Texas resort transforms into a Christmas wonderland
Live reindeer and kids pizza. Those are two of the main takeaways from a wintry holiday weekend at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. They come courtesy of my 11-year-old son, who apparently has a future as a travel writer.
“I love that pizza. It tasted better than Papa Johns,” he said during a post-trip reflection. For a kid, that’s high praise. It’s on the kids menu at Cibolo Moon, one of the resort’s restaurants.
“I would go back just to eat that pizza.”
It was indeed very, very good. The crust in particular was among the best I’ve ever had. So soft. So warm. My brisket pasta, though interesting, just didn’t compare.
Everything at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country has a warm, fuzzy feeling during the holiday season. The decorations are big and bright. The employees are merry. At times, it all has the feel of an old-school department store at Christmas. Holiday activities run through Dec. 30, and some require additional fees.
The live reindeer, visiting throughout the holiday season, were a thrill. We met Jingles and Noel, whose majestic antlers were a thing of wonder to see up close. I assume these two were backups for Santa’s reindeer frontline.
“I’m really surprised that they actually know how to fly,” my son said.
Disclaimer: We did not see them fly. But their hooves actually do make a clicking sound when they walk, an adaptation so they can stay in herds … and herald Santa’s arrival. (” Up on the housetop, click, click, click...“)
The Hill Country Wonderland Suite adds to the Yuletide allure. It features a Christmas tree, decorations and a record player with holiday music. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by freshly baked cookies and candy canes. Ask for a room with a view of the outside lights. There’s a nightly show synchronized to holiday music.
The big addition this year is the pop-up Arctic Lodge, located near the hotel’s water park. It’s a family-friendly venue featuring holiday-themed cocktails and treats. The Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal is a blend of Rumchata and chocolate milk. The Run, Run As Fast As You Can is a potent vodka martini featuring espresso, gingerbread syrup and Kahlua. It has a definite kick. For the kids, the drink menu includes hot chocolate, apple cider and Dippin’ Dots ice cream.
And because this is a family experience, prepare to spend much of your time there racing behind the kids as they sprint from activity to activity. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a sheet detailing the Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt. You must find eight elves hidden around the hotel and take a selfie with each one to win a prize. It took us most of two days to complete the challenge. My son congratulated himself profusely for finding the last one.
“It was really hard, and I like challenging things,” he said. If only he felt that way about social studies.
In the span of a few hours, we also went from cookie decorating ($5) to gingerbread house building ($18) to making our own slime ($12), an activity that carried over to home. There was a stop at the hot cocoa bar ($10) for a reusable cup that was filled with giant marshmallows, chocolate, sprinkles and whipped cream. Animal handlers showcased a live snake, sloth and alligator. Because why not? A couple of employee elves even braved the cold weather to help roast s’mores over an outside fire.
Yes, you’ll be outdoors, too, for carriage rides (Dec. 24) and a ton of Instagram-worthy moments. The 30-foot Christmas tree on the lawn is a no-brainer, and you can hop into a nearby Santa sled for a few snaps. But the real gem here is a giant red and gold ornament, standing at 16 feet and complete with interior seating. Even the inside is covered with lights.
Animatronic penguins, reindeer and yetis sing carols at the press of a button. Christmas movies play on the lawn. (Bundle up, given recent weather trends. And grab a cup of that hot chocolate.) All that’s missing is Mariah Carey.
The hotel’s water park, which includes slides and a lazy river, is even operational. All of its features are heated during colder seasons. But remember, you still have to get out of the water.
A piece of parental advice? Steer the kids to the indoor game room. The pool tables were covered with groups of them all weekend. Be prepared, however, for games of indoor tag to break out regularly.
“No running indoors!” I pleaded. That didn’t work. So I got serious.
“Santa’s watching.”