Barton Creek Resort & Spa

Set amidst 4,000 acres of rolling hills in the Texas Hill Country and natural surroundings, Barton Creek Resort & Spa offers 72 holes of championship golf along with impeccable accommodations. Consistently recognized as some of the best golf in Texas, Barton Creek offers courses designed by golf’s biggest names including Fazio, Palmer and Crenshaw. With its superb golf and multitude of activities, Barton Creek is perfect for single-day trips, golf groups and family vacations. No Texas golf experience is complete without a visit to Barton Creek.

Barton Creek’s four courses include the Fazio Foothills, Fazio Canyons, Crenshaw Cliffside, and Palmer Lakeside. The courses wind through the rolling terrain and incorporate elevation changes, lakes, streams, tree-lined fairways and substantial bunkering. Fazio Foothills, located at the main Resort complex, is the original Barton Creek course opening in 1986. After a renovation in 2004, the course continues to challenge golfers of all levels. It measures up to 7,125 yards. Fazio Canyons, located approximately 2 miles from the main Resort complex, provides superb conditions, limestone canyons and views of the surrounding Texas Hill Country. The course measures up to 7,161 yards. Crenshaw Cliffside, located at the main Resort complex is considered a links style layout with wide fairways and views of rolling terrain. Large, contoured greens ensure excitement even after reaching the green. Crenshaw Cliffside measures up to 6,553 yards. The Palmer Lakeside course is located approximately 25 minutes from the Resort in a country club setting. Sweeping fairways and elevation changes allow extensive views of the surrounding countryside and adjacent Lake Travis. The Palmer Lakeside course measures up to 6,645 yards.

The Barton Creek Golf Academy is located at the Fazio Canyons complex, just a few short miles away from the Resort. The state-of-the-art facility includes five short game greens and sloping areas to practice, uphill, downhill and sidehill lies from the fairway, rough and sand. Video analysis from eight cameras can be used to capture every detail of a player’s swing. Professionals are available to work with you on all aspects of your game including short game, full swing, on-course competition, trouble shots and golf psychology. Possibly the best kept secret of the Resort due to its underuse, the Golf Academy facility is available to all guests looking to improve their games.

The accommodations include 300 centrally located guestrooms which were renovated in 2008. As part of the renovation, rooms were outfitted with a traditional yet chic style that included flat screen HD televisions, new carpeting and furnishings reminiscent of an elegant Texas home. Suites are also available with sweeping views of the golf courses and include state-of-the-art electronics and luxurious furnishings.

Connected to the accommodations are the Resort’s Spa and Fitness Center. As extensive as a free-standing health club, the Fitness Center has a full size work out facility with machines and free weights, locker rooms, indoor running track, indoor basketball court and indoor pool. The newly renovated Spa features 24 treatment rooms and offers a full array of treatments including massages, exfoliations, baths, and nail and hair services. The Spa even has an extensive retail shop that offers luxurious Spa wear, fashionable styles and many of the aromatic applications used in the Spa treatments.

In addition to the Spa and Fitness Center, the Resort offers many activities for all types of travelers. Tennis is big at the Resort. There are 11 lighted courts, professionals available to improve your game and tennis programs for all levels. The outdoor pool and Jacuzzi are perfect for relaxing and taking in the views of the Texas Hill Country. The Nature Trail is a great way to get some exercise or take a self-guided tour of the flora native to the region. An 18-hole miniature golf course, perfect for families or to settle bets from the day’s rounds of golf, is also offered.

Groups can take advantage of the many team or corporate outings available at the Resort, including an exciting time on the Ropes Course. For business meetings or events, over 43,750 sq. ft. of space is available. Along with the 156-seat amphitheatre, there are 25 meeting rooms for more intimate meetings.

Barton Creek features three restaurants plus the Pool Bar and Grill during the summertime. The Hill Country Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and provides excellent views of the Hill Country. An extensive buffet is the morning specialty, a southwestern flair is highlighted during lunch and local game and fresh seafood are prepared for dinner. The award winning wine selection is available for the perfect dinner pairing. The 8212 Wine Bar & Grill is the sophisticated and chic option for lunch, dinner or cocktails. The Red, White and Blues private dining room is a perfect intimate setting for groups up to 12. Barton’s Lounge, the place for drinks after a round, is located off the lobby. The relaxing atmosphere and oversized leather furnishings are great for relaxing after a day on the course or of other activities.

Off-property excursions are also fun-filled in downtown Austin. Noted as the Live Music Capital of the US, there are plenty of venues and sounds to satisfy all tastes in Austin. Even 6th Street, Austin’s center of activity, provides restaurants and bars pleasing to any palate.

What I liked about Barton Creek Resort & Spa – I like that there are four different course options, each with its own personality. The Resort and courses are blended well with nature and wildlife such as deer are commonly seen while on the courses. Even though close to the city, the size of the Resort makes one feel as if they are off in the country. I also like the extensive practice facility located at the Fazio Canyons. If there is a facility anywhere to inspire practice, this is it. Finally, I like that the Resort is located on the outskirts of Austin. Not only do guests have the opportunity to relax and enjoy everything the Resort has to offer but they also have the opportunity to experience the laid back and often eccentric sights, sounds and tastes of Austin itself.

The Barton Creek Resort & Spa is located in western Austin, approximately 20 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). It is about a 1 hour drive from San Antonio, 3 hours from Houston, and 3 hours from the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

I would like to thank the staff at Barton Creek, Justin Kutz, Resort Head Golf Professional, and Sean Marier at Murphy O'Brien Public Relations for their time and hospitality.

Check out Barton Creek Resort & Spa at www.bartoncreek.com.

Chris

Barton Creek Resort & Spa
8212 Barton Creek Drive
Austin, TX 78735
512-329-4000

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