VENUE REPORT

Lakeway Resort and Spa in Austin is set on Lake Travis.

ON LAKE TIME

For a relaxing and inspiring meeting destination, choose one of Texas’ lake resorts.

BY ROGER GORDON

Yes, the crashing of the waves along the gulf is incredibly invigorating. And a walk riverside can clear the mind and lift the spirit. But nothing can beat the lap, lap, lap of the lake water hitting the shore for a truly hypnotic and mesmerizing experience. Lucky for us, Texas has nearly 200 lakes, many of which offer the perfect setting for your next meeting or event. Here are a few of our favorites.

Lakeway Resort and Spa; Austin

Lakeway Resort and Spa is a hidden gem.

“Everyone who comes out here is just amazed,” says Director of Sales Lisa Crowell. “Our point of distinction is unbelievable views and unforgettable memories. We’re on Lake Travis, and more than 80 percent of our inventory is lake views. You have absolutely breathtaking views all around. There is no commercial property really that you can see from the hotel. There is one little marina across the lake, but basically, it’s all just beautiful homes and a lakeside mansion.”

The resort offers three outdoor swimming pools, an outdoor hot tub and a spa. “For boating, Lakeway Marina is adjacent to the hotel,” Crowell says. “You can rent sailboats, fishing boats, party barges and Jet Skis there.”

The glass Vistas Ballroom overlooks the lake. “It is very sought-after by meeting professionals,” says Crowell. “Groups absolutely love having their meetings in there. It’s definitely the premier meeting venue on the

La Torretta Laake Resort & Spa

Lakeway Resort and Spa

property. It can accommodate up to 300 guests for a seated dinner and up to 450 for a cocktail party. Eleven meeting spaces have natural light, so that’s a really sought-after, unique feature as well. We have 15 event spaces overall.”

Catering is done in-house. Two favorites are the Mediterranean and Asian buffets. “TexMex entrees are also very popular in these parts,” Crowell says.

“We’re a more boutique-style meeting venue,” continues Crowell. “It’s just a great family location, a great atmosphere. It’s highend casual, Texas-chic casual.”

Lakeway Resort and Spa

La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa; Montgomery

An all-encompassing view of Lake Conroe welcomes guests at La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa. “Every guest room has a balcony and a view of the lake,” says Director of Sales and Marketing Jacque Stilwell. “We also have a cove where you can dock your boat. There’s a beach for swimming, five outdoor swimming pools, a golf course, a spa and an aqua park. We also have eight restaurants, including our upscale lakeside restaurant.”

A conference center provides 19 event spaces. “We’re very versatile. We can do just about any kind of setup,” Stilwell says. “There are a lot of unique options both indoor and outdoor.”

One of two ballrooms is a glassed space that overlooks the lake. The other ballroom is the resort’s largest event space. It can accommodate up to 400 guests seated and up to 600 standing.

Catering is done in-house, but outside catering is allowed on occasion. A favorite entrée is the surf-n-turf. Barbecues are also popular.

Says Stilwell, “It’s a resort atmosphere with a small-town feel.”

Cibolo Creek Ranch

Get Connected

CIBOLO CREEK RANCH cibolocreekranch.com 432.229.3737

HORSESHOE BAY RESORT hsbresort.com | 877.611.0112

LA TORRETTA LAKE RESORT & SPA latorrettalakeresort.com 936.448.4400

LAKEWAY RESORT AND SPA lakewayresortandspa.com 512.261.6600 Cibolo Creek Ranch Horseshoe Bay Resort Yacht Club

Horseshoe Bay Resort

Resting on the shores of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, Horseshoe Bay Resort is an upscale lifestyle vacation destination. “A short drive from Austin and San Antonio, the picture-perfect country scenery inspires you to unwind here,” says Marketing Manager Amy Taylor. “You can play a round of golf on three of our championship courses. There are other fun, friendly activities, including boating, tennis and pickleball. The Texas Hill Country inspires guests when you plan a meeting, social event or corporate gathering. You have a choice of intriguing meeting venues from instant hospitality suites to scenic beaches.”

The resort provides the perfect setting for functions of any size with a blend of superior service, modern technology and waterfront relaxation. In the hotel tower, which has most of the guest rooms, there are 24 event spaces. The largest can accommodate up to 800 guests seated and up to 1,000 standing. Throughout the rest of the property, there are 34 versatile, creative event spaces.

Catering is provided in-house. Favorite entrees include the grilled New York strip steak, the corn-crusted sea bass and the truffle-roasted farm chicken. Cibolo Creek Ranch; Marfa

Cibolo Creek Ranch is a true working ranch. “I’d call it a luxury ranch experience,” says General Manager Tina Harlow. “It’s in the beautiful Big Bend area and the Davis Mountains. The ranch is on a small lake that’s crystal clear. Every image is reflected off of it. It has the mountains right behind it. The tallest peak is Chinati Peak, which is about 7,100 feet. The lake is an attraction for ducks that are migrating, so there are often some lovely ducks on it. We also have two pet geese that often swim out on the lake. We have paddleboats and fishing rods for guests at no charge. We also have an outdoor pool and an outdoor hot tub. In-room masseuse treatments are available, too.”

Groups can rent the entire property, which includes both indoor and outdoor spaces. The largest indoor space can accommodate up to 60 guests seated and up to 100 standing. The largest outdoor space can host up to 250 guests seated and up to 500 standing. “We have beautiful lawns where tents can be set up,” Harlow says.

Planners can use the in-house caterer for groups of up to 100 guests or provide their own for groups of more than 100. Favorite entrees include the quail, the beef tenderloin and the salmon.