Discovering the Artificial Sea Lagoon at San Antonio

Discovering the Artificial Sea Lagoon at San Antonio

Recently, I had the chance to visit the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas in San Antonio, Texas. With the completion of a stunning 2.2-acre artificial sea lagoon, I knew I couldn't miss the opportunity while visiting family in the area.

The resort has just wrapped up a $100 million renovation, which included room upgrades, new dining options, and the creation of exciting recreational spaces. The sea lagoon is the centerpiece of the resort, offering families a perfect escape from the Texas summer heat.

The Big Spring Lagoon

Big Spring Lagoon opened just in time for this spring break and quickly became a favorite spot to relax for two days. The atmosphere here feels like the Bahamas, with crystal-clear waters and golden sandy beaches, beautifully complemented by the Texas Hill Country's windmills and grain silos nearby.

I enjoyed lounging on a sunbed, soaking up the summer rays, while others engaged in water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking. The vibe was lively, filled with the laughter of children building sandcastles, teens playing ball, and many like me daydreaming under the sun.

Notably, there’s a shaded bar by the lagoon, perfect for enjoying drinks and snacks. I ordered a refreshing cactus cocktail ($16) — a must-have for those Instagram moments by the water — along with a poke bowl featuring tuna, greens, and sushi rice ($18) to refuel my energy.

Resort Activities

If you're looking for a bit more comfort and privacy for your family, you can rent a cabana starting at $375 per day, which includes sun loungers, a mini fridge, and a flat-screen TV. Since I was there solo, I found it easy to grab a spot whenever I visited the lagoon, but I saw many families making the most of this space.

The experience at the lagoon reminded me of Evermore Resort in Orlando, where family is at the heart of every activity. I think it would be worth using some World of Hyatt points to relax here with loved ones.

Water Park and Other Amenities

Big Spring Lagoon isn’t the only attraction at the resort. One of the other highlights is the 5-acre water park featuring a 950-foot lazy river, a two-story waterslide, several warm pools, and a FlowRider wave machine.

The lazy river truly is the heart of the resort, where everyone can have fun. I loved the swim-up bar, where you can order drinks right to your spot while you relax. Guests can also enjoy other pools or a quieter, adults-only area.

Entertainment Activities

Upon arrival, guests receive an activity schedule to easily plan their stay. On the Friday night I was there, families gathered to watch "Madagascar 2," while the dads caught a basketball game at the lobby bar. The schedule also included soccer games, water balloon wars, nature walks, and even yoga with goats.

I also took the opportunity to rent a bike at a reasonable price to explore the golf course while others participated in activities like beach volleyball or fun arcade games.

Spa Experience

As for me, I decided to spend some time at the Windflower Spa, The Hill Country Spa. I treated myself to an 80-minute stone massage ($275) and enjoyed other amenities like the dry and wet saunas. The spa offers a full range of treatments, from massages to couples’ beauty services.

Accommodations at the Resort

I stayed in a king room with a balcony, nearly 400 square feet, which was both spacious and cozy with Texas art touches. The room had a large TV that allowed me to stream my favorite shows. The balcony featured charming chairs for outdoor relaxation, making it delightful to watch the activities and families having fun below.

I found the rates at Hyatt Regency Hill Country to vary significantly by season and availability. The lowest price I found was around $350 per night. As a World of Hyatt category 5 property, reward points can be redeemed from 17,000 to 23,000 points per night.