Great Escape: La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas

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Flip through my gallery to view photos from my stay at La Cantera Resort& Spa

My in-laws live in San Antonio, Texas and for 20+ years we have stayed at their home when we visited. But the house has begun to feel smaller and more cramped as my son has gotten older (and much taller) and my father-in-law is recovering from a recent surgery, so this Thanksgiving I proposed a radical idea to my husband - a hotel stay. He reluctantly agreed and I knew this was my one shot. If I didn't find the right hotel for our family, he'd never agree to it again. So, after much research, I booked a stay at La Cantera Resort & Spa.

SPOILER ALERT: It was a holiday home run. Read on...

Situated on more than 550-acres, La Cantera Resort & Spa sits atop one of the highest points in San Antonio, overlooking the scenic Texas Hill Country with stunning views of the city. The architecture of the property was inspired by King Ranch, one of the largest and most famous ranches in the world. As you wind up the long road towards the resort, the first thing you are struck by is the beautiful Austin-stone hotel flanked by a wall of large flaming fire structures. This AAA Four Diamond Award resort provides a vacation experience unlike any other boasting exceptional golf on two 18-hole award-winning courses, nine unique dining venues, five sparkling pools, luxurious cabañas, a state of the art fitness center, a destination spa, and running trials. Additionally, the resort is centrally located – only 20 minutes from the San Antonio International Airport and offers a complimentary shuttle the city's finest shopping and theme parks.

Relaxing at Loma de Vida spa

Any hotel worth its salt has a spa and Loma de Vida was on par with the best of all of the many spas I have been to over the years. After a full day of family togetherness, a spa visit was the perfect escape for some me-time to pamper myself. The holidays are about family, but it's also a chance to disconnect from the world for a few days and there's no better way to rejuvenate your mind and body than a few hours at a great spa.

Loma de Vida offers massages, body treatments, facials, and a hair & nail salon. For those who are into activity, the spa also features movement classes, including spinning, yoga, TRX suspension training, and fusion of movement. Personally, I would steer you towards their salt infused water pools, private garden terraces, and big sky views. Loma de Vida is a spa retreat that fuses active and mindful movement to help you relax and rejuvenate. In other words, it's just a big 'ole slice of heaven.

The resort offers many options to entertain kids of all ages. Our family had a ball in the arcade room located in the basement of the resort. We spent several hours throughout our stay playing pool, air hockey (at which I sucked), Galaga, Ms Pac Man and foosball. For smaller kiddos (ages 4-12), La Cantera offers a Kids Camp and a Naturalist Program where staff will take your kiddos out to discover the nature around La Cantera Resort & Spa. $10 of proceeds from each child benefit the San Antonio Zoo and Botanical Garden. NOTE: Parents, this is your opportunity to head to the spa, lounge at the pool or enjoy cocktails at one of the many seating areas complete with fire pits around the exterior of the property while your kids are being entertained!

Enjoying a fireside chat at La Cantera 

We didn't have enough time to take advantage of their Mobile Escape Room - but this is totally on my to-do list for our next stay. The website describes it as "an interactive and immersive experience where players get to solve puzzles and clues through teamwork and communication. Find yourself transported back in time to the Alamo, the date: March 15th, 1836, just hours before the Alamo is attacked! It’s up to your team to find the famous final letter written by Texan Commander William B. Travis in time to change history & save the Alamo!" How fun is that!? The game is limited to groups of up to 8 players and tickets can be purchased here.

Anyone who follows my adventures knows that I am a gal who likes to eat. My favorite restaurant was Signature inspired by Chef Andrew Weissman. According to the website, "The menu features Andrew’s contemporary interpretations of classic dishes — fresher, brighter versions of traditional cuisine enlivened with unconventional Texas spirit. Gulf seafood conspires with Atlantic Coast oysters flown in fresh, house-aged sirloin easily holds its own with Pacific Northwest lamb, and the Hill Country is well-represented with venison, dove and quail. Local and organic ingredients change the menu as the seasons peak and wane, but the constants are quality, flavor, artistry in the kitchen and a warm welcome when you walk in the door." In other words - YUM. But don't take my word for it. It's been rated as Texas' Number One Restaurant by Southern Living Magazine. And they know good food!

Our San Antonio family joined us at the resort for Thanksgiving dinner and we happily grazed our way through a multitude of food stations in the Sweetfire Kitchen restaurant. They had a raw seafood bar, salad bar, meat and cheese station, soups, the meat station consisted of turkey, ham and prime rib and there was an entire wall of mini desserts. Oy vey! I ate. So. Much! They will be recreating this again at Christmas so if you are going to be in the area I highly recommend that you click HERE to take a gander at their Grinch Brunch menu and make your reservations in haste!

In summary, this place rocks. I almost cried when we had to leave. And my husband? He asked me to sign up for their e-blasts so we can stay connected for promotional news and plan a return trip soon. BOOM. 👊🏻💥To learn more about La Cantera Resort & Spa, visit www.destinationhotels.com/la-cantera-resort-and-spa


This post was brought to you by the La Cantera Resort & Spa. While I did receive compensation in the way of a complimentary stay and services for authoring this post; product selections, descriptions, and opinions are 100% my own. Interested in a sponsored post or product review? Contact me for rates and details.