Checking In: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa
In theory, you would be hard pressed to find a place more laid-back and welcoming than Austin. In reality, you only have to drive about 20 miles southeast of the capital to Bastrop’s Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa to find such a destination. Once you turn into the resort’s entrance off of Highway 71, you enter a private retreat that captures just about everything there is to love about being outdoors in Texas in one 400-acre parcel of land.
Set on property that is the perfect convergence of lush Hill Country, serene riverfront and a pine forest, the Hyatt Lost Pines brings visitors into some of the best scenery and topography the Hill Country has to offer. The resort, bordered by the Colorado River and the McKinney Roughs Nature Preserve, fits beautifully into the surrounding landscape and beckons guests to get out and play in nature.
River rafting, trap shooting and horseback riding are among the more rugged activities you can dive into at the Hyatt Lost Pines. Guests are encouraged to hike and explore the sprawling resort grounds and meet the local mascots—a pair of longhorn steers and an affable 150-pound Newfoundland named Hoss.
“This is a different kind of resort experience,” says director of golf Eric Claxton. “Guests love the water park, the golf course and the spa, but how many places let you get out on the river or hop on a horse? What you do with your day here is totally up to you.”
The interior of the 491-room resort has a casual elegance and a design theme that honors Texas history and artistry in a manner that’s respectful and not at all kitsch. Various areas of the resort have exhibits that illustrate the history of the surrounding land or the work and creativity of notable Texan writers, musicians and artists. A cool touch that helps guests gain a deeper connection with the region.
A spin around the Hyatt’s lazy river water feature will give you glimpses of the Arthur Hills-designed golf course, the Colorado River, rolling hillsides and a fully-loaded poolside lounge/sports bar. If this isn’t your kind of place, something might be wrong with you.
Wolfdancer Golf Club is an ambitious golf design that affords golfers the kind of “big-time” resort experience one would expect at a Hyatt property. Spreading out over 150 acres and three distinct topographical locations, the 7,205-yard, par 72 layout is demanding but fun and engaging. When the course was new and the roughs grew high and thick, golfers were quick to call it one of the most difficult courses in the Austin area, but Claxton says as the course has matured (since its 2006 debut), it’s softened just a bit.
“The golf course has definitely gotten more playable over time,” says director of golf Eric Claxton. “The roughs are more forgiving and the mowing patterns are more generous. I honestly look at Wolfdancer as the kind of golf course you could play and enjoy every day.”
Two of the toughest approach shots come on the first two holes you’ll play and the course seems to get more playable and “attackable” as the round progresses. The golf courses opens in a high prairie setting then moves into an elevated, well-forested section of the property where straight hitting can help you make up some shots as long as you give Wolfdancer’s speedy greens some respect. The downhill par-3 12th is the most talked-about hole as the elevated tee provides views of the resort and the surrounding river valley. Par 5s at numbers 14 and 18 provide great birdie chances in an oak-lined section of the golf course that plays near the Colorado and with views and shot values that are classic parkland golf.
“We have people tell us this is one of the most satisfying rounds of golf they’ve played in a long time. The golf course just has so much variety,” says Claxton.
The Hyatt Lost Pines in five short years has established its place as one of the essential resort destinations in Central Texas. Families love the host of activities for all ages. Corporate groups appreciate the 60,000 square-feet of meeting space and anyone who appreciates relaxation will fall in love with Spa Django and its long menu of therapeutic and invigorating treatments. Another fine touch you’ll find at this resort is a commitment to hiring local people who know and love the area and can give guests honest feedback on the local scene.
When recent catastrophic wildfires ravaged parts of Bastrop some 7 – 10 miles from the resort, everyone knew someone who was affected by the tragedy and the resort became a focal point for relief, shelter and communication with residents and the media. The Hyatt saw no damage but was a big part of the relief effort.
“It’s been a very rewarding to see this property take shape and become such a rich part of this community,” says Claxton. “To see the same families come back multiple times per year is really cool because if we’re making them feel at home here, we’re really doing our jobs (well).”
Come to the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa for the golf and you’ll want to stay for the hospitality, good food and good times and the s’mores by the fire pit at dusk and all the little “traditions” that make this resort one of the most unique vacation experiences in the state.
Visit www.lostpines.hyatt.com to book your stay.