A Family Retreat

Words Ashley Bowling  |  Photos Will Bowling

Turning off Highway 71 onto a nicely paved, winding road, mini-hills tickle your stomach, and vistas of live oaks stretch far and wide. Both the rolling hills and tangled oaks set the tone for a thrilling weekend spent in the Texas breeze, relaxing under starlit skies, with a dash of childhood adventure sprinkled in. Between Austin and Bastrop, there’s a sprawling oasis awaiting families of all ages. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa—a retreat that spans 400+ acres along the Colorado River—just a stone’s throw from bustling East Austin.

Pulling up to the resort’s long circular drive is not akin to arriving on scene of the ’70s western, Blazing Saddles, as one would imagine. However, it is where a rustic modern lodge meets southern hospitality. The resort itself is perched along the rolling hills fringed with oak trees, greeting us with an authentic rustic charm. Upon arrival, a cowboy photo-op with the resort’s longhorn was in order before making our way to our guestroom overlooking a pecan grove, the kid’s playground at a near distance, and the large fishing pond in far distance. The resort has an array of suites available for large families or friend groups outfitted in the same modern lodge aesthetic found throughout the resort. Only two-stories, the building spreads out naturally under the shade trees.  

This isn’t just any family getaway; it’s a blend of rugged cowgirl life and aquatic thrills, a combination that proves as refreshing as a dip in the crystal-clear pools that meander just a short stroll from our suite. The Crooked River Waterpark features a winding lazy river, a two-story water slide, a large shallow pool for little ones, an adults-only pool, and a splash pad. Sun-soaked days are as sweet as the breeze, especially with a cocktail and watermelon slice in hand.

Evenings are a celebration of all things any good childhood-camp-meets-luxe-resort should have. Under pink skies at Maude’s Bar & Terrace, we sampled the Artisanal Cheese Plate, Charcuterie, and Lamb Sliders while the air filled with the sound of live music strumming familiar tunes. The kids played with new-found friends on the lawn while we finished off Summer Sippers, like the Tropical Old Fashioned and a Salted Rosemary Paloma, accompanied by a slice of Bourbon Pecan Pie. As the evening deepened, we gathered around a campfire for s’mores, then to end the night, we opted for stargazing over the showing of Twister. 

The morning arrived with the option of a Renegade Trail Ride or kayaking the Colorado River. An old-fashioned outpost offers meet-and-greets with goats, pigs, and alpacas, while it’s also the starting point for the horseback ride. Being a mid-summer’s day, we booked the latter and paddled two miles along the cypress-lined Colorado River. 

With the morning’s adventure behind us, the lure of the waterpark was impossible to resist. The lazy river, once again, offers a serene contrast, where we floated along, soaking in the sun under baby blue Texas skies filled with puffy clouds.

The evening lent itself to booking tomahawk throwing and archery, followed by yard games like ping-pong, horseshoes, corn hole, and a friendly pickleball and basketball competition. And if you can’t take the heat, the resort also has an indoor arcade, pool table, shuffleboard, and ping-pong, not far from Maude’s or Maverick’s Roadhouse.   

Our final day was marked by a family bike ride around the sprawling grounds, visiting the resort’s adorable farm animals, and a family photo session with their mascot, a Texas Longhorn, ensuring our memories were solidified in true Western style.

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa is a place where the spirit of Texas meets the joys of summer camp, where guests can ride horses, splash in pools, and create lasting memories under peaceful skies. Packing up to leave, one thing was certain—this won’t be our last visit. After all, everything is bigger in Texas, including family adventures, and we’re so grateful that this quiet piece of land rests a short 30-minute drive from where we hang our hats.