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San Antonio is a destination rich in history, colorful in culture, and of course, with luxury corners to boot. The friendly Texan city is home to premium accommodations, restaurants with world-class chefs, and unique and interesting activities to entertain the entire family.
Upscale Living highlights the best things to indulge in whilst in beautiful San Antonio.
Stay at La Cantera Resort and Spa
Multi-award-winning La Cantera Resort and Spa is not to be missed when in San Antonio. The 550-acre property has got it all and whether state-staycation, domestic getaway, or long-haul treat, takes guests a world away without compromising on home comfort. For example, the outside areas evoke a tropic vacation without the need to overdress, F&Bs range from glam restaurants to neighborly bars and cafés, and the service is naturally five-star Southern charm. There are 496 guestrooms including 34 villas, all finely furnished with modern tech and complete amenities.
Those sans enfants may fancy SEVEN, a 46-room ‘adults only’ guest floor experience with complimentary valet, personal concierge, private champagne check-in, and access to the adults-only pool. Talking of pools, guests are spoilt for choice as there are five in total, heated year-round, plus several bubbly hot tubs. Surrounding them are stylish cabañas complete with a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, optional Moet Chandon, and dining services.
Expect postcard views of Texas Hill Country whilst sipping on a cocktail from on-site bar Sire, a spa-worthy of stand-alone day trips (even without treatment, be sure to purchase a day pass for access), a varied activity calendar (s’mores making, anyone?), and close proximity to San Antonio’s most popular attractions. This is definitely one of the South’s best resorts.
Kayak the Riverwalk
The beloved San Antonio Riverwalk is a 15-mile urban waterway is lined with sights, shopping, and entertainment. It is the largest urban ecosystem in the nation, tucked below street level, close to the Alamo. How you explore it is up to you – but if you’re feeling adventurous try the kayak way. You can do this early in the morning before the waters open up for boats. Mission Kayak has toured, but spaces are limited so book ahead of arrival. Tip: you’re going to get wet, so save changing and pack light quick-dry active gear. There are lots on the market but Fjallraven is our tried and tested for kayaking and easily crosses over onto day wear.
Taste fine French desserts
French-style restaurant Brasserie Mon Chou Chou is relatively new in town but has already been booked solid since its arrival in the historic Pearl District. It’s a slice of France served in the lone star state, with incredible entrees such as the Bouillabaisse Texane; a seafood dish in rich tomato broth with Texas black garlic rouille and roasted jalapeño aioli. The desserts are especially out of this world. The Profiteroles Au Chocolat Et Amandes, The Crème Brûlée À L’ancienne and Poire Au Vin are all on par with Michelin-star creations in Paris – beautifully presented (on photogenic Mon Chou Chou table ware) with creams and sauces oozing out of them.
Wander the Alamo with a guide
The Alamo is one of the most important historic sites in America and the most important in Texas. In 1836, many years after the mission closed, it became an inspiration and a motivation for liberty during the Texas Revolution. Find out more, not only by visiting, but booking one of the small group or private tours on the official website. ‘The Alamo: A Story Bigger Than Texas’ tour sees an experienced history interpreter takes guests through the Alamo Plaza, recounting the story of the Battle of the Alamo, and guiding them to key battlefield locations hidden under San Antonio’s streets.
VIP experiences for all the family can be enjoyed at the awesome San Antonio Zoo
Treat the family to an unforgettable zoo experience
Even for those who’ve been to a lot of zoos in their lifetime, the San Antonio Zoo is unlike the rest and leaves an everlasting mark on its patrons. The non-profit’s mission is to inspire its community to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live, and the amount of encounters available is just huge. For example, there’s the ‘Kangaroo Krossing’, where guests can get up-close, outback style, and learn more about red kangaroos. A lorikeet walk starring the colorful little parrots from Australia. And Aldabra tortoise and giraffe encounters allow guests to feed the animals under the guidance of experts. All staff is insanely passionate and the encounters provide an experience that will change visitor attitudes to the planet for the better. Encounters are safe, memorable, and you are allowed to take as many photos as you wish in the allotted times.
Join San Antonio’s golf scene
San Antonio is home to big and beautiful golf clubs and resorts; which is part of the reason we love La Cantera, which has its own (number one rated) golf courses. The Resort Course at La Cantera, a PGA Tour stop for 15 years, was designed by golf course architect Jay Morrish and PGA professional Tom Weiskopf and has a variety of gorgeous natural features, while The Palmer Course was designed by Arnold Palmer and highlights to include signature holes with dramatic waterfall edges. There are a variety of training and golfing experiences to choose from, from private lessons to corporate programs, and the store is worth a spree.