Westin La Cantera/San Antonio

Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, the Westin La Cantera Resort offers the best of both worlds. On one hand, its location high atop one of those knolls conveys a get-away-from-it-all feeling that tells you you’re in for some first-rate R‘n’R. On the other, the sprawling resort is a mere 15 minutes away from the heart of San Antonio.

The grand lobby is a good indicator of all this resort has to offer, starting with its upscale styling. Throughout, this Texas Colonial landmark reflects the traditions of the state—some taken directly from the legendary King Ranch in South Texas—and mixes them with European influences, from the castle-like towers that grace the resort to the Spanish Mission-inspired iron metalwork and heavy wooden doors. And just as beautifully appointed are the 508 guest rooms, including 38 villas in the exclusive Casita Village, each with a view that seems to go on for days.

The beauty of this location, though, goes far beyond pure aesthetics; just as appealing is its list of impressive amenities, including two 18-hole championship golf courses. The 7,001-yard, par-72 Resort Course features breathtaking views of the San Antonio skyline and has been home to the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open since 1995. No less spectacular, though, is the 6,926-yard, par-71 Palmer Course, designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer himself. And for those who don’t golf? This is the perfect place to take a lesson; the Academy at La Cantera offers programs geared to any skill level. 

Outdoor recreational options also include tennis courts as well as jogging and walking trails. But the Lost Quarry Pools, designed to look like the water holes left in quarries after a rainstorm, are undoubtedly one of the most remarkable attractions. The water recreation area comprises five outdoor pools—a shallow children’s pool, an activity pool complete with water slide, a secluded adult pool, a sports pool and a lap pool—plus two hot tubs for therapeutic relaxation.

Just steps away from the Lost Quarry Pools, the Castle Rock Health Club is a 7,600-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness facility. But, if you prefer pampering to pure exercise, the adjacent spa offers everything from refreshing facials to relaxing massages. Here, you can be wrapped, waxed and polished to your heart’s content; the menu of services is both vast and varied. Elemental nature massage, anyone?

Even the dining options at this resort offer anything but standard fare. Brannon’s Café offers a regionally-inspired menu that includes “super foods” for health-conscious guests.  The La Cantera Grille is tucked away in the La Cantera Golf Club, serving up a mouthwatering steakhouse menu. But Francesca’s at Sunset is the undeniable star. Inspired by Coyote Café’s own Mark Miller, who serves as a consulting chef, this fine-dining restaurant features gourmet Southwestern cuisine, which diners enjoy while taking in the breathtaking view of the Texas hill country beyond. 

At the Westin La Cantera, it’s easy to find something to do—or not, as you choose—all hours of the day, but there’s any number of nearby attractions, too. The Shops at La Cantera, for instance, are conveniently located at the resort’s entrance. Any shopaholic is sure to be drawn by the 1.3 million square feet of retail, ranging from department stores such as Nordstrom and Nieman Marcus to specialty shops galore.

But go just a few more miles down the road and you’ll find yourself in the heart of San Antonio. If you’re a first-time visitor (and even if you’re not), climb aboard one of the gondolas that cruise the city’s famed River Walk. This two-mile length of the San Antonio River (to be expanded to 13 miles by the year 2012) connects a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, museums and historic landmarks. Not only are the cruises a great way to orient yourself to the downtown area; many restaurants, such as Boudro’s, will serve up their signature fare while you’re drifting along.

Also downtown, the one not-to-miss sight is the Alamo. Established in 1718 as the city’s first mission, it’s where 189 defenders fell to the army of Mexican General Santa Ana on March 6, 1836. Yes, the structure itself will be smaller than you might expect but its history, to this day, looms larger than life. But to better understand San Antonio’s past, visit some of the city’s other missions, too. Mission San José is known as the “Queen of the Missions,” with its grand design of stone walls, bastions and a magnificent church. Mission Concepción looks much like it did 300 years ago while Mission San Juan has a chapel and bell tower that are still in use today. And Mission Espada features the best-preserved segment of the acequia (irrigation system) that was developed.

When you’re ready to take a break from sightseeing, one of the best places to head is Mi Tierra Café y Panaderia for some authentic Tex-Mex. The 24-hour restaurant and bakery is located in the renowned Market Square—the largest Mexican market north of the Rio Grande—and, with strolling musicians and Christmas lights year-round, bills itself as “a little loco and a lot of fun.”

Just down the street is the recently opened Museo Alameda, the nation’s largest Latino Museum and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. It’s just the latest addition to the city’s wealth of fine museums, among them the McNay Art Museum and the San Antonio Museum of Art.

The museums. The missions. The food. The shopping. All that and the Westin La Cantera, too. It’s no wonder you’re already planning your next trip before you are home from this one.