The Westin La Cantera Resort

Golf and Luxury with South Texas Colonial Style

San Antonio, Texas

Overlooking San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country the AAA Four-Diamond Westin La Cantera Resort welcomes guests with South Texas charm and history. Along with its dramatic hilltop location and surrounding Texas Hill Country, the Resort’s size and scope distinguish it as a San Antonio landmark. Although only 10 years old, the Resort has already taken a prominent position in the golf and destination industries.

The property is impressive both inside and outside. Outside, the architecture reminds one of a classic colonial South Texas reinforcement with its citadel, courtyards, plazas and elevated views. The property’s authority is matched only by its grace. Inside, there is a blend of castle-like ruggedness and Westin luxury. Iron chandeliers, oversized leather furniture, open gathering areas and substantial wooden doors help to recreate the ambiance of a colonial ranch. Pictures and stories depicting South Texas history decorate the walls throughout the Resort. Even the sprawling feel of the Resort adds to the mystique of visiting somewhere grand. Literally, “the quarry” in Spanish, La Cantera makes exceptional use of the surrounding land. The golf courses and natural areas dive into canyons and rise onto hillsides making for exciting golf, impressive views and beautiful sunsets.

The Resort features two exciting golf courses, the Resort Course and the Palmer Course, which both offer substantial elevation changes and stunning views of the Texas Hill Country. The Resort Course, designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, measures up to 7001 yards and is the former home of the PGA Tour’s Texas Open. Right from the start, golfers will know they are in for a treat as they tee off on the 665 yard, par five first hole which drops 125 feet from tee to green. By no accident, the course winds through the Texas Hill Country and past the roller coasters at adjacent Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The seventh hole, overlooking the roller coasters, features an 80 foot sheer drop from tee to fairway. The Resort Course seems to challenge the roller coasters for the admiration of thrill seekers. Despite the elevation changes, multiple tees allow golfers of any level to enjoy this exhilarating layout. The excitement continues on the Palmer Course, designed by legend Arnold Palmer. At its longest, the 6,926 yard course also features exciting elevation changes and impressive views of the surrounding Hill Country. Certainly, both courses are must-plays for golfers residing in or visiting Texas.

The Resort also features the La Cantera Academy for golf instruction with half-day or multi-day schools and a variety of lesson packages. One unique feature of the golf Academy is its use of video for swing analysis. Not only is video taken from the sides and back but also from above, allowing a player to view all planes of his or her swing.

The Westin La Cantera includes 508 guestrooms. All were renovated in 2009 with a modern feel including 42” flat-paneled HDTV’s. Most of the guestrooms are located in the main building but if guests are seeking additional privacy the Casita Village offers 38 unique villas in a secluded tree-shaded hillside location beneath the main hotel. This resort within a resort has its own pool and hot tub and the multiple villa configurations are perfect for golf groups, family getaways or the weekend retreat with friends. Each villa features elaborate bathrooms with marble flooring, European oversized bathtubs and large showers. Guests staying in the Casita Village are even issued modified golf carts to navigate the property.

The Resort has eight dining options beginning with Francesca’s at Sunset which is the Resort’s fine dining option. Set amidst a circular dining room with floor to ceiling windows to ensure perfect sunset viewing, Francesca’s focuses on South Texas fare. More than 80% of the ingredients including buffalo, quail, antelope, Akaushi beef, fruits and vegetables come from South Texas ranchers and farmers. Even some of the 170 available wines come from Texas.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Brannon’s Café offers something for everyone’s tastes in a casual atmosphere. Steinheimer’s Bar is the place for nighttime drinks and fun. Tio’s Lobby Lounge in the Great Room lobby is perfect for relaxing, sitting by the fire, watching a sunset or simply enjoying a favorite drink. Both golf clubhouses have restaurants, The La Cantera Grille and The Palmer Grille, offering breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks, or those ever so important 19th Hole drinks to settle the scores and enjoy views of the Texas Hill Country. Located poolside is The Gantry, open seasonally and providing food, libations and breathtaking hill country views all from a poolside lounge chair or table. And, coffee junkies don't have to go far to get their fix. Favorites such as a lattes, cappuccinos or frappuccinos are waiting right in the lobby at Starbuck’s.

In addition to golf, the Resort offers many activities for everyone. The Lost Quarry Pools is a 17,000 sq. ft. water complex that includes a children’s pool, an activity pool with water slide, a 2,300-square foot secluded adult pool, a sports pool, a lap pool and two hot tubs.

The Castle Rock Health Club & Spa provides an assortment of spa treatments including massage therapies, manicures, pedicures, facials, aromatherapy and reflexology. The Health Club also includes a 7,600 sq. ft. cardio and weight training fitness center offering spectacular views of the pools and golf courses through panoramic windows. Discovery Junction is the outdoor activity area for kids of all ages and includes a water slide, bounce house, slip’n slide, basketball and many other activities. Indoors, Rock’n T Lounge is the place where teens can play video games, watch movies and hang out. Nearby the Resort, there are activities for the entire family including Fiesta Texas, www.sixflags.com/fiestaTexas, Sea World, www.seaworld.com/sanantonio, Crown Ridge Canyon Nature Area, and The Shops at La Cantera including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Dillard’s and Macy’s.

The Westin La Cantera is the perfect venue for an upcoming celebration, meeting or business event. Multiple areas throughout the Resort are available for use in a special event from courtyards, scenic plazas, small meeting rooms and a grand ballroom. There are more than 39,000 square feet of function space, including a 17,000 square foot ballroom, eight separate meeting rooms and three boardrooms.

What I liked about The Westin La Cantera Resort – I like that the Resort offers exciting golf winding through the Texas Hill Country paired with superb accommodations. Given the great golf and nearby attractions, this is an excellent destination for short golf trips or family vacations. But what makes the Westin La Cantera Resort memorable is more than the golf and the luxury. It’s the Texas history you see on the walls, what you feel in the architecture and what you sense in the oversized furnishings. It truly is a piece of Texas.

The Westin La Cantera Resort is located in Northwest San Antonio, approximately 12 miles from San Antonio International Airport. It is about a 1 hour drive from Austin, 3 hours drive from Houston, and 4.5 hours from the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

I would like to thank Donna Butler, Director of Public Relations, and Steve Shields, Director of Golf, for their time and hospitality during my visit.

Check out The Westin La Cantera Resort at www.westinlacantera.com.

Chris

The Westin La Cantera Resort
16641 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, Texas 78256
210-558-6500
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