Living in Texas can be busier than it seems on the surface; in fact, Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state (and the country). While growth can bring new experiences, people, and attractions, it can also be tiring for the people who live full time in the buzz of the city.
Luckily, Texas is full of peaceful and beautiful landscapes that beg for a trip dedicated to wellness and exploration. However, if camping really isn’t your style — or you don’t want to give up plush sheets, running water, and gourmet food while exploring the outdoors — we have the perfect solution for you.
Glamping in Texas Hill Country is a one-of-a-kind experience many explorers will want to try at least once. Travelers looking for a true luxury retreat in Hill Country can look towards a new outdoor resort offering with Collective Retreats, a unique way to experience Hill Country through epicurean delights, immersive wellness offerings, and of course, lush accommodations just waiting to be enjoyed.
No matter how long you’ve lived in Texas, it’s easy to forget all that our state has to offer. Just a short drive away from your big city life lies countless small towns and gorgeous natural vistas ready and waiting for you to explore.
There are differing opinions about what is technically constituted “Texas Hill Country,” but most people agree that it’s the space between San Antonio and Austin. That’s a lot of land to explore.
Start your excursion away from city life in Wimberley Valley, which is a combination of Wimberley and Woodcreek. Even if you live within driving distance of these towns, you might not have had an excuse to immerse yourself in all that they have to offer.
Sitting atop the Edwards Plateau with rushing streams and forested areas, this area is perfect for a peaceful and scenic getaway.
At Collective Retreats, you won’t have to sacrifice luxury to stay immersed in nature. For the lodging itself, we have three different options for you to choose from, each with different capacities and special features:
The Summit Tent is the perfect option for two adults looking for an indoor-outdoor lodging experience. This tent comes with a king-sized bed outfitted in 1,500 thread-count linens, an en-suite bathroom, a private deck with Adirondack chairs, and a wood-burning stove.
Take a load off after a day of hiking and exploring and rest in our luxurious bed before waking up to view the sunrise over the Texas landscape from your private deck.
The Summit Family Tent is a great option for parents who want their kids to also experience the beauty of Hill Country. This option includes access to a regular Summit Tent, as well as access to an additional, smaller tent just a few steps away. The smaller tent has two single beds with thick woven textiles and antique-inspired furnishings.
The Summit Tent – Honeymoon Suite is made with couples in mind! This tent is able to hold two people and offers the perfect backdrop for a romantic adventure. This option features the same amenities as the Summit Tent, with even more space to enjoy.
More than a standard glamping accommodation, Collective Retreats offers a uniquely experiential retreat with offerings ranging from gourmet tasting menus to in-tent massage services.
Here are just a few of the outdoor adventures and wellness offerings we’ve carefully curated for our Collective Retreats guests.
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore Texas Hill Country. With a diverse landscape and gorgeous views, getting to know the area on foot will allow you to feel immersed in nature and will give you the freedom to stop and smell the roses (or, in this case, the native Hill Country flora).
If you don’t have much hiking experience, there is no need to worry. Our concierge will give you a map of all the local hikes and help you pick which one is best for you. They will also recommend a sunrise or sunset hike, so you can get some exercise and explore the area while taking in the beauty of a colorful Texan sky.
If you want to explore more of the ranch than just on a hiking trail — or if you are looking to try a new Texan-themed experience — you will love our horseback riding options.
During the retreat, you will have the opportunity to explore the entirety of the ranch on horseback. You can choose to ride at 10 AM or 2 PM any day of the week. After contacting our concierge at least 24 hours in advance, you will be introduced to an experience that includes a two-hour ride, a delicious snack, and a non-alcoholic beverage.
Speaking of essential Texan experiences, branding is a longstanding agriculture tradition that has been commonplace for hundreds of years.
Even if you don’t visit a live ranch, you can still bring ranch-inspired decor into your house by incorporating branding into your favorite crafting projects. Our bubbly and branding experience gives you a way to customize a personalized cutting board with branding tools. While you work on your board, you can enjoy a glass of chilled prosecco or wine.
While you might be a regular at your local hot yoga studio in the city, we promise that doing a full body flow while looking over the sprawl of Texas Hill Country is a one-of-a-kind experience.
You don’t have to worry about packing your yoga mat or block for the trip since all materials you need will be provided. This 60-minute class will get your blood flowing, strengthen your muscles, and calm your mind. After your session, a homemade green juice booster will be provided by our chef to help you start your morning right.
After hiking, horseback riding, or doing yoga, your muscles might need some tender loving care. To make the experience even more luxurious a professional masseuse will come to your tent for an in-house massage.
You can choose between a 60-minute and 90-minute massage by one of our licensed massage therapists.
To round out the peaceful and wellness activities that we have to offer at our Texas Hill Country retreats, we recommend signing up for a sound meditation session. If meditation doesn’t come easily to you, we understand. It’s easy to get caught up in a fast-paced life and forget how to take time to breathe and let your thoughts subside.
For meditation pros and newbies alike, sound meditation might be just what you are looking for. A professional will use singing bowls and other healing sounds to help you put your mind at ease. During this 60-minute session, you will be given warm fluffy blankets, bolsters, pillows, and yoga mats, to enhance your comfort.
If eating beans out of a can and cooking freshly caught fish over a fire has turned you off from the idea of camping, we are here to provide an entirely different culinary experience.
Our Farm to Ranch breakfast takes the most delicious local provisions and places them in a complimentary breakfast bar with granola, milk, juice, whole fruits, fresh coffee, and herbal teas. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy while you admire the sunrise.
Before you go exploring (whether it’s on foot or on horseback), be sure to grab a Collective Explorer’s Lunch. Pick up your leveled-up bagged lunch between 12 PM and 2 PM for the perfect midday break.
For dinner, enjoy our signature five-course Chef’s Tasting Menu, or grill up your own classic Texas BBQ Experience using our locally-sourced curated baskets.
Lastly, be sure to take advantage of s’mores by the campfire or cocktails at sunset to cap off a successful day of peaceful exploration.
Glamping means that you don’t have to pick between taking advantage of the beautiful, serene landscapes of Texas and the luxurious home amenities that you are used to having.
With Collective Retreats, we prioritize curating an adventure that is so much more than simply glamping. Our outdoor resort experience will immerse you in nature while offering gourmet food, luxurious lodging, and elevated activities that will soothe your body and mind.
Sources:
The Conservatory Collective
