"Why book? If you’re searching for that sweet spot where a luxury wine-country escape in the Texas hills fuses to a playful retreat. Offering activities reminiscent of summer sleepaway camp, this resort blends glam and grit by running the gamut when it comes to things to do: prepare to switch gears from a mixology class or olive oil tasting to archery or fishing. Or, opt for ultimate summer leisure by simply swimming up to the pool bar for a drink or snack while you soak. Camp Lucy’s 282-acre property has allure for visitors of all types, and will dazzle you with its internationally-sourced decor inside transported historic structures. Dine in an 18th century town-hall from Ninh Binh, Vietnam, at the hotel’s upscale American Nouveau concept restaurant Tillie’s. Before you head to your room, grab a bag of animal feed from the front desk and treat the three friendly alpacas who live next to the building to a snack. An echo of quirky energy reverberates at this resort just over an hour away from the eclectic capital city of Austin in “The Gateway to Hill Country” known as Dripping Springs. Set the scene This romantic experiential stay in Texas wine country shakes up your perception of time and place. A private collection of architectural antiques has been woven into the character of Camp Lucy, from the rooms, to Tillie’s restaurant, to the stunning on-site wedding venues. The main flavor across the grounds is Southeast Asia, down to the Vietnamese coffee options in every room. The ideas of family and forever-love kisses the enchanting property, which is embodied in the heart-shaped emblem inspired by the designs on the hand-crafted clay building tiles imported from Vietnam. I found the logo quite fitting for the frequent weddings hosted at one of the property's three venues: amongst quiet live oaks, at the iconic Ian’s Chapel, and in the onsite vineyard. During my stay, my path crossed with wedding-goers, Texans looking for a posh weekend away, and wine lovers from near and far. The complimentary glass of sangria upon check in made with rosé from the vineyard made a refreshing first impression. The backstory This all started with a man who loved antiques, and a decision to import a church from Vietnam without a clear idea of what to do with it—plus a love story. Camp Lucy was born when former antiques dealer and real estate developer Whit Hanks restored the ornate chapel on his family’s property in 2008. His wife-to-be, Kim, an event-planner at the time, had posed the idea of turning the chapel into a wedding venue. The vision grew into multiple wedding and event spaces, ultimately setting the stage for the creation of the resort Camp Lucy and the beginnings of Whim Hospitality. The power couple is known for taking on passion projects that involve restoring and reinventing historic properties, like the Old Bell Hotel: a 13th-century manor in England rumored to be the country’s oldest hotel (which the duo purchased in 2021). What strikes me about the owners is the impressive way in which they infuse their hearts and souls into their properties, letting projects unfold thoughtfully, organically, and always with space to embrace the natural flow of their creativity. The rooms The 41 charming booking options range from rooms, to suites, to cottages. Deluxe tree-top suites with patios overlook abundant wildflowers, while family-style log cabins beckon for groups. Meaningful historic items and Asian flair adorn each room. The high ceilings dangle patterned pendant lamps along with action-packed wallpaper complete with flora and fauna (boats, bears, and bulls were pictured, to name a few). The room struck a balance between wild and bold, while also being cozy and inviting. Each booking option has its own unique perks–the Estate Rooms have stunning stone soaking tubs, The Cottages have full-size kitchens, fireplaces, and multiple bedrooms, The English Suite boasts a personal outdoor shower, and The Terrace Suite offers a pair of private patios fitted with outdoor seating and a pillow-top hammock. Rates start at $374 per night. As I crawled into my plush king-sized bed for the night, I tuned into the forest’s symphony: a rhythmic chorus of chirping crickets, wind rustling the leaves, and the occasional croak of a frog. Nature’s orchestra lulled me into a tranquil slumber. I relished in the lavish specialty experience that marries luxury hospitality with the rawness of nature (you may spot critters like armadillos, deer, and javelinas on the grounds). Food and drink A sense of upscale comfort and warm cultural convergence spills from turquoise antique doors from India that mark the entrance to Tillie’s, the inventive on-site restaurant helmed by Chef Andy Knudson. His journey to Tillie’s began studying under Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud at Restaurant Daniel and later coast-to-coast experience in world-renowned kitchens including Aspen’s only five-star hotel, The Little Nell, and Michelen-starred Restaurant Guy Savoy in Paris. The soaring-ceilinged, antique town hall from Vietnam that houses Tillie’s is adorned with a bronze-gilded chandelier from France, and the walls are covered in beautiful antique patron saint figurines. Once you’ve taken in the elaborate and miscellaneous scene, get comfortable in the leather chairs or booths and start off with a glass of wine from Camp Lucy’s vineyard. For an afternoon activity, try the olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting (the truffle-infused olive oil was my favorite, along with the raspberry balsamic)—but make sure to give yourself buffer time before dinner so you’re ready to take on the menu in all its glory. Start with the spicy brussel sprouts, which are tantalizingly citrusy, along with the summer-y bluefin tuna aguachile. Stand-out main courses include the New York strip steak served with a textural Spanish potato tortilla, and the sea trout bathed in a light cream sauce. My favorite drink was the smooth, sweet-and-sour Lady Hancock, but the robust wine menu made it tough to choose a cocktail. If you don’t feel like making a decision and are in the mood for a surprise, the creative bartenders also spin up personalized drinks to your taste. The old bell sticky toffee pudding closes out on a rich, carmel-y high note. For brunch, try the crispy chili shrimp and grits, a gigantic fluffy cinnamon roll slathered in vanilla glaze, the mushroom toast spread with lemon ricotta whip, and the sensory-overload smoked brisket bubble and squeak. It’s safe to say that Tillie’s didn't disappoint. The spa While there is no spa currently on-site, I was happy to hear that Camp Lucy has plans to unveil a Folklore Spa in summer 2024. The full service spa will feature a hot tub with Hill Country views, a co-ed sauna, and a pool, along with its own bar and full restaurant. Services will include a menu of massage options, sound baths, meditations, and facials. The neighborhood/area Camp Lucy’s lush surroundings feel like a true city escape. The town of Dripping Springs is recognized as an International Dark Sky Community, meaning visitors can enjoy notably dazzling stars here. While secluded in the hills off of a winding dirt road, the resort is just minutes away from the Dripping Springs local scene of breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Beautiful natural destinations are also close by: the emerald-green grotto Hamilton Pool, along with Milton Reimers Ranch Park with its limestone cliffs, and scenic Pedernales River overlooks. However, with countless options when it comes to on-site enjoyments, Camp Lucy makes it hard to even consider leaving their wonderland. Yoga and meditation, hatchet throwing, history tours, vineyard and wine tastings... the list goes on. Plus, part of the destination resort’s allure is to escape the everyday; I never left the premises during my stay. The service Expect friendly, warm service from the spunky staff, plus a sense of freedom to do your thing. The entire experience interacting with the employees is brushed with quintessential Southern hospitality. Everyone is happy to help schedule programming for you in advance of your arrival (which is recommended to schedule ahead of time), or they can help you at your leisure post-arrival. The vibe is more relaxed while still being acutely supportive and informed. For families Families who like to have fun while savoring the finer things can have a field day here (literally—you can take a guided or unguided hike on the many miles of trails.) Bountiful activities balance out the plethora of places around the property meant to inspire and relax, so folks young and old will find their fit. Grab feed for the resident alpacas from the front desk at any time or pick up a fishing pole and walk down to Onion Creek whenever you feel inclined. It will feel like camp for the youngins, like a retreat for the adults, and vice-versa. The whole group can gather around the communal fire pit with s’mores kits to end the night. Accessibility Camp Lucy accommodates ADA standards with a selection of accessible rooms and bathrooms, along with wheelchair friendly pathways that lead to the hotel’s elevator. The wedding venues and event spaces on-site are also all accessible. Anything left to mention? This place really does it all, and they do it well; wellness retreats, vacations, weddings. (If you book your wedding at any of Camp Lucy’s venues, you will receive a complimentary engagement shoot.) In the fall, hundreds of monarch butterflies flock to the Sacred Oaks garden, a peaceful outdoor wedding venue. The Events Hall at Ian’s chapel once was part of the underground railroad system and belonged to an Amish community in Ohio; the history runs deliciously deep and diverse here. The whole resort has a magical feel to it–something like an imaginative, culturally-rich dreamland for thoughtful travelers who appreciate the elegance and joy of life. When it comes to keeping both your inner child and adult self fulfilled, Camp Lucy hits the bulls-eye." - Alexandra Toto
