(News OK) – One thing I know for sure about summer road tripping through Texas is that the more you travel through this enormous state, the bigger the surprises are along the way.
That was indeed the case when we finally escaped the Austin traffic and headed about 30 miles southeast of the city along Highway 71.
Tucked away off the road is a stately, yet unassuming sign that will direct you toward a little slice of heaven right in the midst of the Texas Lost Pine region. You’d never guess that just beyond the tree line is the perfect place to relax, explore, discover and learn.
Voila! We found it and it’s called the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa.
Nestled on 405 acres along the Colorado River, this Four Diamond expansive resort is adjacent to the 1,100-acre nature park McKinney Roughs.
I was particularly intrigued to visit the property again because the resort recently made Travel + Leisure 2014 World’s Best Awards “Top Family Hotels” list. This landed the resort within the Top 10 family hotels overall and ranking as the top of the list for a Texas destination.
I wanted to check out how the resort had changed since its opening back in 2006 and explore the property again to discover some our new favorite things.
As a nature buff, I was captivated by all of the native plants and flowers on the property. The resort has done an excellent job of integrating local and regional history, flora and fauna education and recreation.
As you meander along the three-mile entry road into the property, you can almost feel your blood pressure drop. It’s as if you enter a decompression chamber allowing you to reset your internal barometer and press pause on reality, if only for a few days.
Among the many outdoor recreational activities are golf, horseback riding, tennis, archery and river sports. There is also a water park with a 1,000-foot river, two whirlpools and a sandy beach. A secluded spa offers water views. And you’ll find nine restaurants and bars, some featuring live local entertainment.
With 491 spacious guest rooms, many with a private balcony or patio, staying at the Hyatt Lost Pines reminded me a lot of being on a luxury liner but better. Guests enjoy incredible food, an attentive staff and an array of attractions, all on land without even getting seasick.
Since there’s so much to choose from, we’ve put together a few tips to help navigate your stay.
Our Top 10 Favorite Picks at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines
Best Beach Moment:
Hands down, our best beach moment was cruising along the Crooked River. Our Mimi joined us for this road trip and she didn’t hesitate a moment to grab an inner tube and jump right in. We just loved kicking back and letting the gentle current take us along for the ride. Best of all, it’s a great multi-generational family activity that everyone can enjoy.
Best Resort Signature Activity:
Meet the Longhorns was at the top of the list for the girls. They loved climbing upon the steers and having their picture taken. It doesn’t get any more “Texan” than this, except maybe for drawn hay rides which comes in as a close second.
Best Outdoor Adventure:
This was a tough one because the resort offers so many opportunities for guests to enjoy the Great Outdoors. It’s a real toss-up between kayaking the Colorado, fly fishing, climbing the rock wall and whizzing down the zip line.
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