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

"It’s eclipse after eclipse in Texas Hill Country in the coming months. The sprawling central Texas region will see both this fall’s annular solar eclipse and next spring’s total solar eclipse. La Cantera Resort & Spa, located atop San Antonio’s rolling hills, delivers a view of both events, including annularity from 11:51:47 a.m. to 11:55:58 a.m. local time on October 14. The 496-room resort sprawls across 550 forested acres, with 34 regal-meets-farmhouse villas and one adults-only floor. Its aesthetic, with Texas limestone walls and native textiles and art, nods to the region’s history. The spacious guest rooms follow suit, with cherry wood and oversize windows and private patios to take in the view. Come October 14, La Cantera is partnering with the University of Texas at San Antonio’s physics and astronomy department to host an educational eclipse-view experience. It’s offered as part of the “moon’s shadow” three-day package ($3,500 for two guests, three-night minimum) and includes educational programming, a welcome reception, telescope viewing, and, on the 14th, a full eclipse-viewing party on the lawn. Dine before and after the eclipse at one of numerous on-site haunts, from charcuterie at Bocado to upscale Texan fare, such as beef tenderloin or venison, at La Cantera’s Signature restaurant." - Stephanie Vermillion

"Following a multi-million-dollar overhaul in 2015, this ranch-style Hill Country resort—which is part of the Destination Hotels collection and less than 20 minutes from the airport—has emerged as a spot where both families and the adults-only crowd feel at home. For the former, there are plenty of places for fun on the 550-acre property, including five pools (one is just for kids, with two water slides and a toddler splash area), an arcade (for ages 13 and up), tennis courts, and miles of scenic trails. The hotel even has a partnership with high-end baby gear label Babiege, which grants guests discounts on crib, stroller, and accessory rentals they might need to enjoy a day out. Meanwhile, grown-ups will appreciate amenities like two championship golf courses, Texas-inspired treatments at the Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness (set on one of the highest points in San Antonio, with views to match), an adults-only pool, and private poolside cabanas (available for a fee), which come stocked with fridges, HDTVs, local snacks, and a personal attendant. The 496 guestrooms also cater to a variety of needs. The main rooms and suites feature great views, NEST products, rain showerheads and plush furnishings, while the villas set on the golf course offer plenty of space for families, plus a separate reception, complimentary golf carts, oversized tubs, and their own pool bar, cafe, and market. For those seeking some privacy, there’s SEVEN, a 21-and-over floor with a dedicated concierge, lounge, upgraded bath products, private check-in, and more. As you might expect, the selection of eight restaurants and bars is equally varied, ranging from a grab-and-go market, poolside grill, and casual cantina, to the fine-dining Signature, with menus by James Beard Award-winning chef and San Antonio native Andrew Weismann."

"Following a multi-million-dollar overhaul in 2015, this ranch-style Hill Country resort—which is part of the Destination Hotels collection and less than 20 minutes from the airport—has emerged as a spot where both families and the adults-only crowd feel at home. For the former, there are plenty of places for fun on the 550-acre property, including five pools (one is just for kids, with two water slides and a toddler splash area), an arcade (for ages 13 and up), tennis courts, and miles of scenic trails. The hotel even has a partnership with high-end baby gear label Babiege, which grants guests discounts on crib, stroller, and accessory rentals they might need to enjoy a day out. Meanwhile, grown-ups will appreciate amenities like two championship golf courses, Texas-inspired treatments at the Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness (set on one of the highest points in San Antonio, with views to match), an adults-only pool, and private poolside cabanas (available for a fee), which come stocked with fridges, HDTVs, local snacks, and a personal attendant. The 496 guestrooms also cater to a variety of needs. The main rooms and suites feature great views, NEST products, rain showerheads and plush furnishings, while the villas set on the golf course offer plenty of space for families, plus a separate reception, complimentary golf carts, oversized tubs, and their own pool bar, cafe, and market. For those seeking some privacy, there’s SEVEN, a 21-and-over floor with a dedicated concierge, lounge, upgraded bath products, private check-in, and more. As you might expect, the selection of eight restaurants and bars is equally varied, ranging from a grab-and-go market, poolside grill, and casual cantina, to the fine-dining Signature, with menus by James Beard Award-winning chef and San Antonio native Andrew Weismann."