Texas flair tossed in (think: dark wood and rich leather combined with framed art depicting cowboys and ranch life); there are also large suites so that families in need of more space can spread out.
Rates at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa start around $230 per night or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
[circuit type=roundup circuit_id=”20420174600″]
While some resorts in Texas are sprawling, Loews’ latest major project in the Lone Star State is a massive convention hotel that might as well be a resort. It is smack in the middle of Six Flags Over Texas, Hurricane Harbor, Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium, making it the perfect place to stay for concerts and sporting events.
At the 800-plus room property, guests can take in stadium views from floor-to-ceiling windows or spread out in a large suite loaded with amenities like bathrobes, smart TVs, coffee makers and more.
While there’s plenty to experience outside Lowes Arlington, be sure to block off plenty of time to take advantage of the hotel’s pool complex, which features two decks. One deck is heated and open year-round, and one is seasonal; plus, there are cabana rentals and a bar to grab a drink.
No good resort is complete without a spa: The Spa at Loews Arlington has six treatment rooms and a 24-hour fitness center.
Food comes in many shapes and sizes here, from pan-Asian cuisine at the chic Soy Cowboy restaurant to Farena, an Italian restaurant with service three times daily. If you’re still hungry, grab poolside cocktails and Mexican snacks at Tomar El Sol or order room service for a meal in bed.
Rates at the Lowes Arlington Hotel start around $229 per night.
