It’s time for a break and we head into Texas Hill Country. Known as the natural playground for Texans, the hills and the lakes are beautiful and you can do every sort of outdoors activity, such as hiking or fishing. Horseshoe Bay is just an hour away from our home in Austin and we eagerly anticipate our 2-day break. We are booked into the luxury Horseshoe Bay Marriott resort on the shores of Lake LBJ. Our excitement mounts as we see the surrounding scenery.

We settle into our Marriott Hotel room with a king sized bed. It’s very comfortable and we have a roll away bed for our little boy, Zakaria. As guests of the Marriott, we have full access to all the amenities in the resort but one of the best features is the fabulous view of the lake as it shimmers in the sun.

It’s soon clear why the resort is described as first class. It has everything you need including three championship golf courses. Golf Magazine cites it as one of the best golf resorts in the country. The 18-hole Bermuda grass putting course has waterfalls and a flock of flamingos call it home. If you want to chill at a spa, there’s a wide range of body treatments and massages with steam rooms scented with eucalyptus. The resort also has 16 tennis courts plus three courts, especially designed for children. You can go fishing on Lake LBJ and the gorgeous marina is the place to rent kayaks, wave runners, ski boats and other kinds of watercraft.

There are lots of things to occupy any family in the resort and it’s convenient for visiting the local attractions too. It’s a terrific place for children and Zakaria is very happy to be here. The weather is gloriously sunny and our first thought is to splash around in the Paseo Pool, which is right outside our hotel. We find pool toys here at no extra cost, including floaters and pool noodles. There is a hot tub too and a fitness center next door.

We enjoy our breakfast buffet at the Latana Grill, which is the main restaurant at the hotel, though there are plenty of others. This goes way beyond coffee and a roll! The menu has an American breakfast, a Tex-Mex breakfast and a Cajun one. Also, you can order eggs benedict, pancakes or Belgian waffles. We eat out on the terrace overlooking the pool, surrounded by fountains and palm trees.

The resort organizes Kids Club activities throughout the day for children aged 4 to 12, so we keep Zakaria entertained. We take him to Arts & Krafts where parents can leave the kids for a small fee. Our budding artist proudly shows us his picture of a lizard when we return. Our Texas Family Fun Package Deal is terrific value. Along with our accommodation we get discounts, including a 50% one for the Kids Club. The resort has other packages including deals for golf, romance, spa and one with room only rates.

There are four swimming pools in total. The pool inside the hotel is heated and has fiber optic lights. Another pool, called the Cap Rock Pool, has a 30-foot cascading waterfall but we spend time at the Yacht Club Pool & Beach where we relax on the deck in the shade and watch Zakaria play on the white sand beach by the lake. The outdoor pool is a lagoon design with a large whirlpool and we enjoy our long cool drinks and snacks from the pool cabana.

The location of the Marriott is ideal for seeing the local small towns and countryside in the so-called ‘Golden Triangle’ of Texas.  Marble Falls, with its scenic waterfalls and lakes, is just minutes away. Hill Country is also popular for its many events, festivals and live music concerts. It’s wine country too and there are wineries open to visitors.

We only have a couple of days here and it would be great to return for a longer vacation and use all of the amenities. The Marriott has put a lot of thought into the landscaping and the staff are very welcoming. You can’t beat Horseshoe Bay for a relaxing break. Fantastic countryside, wonderful comfort, good food and sunshine are a combination that suits us fine. Another reason to return is that it doesn’t break the bank.  It’s so kid friendly and perfect for families, particularly if parents are in need of a rest!

For More Information:
Horseshoe Bay Resort
www.hsbresort.com
Phone:  830-598-8600