City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More
Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa

Featured Article

Happiness Redefined

These close-to-home getaways provide the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and delicious dining, making them the best spots for a memorable family vacation..

Stay 

The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa truly thought of everything to make a family vacation memorable. Nestled on 405 acres along the banks of the Lower Colorado River, the resort is about two hours from Houston, making it easy to escape the city and relax in nature.

Immersive outdoor adventures, high-end amenities, and plenty of dining opportunities make a stay at the resort worry-free and as relaxing or action-packed as you'd like. 

Play

One of the highlights of a stay at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is the animal encounters. The resort's mascots regularly appear across the property, allowing for an up-close experience. Guests can also visit the Lost Pines Corral for a visit with longhorns, alpacas, miniature horses, donkeys, pigs, and more.

For those looking for an even more personalized experience, Lost Pines offers a Breakfast with the Alpacas package. Breakfast begins with room service on the patio, followed by the opportunity to feed, pet, and photograph two cute alpacas brought to your room. Handlers are present to answer questions and provide interesting facts about the adorable Peruvian animals.

In addition to the mascots, the lazy river and waterslide are some of Lost Pines' biggest attractions, especially in the summer. Families can rent a cabana or pull up a lounge chair for a day of fun. The 1,000-foot lazy river is just part of the action: the water fun includes a splash pad, kiddie pool, two-story water slide, adults-only pool, and a main activity pool. It is easy to spend all day hopping in and out of the water or enjoying the shade of the large oak trees. 

Lost Pines has an activities calendar jam-packed with events from morning to night. Everything from crafts to yoga, stargazing, and night hikes are available daily. Sports enthusiasts also have many options. There is something for everyone, from backyard games to basketball, tennis, or pickleball. Guests can cruise around the property on one of the resort's complimentary bikes or spend time in the indoor arcade. 

To make even more out of your stay, Lost Pines has partnerships with several local businesses, including Zip Lost Pines, Renegade Trailhead, and Bastrop River Co., that provide unique experiences, including zip lining, horseback riding, ax throwing, kayaking, and more. 

Those looking for relaxation can book a visit to Lost Pines Spa for a calming space to unwind. Offering a full-service menu, guests can indulge in massages, facials, and even event makeup and hair. 

Eat

Families will love the resort's abundance of dining opportunities. From casual poolside grub at Old Buck's Place to elevated sushi at Sushi by Scratch Restaurants and enormous buffet breakfasts at Heartwood House, even the most discerning eaters will find something to love. Guests can also grab an outdoor seat at Maude's Bar & Terrace for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine or indulge in ice cream and snacks from McDade's Coffee Emporium and Ice Cream Saloon.

Texas' Newest Camping Destination

Camp Landa 

Camp Landa, developed by Stuart and Tasha Blythin, is Central Texas' newest camping destination. The Blythins are Schlitterbahn's founding family and have decades of experience with Texas-sized hospitality. Tucked away on the banks of the Comal River, Camp Landa is a great place to indulge in luxurious camping with a Texas twist. 

Stay

Camp Landa offers a high-end and personalized camping experience in historic downtown New Braunfels, near the Comal River. This boutique RV resort provides 110 RV sites and five cozy cabins for guests without RVs. Each site includes picnic tables, grills, fast and easy hook-ups, and outdoor dining areas. The cabins sleep eight and feature fully stocked kitchens and personal grills. 

Play

The 30-acre property offers a nostalgic 1960s vibe with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a heated pool, pickleball courts, basketball, and cornhole boards. Organized activities for kids, a jump pad, a crafting station, and a playground ensure entertainment for all ages. A dedicated shuttle service to nearby Landa Falls provides access to river floating, while a text concierge offers insider tips for exploring New Braunfels. Camp Landa also features rotating programming schedules for various activities.

Eat

Food and beverage options include a swim-up bar serving cocktails like the Camp Landa Agua Fresca and Blackberry Jalapeño Margarita. The café menu features items such as Reuben Egg Rolls, and The Hurta Loaded Bavarian Pretzel topped with sauerkraut and Rust Meat Market bratwurst. Guests can order grilling ingredients through Camp Landa's text app for those who prefer to barbecue at their leisure. A camp store also provides grab-and-go options for guests.

Soak up the sun at 

Hotel Lucine 

Hotel Lucine offers the perfect close-to-home getaway in Galveston. The team behind Lucine wanted to create a space that reflects Galveston's unique charm and history, providing a community-centric environment for its guests. Families with older kids and teens will love their Insta-worthy backdrops and mid-century vibes. 

Stay

Hotel Lucine, a 61-room boutique hotel at 10th Street and Seawall Boulevard in Galveston, opened in November. Originally the Treasure Isle Motel, this 1960s motor court has been completely renovated into a luxurious and modern destination. Designed by Austin-based Kartwheel Studio, the hotel facade opens towards the Gulf of Mexico, maintaining mid-century elements like its classic U-shaped courtyard. This intimate layout creates a lively atmosphere, promoting community experiences for its guests.

Play

Hotel Lucine has bragging rights to Galveston's largest beachfront rooftop bar, offering 180-degree ocean views and a creative cocktail program by beverage director Jesse Rubio. The pool and patio area provide a central communal space, extending into The Den, a sophisticated and inviting dining space serving coffee, meals, and cocktails. The Lanai serves as a multipurpose dining and event space for executive meetings, cocktail events, and private dining. 

Eat

The Fancy, Hotel Lucine's on-site restaurant, is led by chef Leila Ortiz; this 56-seat "American Fine-ish Dining" establishment offers a French-adjacent menu with Galveston roots. The Den provides an all-day menu, catering to guests from breakfast to evening cocktails. With her extensive culinary background, Ortiz oversees the culinary program across all of the hotel's dining venues, including the rooftop bar and pool area. 

Camp Landa, developed by Schlitterbahn's founding family, is Central Texas' newest luxury camping destination.

Hotel Lucine will feature live music during Sunset and Sounds on their ocean-view rooftop bar through Labor Day.