La Cantera Resort & Spa

"Why book? A luxe Hill Country hideaway with memorable cuisine. Set the scene A mother-daughter duo, tan twentysomethings in stylish cover-ups, soon-to-be-parents on a babymoon, empty nesters—it’s hard to pinpoint this resort’s exact type, but needless to say, it does a good job of catering to everyone. The backstory Houston-based Benchmark Resorts & Hotels manages the property, built atop one of the highest points in San Antonio. The rooms The standard deluxe rooms are comfortable, but for the 21 and up crowd seeking solace, opt for SEVEN, an adult-only floor with king beds, Nespresso machines, and rainfall showers. Larger groups will feel at home in The Villas, a newer addition with adjoining rooms and upgraded amenities like Bulgari bath products and a private golf cart. Food and drink They had me at Bocado, a charcuterie concept serving up Texas cheeses, but there’s also a juicery and homemade ice cream at Henrietta’s Market. Book early to feast on oysters, caviar, and wild game at Signature, the brainchild of James Beard Award–nominee Andrew Weissman. In town the third Thursday of the month? Don’t miss the Women & Whiskey series. The spa The expansive Loma de Vida Spa boasts outdoor treatment suites, an infinity pool, and a top-dollar, oxygen-infused facial designed by Linda Meredith, a skincare specialist beloved by both Hollywood A-listers and influencers. The neighborhood/area A free shuttle whisks guests away to neighboring Six Flags Fiesta Texas and an outdoor mall with Lone Star State brands like Neiman Marcus, Kendra Scott, and Tecovas. The service Service is good across the board, but exceptional at the spa and Signature restaurant. Also, expect to receive a text halfway through your stay, asking you to rate your experience. For families From bingo and splash dodgeball to movie nights and art classes, there’s plenty to keep families entertained. The hands-on Kids Club Naturalist Program, developed in partnership with the San Antonio Zoo and San Antonio Botanical Gardens, teaches kids about local flora and fauna. Accessibility ADA standards are met and exceeded with lift chairs at every pool and audio-visual door alerts for the hearing impaired. Anything left to mention? For those mixing business and pleasure, there are 28 indoor/outdoor meeting spaces that come with tech support and a personal meeting concierge. After hours, enjoy structured team-building activities or a round on the world-class golf course." - Tommie Ethington