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Posh San Antonio resort unveils new sparkling crystal lagoon

The 2.2-acre lagoon is Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa's latest amenity.

Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa

One of San Antonio’s most popular resorts has debuted a splashy new amenity. On Friday, March 6, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa unveiled its 2.2-acre lagoon, the completion of the property’s $100 million transformation.

This new water feature, dubbed the Big Spring, includes pristine white sandy beaches, luxe private cabanas, and water sports activities. According to a release, the family-friendly resort partnered with Crystal Lagoons, a Florida-based company known for its breathtaking international builds. The Hyatt Regency project is the first use of the firm’s cutting-edge technology inside the central United States.

“The opening of the lagoon marks an exciting new chapter for Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas and sets a new benchmark for resort experiences,” said Nicolás Galotti, Regional Director at Crystal Lagoons, in a release. “By incorporating a Crystal Lagoons amenity as part of its broader redevelopment, the resort is bringing beach life to Central Texas and creating a truly differentiated destination.”

Whether travelers actively seek “differentiated” destinations is up for debate, but the lagoon is sure to be a draw. The addition expands the resort’s five-acre water park, which features a lazy river, multiple pools, a two-story water slide, and a wave simulation machine. It’s like a mini Aquatica, but without the punishing lines.

The new Rancher Hall event venue overlooks the lagoon.Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa

The Big Spring also comes with a new restaurant, Aunt Di’s Comfort Station. A release says that the eatery was named after a family member of the hotel’s ownership group, Woodbine Development Corporation.

“Aunt Di has a unique gift of hospitality that makes everyone feel like they’re part of the family,” said King Scovell, Managing Partner and Chief Development Officer for Woodbine.“Her warmth creates a sense of belonging that we want to extend to every resort visitor.”

Aunt Di’s and the lagoon are the culmination of a multi-year project to update the entire resort. Among the new additions are the waterfront Rancher Hall event venue, state-of-the-art Toptracer Range golf bays, five premium standalone villas, updates to the Windflower Spa, and a new indoor/outdoor bar concept called Woodbine Bar.

“From the addition of Texas’ newest beach to standalone villas, every enhancement was designed to preserve the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines our resort and inspires guests to return year after year,” said Steve Smith, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas. “These updates represent our dedication to evolving with our customers and enhancing their experience on property.”

resorts hill country hotels openings

Where the Bison Roam

Texas state park goes wild with 2,200 more acres for bison herd

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department\u200b

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A popular state park in the Texas Panhandle, known for its roaming bison population, is getting a major expansion after recent land acquisitions by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway, located at 850 State Park Rd. in Quitaque, approximately an hour and a half north of Lubbock, has added approximately 2,200 acres. It will now encompass 17,500 total acres of the Caprock Escarpment in Briscoe County, according to a press release.

TPWD first expanded the park with the purchase of the 1,066-acre Rocking W Ranch in 2024, and then the department acquired the 1,120-acre Hawkins Ranch in January 2026.

"The Hawkins Ranch is the last piece of property to the west [of the park] that protects our viewshed of the canyon and affects our watershed," said Superintendent Donald Beard in the release. "The Rocking W Ranch was also important because it expands the park to the northwest, allowing the Texas State Bison Herd potential access to the high plains."

The release said a 5,000-square-foot, fully furnished "barndominium" was included in the purchase of the Rocking W Ranch property, and it will be used for "future family-style retreats for activities like hiking and horseback riding."

Caprock Canyons State Park Caprock Canyons has 2,200 more acres to explore. Popular Texas state park expands with massive 2,200-acre acquisition

Park visitors have access to more than 90 miles of trails at Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and bison-watching. Lake Theo, a 120-acre lake on the south side of the park, is open for swimming, fishing, and no-wake boating.

Wildlife enthusiasts can search for bats roosting in the Clarity Tunnel, an abandoned railroad tunnel that 500,000 Mexican free-tailed bats call home from late April through mid-October. TPWD said even more local wildlife can be found by visitors with the acquisition of the Hawkins Ranch, such as quail, mule deer, coyotes, bobcats, and more.

The park is also a designated International Dark Sky Park, meaning overnight campers have unobstructed views of the stars in the sky thanks to light pollution reduction and prevention efforts.

"At night, Caprock Canyons transforms into one of the darkest and most awe-inspiring skies in Texas," the International Dark Sky Association said. "Far from urban light pollution, the park’s remote location allows visitors to experience an exceptional view of the Milky Way, countless constellations, and celestial events in their purest form."

caprock canyons state parks texas parks and wildlife department texas state park travel bison nature

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Where the Bison Roam

Texas state park goes wild with 2,200 more acres for bison herd