This past weekend, we made the quick drive down to San Antonio from Austin to stay at the La Cantera Resort & Spa. It was a blaring reminder of why I love Texas winters and why a couples weekend trip to San Antonio during the sometimes chaotic holiday season, is a Christmas gift you should give yourselves. The time away from the normal hustle along with the special touches of holiday decorations and events throughout the hotel really helped us enjoy the holiday spirit and our time together.
With all the pools available to enjoy the resort is a happening place in the summertime, but we are convinced that the most wonderful time to visit La Cantera is during the winter time. They did an amazing job making different areas feel like a Christmas retreat instead of throwing a few decorations up to simply acknowledge the season.
During our stay there were several activities and experiences we enjoyed like roasting smores and relaxing, but here were our top highlights.
1. Loma da Vida Spa
I am no stranger to getting a massage or a pedicure, but I never understood how anyone could spend the whole day at the spa until I myself had been at the spa for 8 hours. We were pampered with couples massages in the morning and enjoyed the rest of the day lounging around the spa, only to take a break for lunch. Even if you only have time for a day trip from Austin, the spa is worth it. (Check out our full spa experience here.)
2. Signature Restaurant
For lunch, we headed to Chef Andrew Weissman’s restaurant, Signature. The execution, level of service and talent was on par with Michelin rated restaurants I have visited around the world. Honestly, this is the best restaurant I have ever been to at a resort and the restaurant stands on its own as a destination for foodies.(Check out our full experience here.)
3. Having the huge 21+ Pool All to Ourselves
We arrived on a night around 50 degrees and stayed on a day that reached 75. With the heated pools, going for a swim was delightful. We were the only ones swimming on the second day! My assumption was other guest did not bring their swimwear and did not expect to swim. Numerous people would come by and ask how the water was and take pictures as we enjoyed the largest pool I have ever been able to enjoy all by ourselves. So bring your swimsuits!
4. Finally Feeling like it was Christmas Time
When we first walked in, it began to feel a lot like Christmas. The lobby was full of Christmas decorations including several trees and easy listening and jazz Christmas classics. There were more people gathered together in this lobby than any other resort or hotel I have ever been in, a testament to how inviting it was. With the cozy furnishings and decorations, fireplaces, seasonal menus, and delightful Christmas music made it easy to reminisce on Christmas pass and enjoy the present. If you want to enjoy a Christmas experience away from home, there are even more activities and events leading up to Christmas day.
About The Resort
La Cantera Resort & Spa is situated on the highest point in San Antonio, just down the road for Six Flags Fiesta Texas and the La Cantera shopping center. It has been under renovations and improvements continue, but you can barely notice the work still underway.
As you arrive at the resort you are greeted by several fire pits in front of the hotel marking the way. As you enter you will find the first notable renovation, the covered carports with Texas-sized chandeliers. As we stepped inside, we felt a warmth and welcoming atmosphere not often felt in a hotel or resort. The resort is heavily influenced by the King’s Ranch with the lobby inspired by the King’s Ranch’s big house. You are surrounded by reminders of the Texas hill county’s history including Texas-sized leather furniture, two-sided fireplace, large vaulted ceilings and paintings and photography of longhorns and horses adorning the walls.
After checking in to our room and enjoying our view of the resort we decided to walk around and see what else the resort had to offer.
The outdoors area made it clear there was plenty to do during a trip to the resort. There are 4 different pools including one for children and their family and a separate 21+ pool and area. There are several cabanas that can be rented including 10 in the adult only area with flat screens, wifi, a fridge and curtains for privacy. Throughout the pool area, we noticed the local pink granite that adorns our state capitol used in the water features and as rock statements in different gardens.
Some upcoming enhancements we look forward to enjoying in future visits are the adult only 7th floor. They are also extending the fitness center and finishing separate bungalow style casitas as another lodging option with private pools and other amenities. We are not golfers, but I could not share the Cantera Resort & Spa with you without mentioning the 36 holes of championship golf offered.
He is an expert travel advisor and enthusiast. He has traveled extensively in the USA, Central America, South America, and Europe. He has visited every Sandals Resort and is one of a select few Diamond Elite members of the Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club.
Dan graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. Later he graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on people and culture.