If you’re looking for the perfect weekend getaway without driving or flying for more than a few minutes, head to the Austin hill country to the Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa. The resort is one of the largest high-end destinations spread across 4,000 acres in Austin’s picturesque Hill Country and it has become Austin’s leading golf and spa hot spot for it’s tradition of treating travelers to a welcoming luxury experience. From the moment we arrived to when we left the resort, the staff treated us with a discerning sense of Texas hospitality and luxurious treatment each and every moment.
The resort boasts 309 spacious guest rooms and suites, each with it’s own unique view of the hill country landscape. There are several luxurious accommodations designed to fit anyone’s budget and needs. We stayed in one of the spacious 425 sq. foot Lonestar signature rooms with a balcony over beautiful looking hills.
The room is pure elegance featuring a super soft king sized bed, a large desk perfect for working, 42 inch television, a pull-out sofa and a large bathroom the can only be described as a relaxing sanctuary.
We didn’t take the time to enjoy any of the resort’s vast number of signature spa treatments but we took a quick tour of their facilities. The myriad of options at the Three Springs Spa allows guest to relax and nurter themselves by unwinding from the weekly hustle of life. If the spa isn’t your thing, head over to the spacious 11,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art fitness center where you can enjoy anything from group classes, personal training, free weights, and even punching bags if you’re looking to relieve a little frustration.
One of the biggest highlights of any luxurious resort is undoubtedly the pool. We spent a majority of our time in the water, as the resort features an indigenous natural rock setting and even a secluded hot tub. There’s also a poolside bar and wait staff serving a few frosty cocktails and food perfect for lunch or snacking. There’s also an indoor pool that is heated and open for swimming year-round.
*This summer, Omni Hotels & Resorts is celebrating it’s annual “Art of Water” poolside menu, which will showcase the uniquely North American tradition of maple harvesting this year. Through Labor Day, Omni will bring this ingredient into the spotlight through a number of offerings, including the maple-infused poolside food and beverage menu, a soothing and aromatic maple spa facial, and a maple hotel package.
If you have a family and you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with your rugrats, the Omni Barton Creek Resort is undoubtedly one of the best spots for your gang. The resort offers a wide menu of family activities or unique kid-only and adult-only options ideal for just about anyone. From a hike along the nature trail, a game of mini golf or letting the kids hunt for treasure, there’s nearly an endless number of fun activities for the family to enjoy.
In all seriousness, we love all of the fun resort activities and relaxing times by the pool, but a luxurious resort is also defined by the quality of their culinary program. Dining options available around the include the Hill Country Dining Room which is an upscale dining experience with live piano music. 8212 Wine Bar & Grill offers a more modern experience with casual and upscale Mexican and American cuisine. Executive Chef André Natera and his staff blew us away from their delicious menu offerings.
The Hill Country dining room is a formal restaurant featuring an upscale, diverse range of cuisine in a warm romantic atmosphere. The culinary staff highlights a bold, elevated menu highlighting perfectly prepared steaks and delectable items using Chef Natera’s signature Texas influence blended from the state’s rich culinary history.
We dined here on our 2nd night, where the chef and his talented staff served us a customized tasting menu with some of their most signature dishes. Our favorites were the Lobster Pot Pie, and the Tomato & Mozzarella Burrata with basil and olive oil. The staff provide an experience that’s 2nd to none as service was absolutely on point and attentive without disrupting our meal.
Brunch in the Hill Country dining room features an elevated breakfast buffet with a customized omelette station and an extensive selection of delicious options that will keep you stuffed until dinner. From classic breakfast offerings, house-made pastries, Texas hash browns and migas, the brunch buffet is far beyond the standard hotel offering.
The 8212 Wine Bar & Grill presents more of a relaxing and stylishly modern atmosphere where a diverse selection of wines may be chosen by the glass or bottle. If you’re staying an entire weekend, stop by for both lunch and dinner as the menu includes a number of casual yet signature dishes, like the Parmesan Truffle Fries, craft burgers, and the Coach Royal Chicken Sandwich. It’s a bit of a difference from the Hill Country dining room, but still boasts an elevated style of service and cuisine adding to the resort’s luxury experience.
If you’re looking for a comfortable watering hole to wet your whistle with your friends or spouse, Barton’s Lounge is a popular spot in side of the resort that’s perfect for socializing and imbibing on your favorite beers, wines, and signature cocktails.
Overall, Omni Barton Creek Resort is the perfect Austin destination for any family, a romantic getaway or a group of friends looking for a exciting weekend. With each room over-looking the rolling hills of Austin’s beautiful hill country, the resort stands out among most as one of the most luxurious destinations in Central Texas.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…