If you’re like us, you typically associate all-inclusive resorts with exotic coastal locations in South America or tropical islands in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. An all-inclusive is the perfect remedy if you need a break from the hustle and bustle.
Unfortunately, these types of resorts aren’t widely available in the U.S. The sad reality is that they’re often just too expensive to operate. But, while they’re uncommon, they still exist. And we’ve managed to track down the best all-inclusive family resorts in Texas.
Texas All-Inclusive Resorts
If you’re unfamiliar with all-inclusive resorts and still wonder what they are, here’s the deal. An all-inclusive resort or hotel offers accommodation, three meals daily, drinks, and other foods for a single price. You can eat and drink as much as you want, and the price remains the same.
Sounds too good to be true. Well, this is one of the rare cases where the product lives up to the description. Now, all-inclusive resorts aren’t cheap, and you won’t get a deal for the same price as a regular hotel stay. However, when you consider the typical costs of a vacation, including food and drinks, you’ll start to see the value.
Whether you usually stay in your hotel for most of your vacation or prefer to eat out and sample the food and drinks from nearby restaurants, your daily costs quickly increase. With an all-inclusive plan, you prepay for your food and beverages, but there are generally no constraints to what you can consume once you check-in.
Some all-inclusive resorts have limitations, however. For example, you may get three good meals daily but must eat them during specific windows. Or, you may have unlimited free drinks, but only for specific brands. You might have to pay if you want a particular wine or beer that’s not on the list.
Are They Worth It?
But all of these details are generally explained to you before you make a booking. So, are all-inclusive resorts worth it? It depends on the individual and whether you make the most of your deal. We recommend working out your average daily spend on vacation and comparing it to an all-inclusive price.
If you’re an American traveling to a cheaper country, you can get your money’s worth and more. But, as I mentioned, in The U.S., these resorts are expensive to operate, so they tend to cost a lot more. But if all you want to do is chill by the pool, sip cocktails, and eat, we’re sure you’ll enjoy the experience.
All-Inclusive Family Resorts Texas
Family vacations are special and often create some of our most treasured memories. But, on the other hand, they can be stressful, especially with young kids or lots of people. Making reservations, travel arrangements, and organizing everyone can quickly become a hassle.
That’s why all-inclusive resorts are perfect for families. You have everything you need under one roof, taking away a lot of your stress. Some hotels even have a selection of restaurants, so you don’t get tired of eating in the same place every night. In general, these places are built for your comfort.
If you can already visualize yourself and your family enjoying a peaceful getaway in an all-inclusive resort, here are our recommendations for Texas-based hotels.
Doves Rest Cabins – Canyon, TX
You won’t find many places with a more beautiful backdrop than Doves Rest Cabins. Located in the Great Southern Plains, the cabins provide breathtaking views of the Palo Duro Canyon, or “The Grand Canyon of Texas” as it is commonly referred to.
Doves Rest is designed for nature lovers. Its location in the wilderness is far off the beaten path. The skyline has no skyscrapers, and the crystal clear night sky allows you to enjoy sunrises, sunsets, and starry nights to the fullest. There are also many fun activities there, from horseback riding to ziplining.
You have multiple accommodation options on-site, with the most extensive lodging sleeping up to nine people. Each of the nine luxury cabins is an aesthetical masterpiece, and it’s impossible not to feel cozy. However, aside from outdoor activities and canyon exploration, you’ll spend most of your time at the cabin.
We recommend scheduling spa treatments at your cabin to unwind and spend quality time with your family at night. It’s important to note that the cabins aren’t all-inclusive by default. You’ll need to include private chef and butler services when booking.
Moody Gardens – Galveston, TX
As one of the most popular coastal cities in the state, many families look for all-inclusive resorts in Galveston, Texas. Moody Gardens is the ultimate spot for families with young kids. It’s one of the best kid-themed hotels in Texas (best suited for kids between 3 and 12).
Regarding kids’ entertainment, you’ve got swimming pools, an aquarium, a museum, a 3-D theater, and a water park. If that’s not enough, the hotel also features ropes, ziplines, and a lazy river, a delightful way to explore the grounds on a sunny day.
What we love about Moody Gardens is that adults aren’t forgotten about either. Sporty parents will enjoy the gym, jogging track, lap pool, tennis courts, and golf course. Not to mention the water park. But if you’re looking for relaxation, the hotel also has a spa, two beautiful restaurants, and three bars.
Moody Gardens offers standard and all-inclusive packages, so make sure to read the fine print before you make a booking.
Great Wolf Lodge – Grapevine, TX
Great Wolf Lodge offers exceptional balance for families by blending super-fun kids’ activities and quality amenities for adults. It’s conveniently located close to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, so you won’t have too much traveling to do.
Great Wolf Lodge is a dream resort for active kids. They go crazy for the water park, MagiQuest interactive game, and arcade. But the icing on the cake is the seasonal programming, where reps take kids on scavenger hunts, teach them arts and crafts, and host other fun activities.
Not only does this make for a more enjoyable vacation for the kids, but it gives parents some well-earned downtime. You can use your break to take a spa treatment or hang out in the hot tub. The hotel has several restaurants offering different types of food. The Loose Moose Cottage buffet is a family favorite.
All-inclusive packages are typically offered seasonally, so keep an eye out on their website. Alternatively, you can contact them directly to see the available Texas family vacation packages.
All-Inclusive Resorts In Texas Adults-Only
If you have teenage kids, a family or child-oriented resort may not be your ideal vacation. Family-friendly hotels are fantastic, but let’s face it, with an older group, they can be a little hectic. Luckily, there are some excellent all-inclusive options geared toward adults in Texas.
Lake Austin Spa Resort – Austin, TX
If you’re looking for luxury, it doesn’t get any better than Lake Austin Spa Resort. Located in a hideaway in the Texas Hill Country, the resort overlooks the Colorado River and offers seamless access to the shores of Lake Austin. It’s the perfect place to unwind, receive world-class service, and indulge yourself.
Most packages include all of your meals and a selection of activities. The leisure activities tend to revolve around wellness, so you can attend lakeside yoga classes, guided meditation sessions, culinary lessons, fitness classes, lake activities, speaking events, guided hikes, and much more (yes, really).
As you might have guessed from the name, the resort also features a phenomenal spa. You can book individual treatments or sign up for spa packages when you make your booking. The resort is pet-friendly, and your dog can even enjoy pampering and activities, like canine massages and doggy paddleboarding.
Unfortunately, with such a fantastic place, there’s always a catch. And with the Lake Austin Spa Resort, it’s the cost. This place is built for luxury, and there are no cut corners. Therefore, you can expect to pay a premium for your stay and any spa treatments you sign up for.
Kids aged 14 and older are welcome at Lake Austin Spa Resort.
Sage Hill Inn & Spa – Kyle, TX
If you book a stay at Sage Hill Inn & Spa, prepare to be wowed by this charming and authentically Texan luxury resort. Located in the Kyle countryside, the inn takes up an 88-acre site surrounded by some of the most beautiful protected lands in the state, including Onion Creek.
Couples usually occupy the hotel, which suits families with teenage or older kids. Most guests spend their days outdoors, exploring the stunning grounds, swimming, relaxing in the lounge areas, or playing a few games on the pickleball court.
You can also receive luxury spa treatments, pick flowers, or dine on the inn’s award-winning menu. One of the main selling points of this resort is its fresh, farm-to-table produce. Throughout the day, guests may also enjoy complimentary home-baked cookies and refreshments.
The accommodation options at Sage Hill are incredible. Various options cater to different budgets, but all are beautifully designed, combining rustic Texan design with modern chic. Some rooms have a private bar, fireplace, and hot tub. The rooms are finished with classy touches, like fresh flowers and luxury garments.
The Miraval Austin
The Miraval Austin is another slice of Texas heaven and ranks consistently among the best adult-only all-inclusive in the entire state. Nestled discreetly in the famed Texas Hill Country, it offers stunning views of the surrounding lands and panoramic vistas of Lake Travis.
Like Lake Austin Spa Resort, The Miraval is branded as a wellness resort where guests are welcome to experience a relaxing and wholesome stay. In addition to spa sessions, facials, massages, yoga, and other holistic experiences, guests can attend counseling and mindfulness lectures.
You can also enjoy the spectacular grounds by chilling at the infinity pool or participating in hiking, archery, and paddleboarding activities. The resort has a digital device policy that limits cell phones and other devices used in particular areas, helping provide a more meaningful experience.
The Marival Austin is known for its lavish accommodations. Its suites are impeccable. But again, it’s an expensive place to stay. Meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included in most packages, and you receive credit toward spa treatments and activities, but extra services must be paid for.
Even a short trip to the Miraval can cost several thousand dollars. It’s an excellent option for families, but your kids must be at least 18 years old to stay there.
Best Beach Resorts In Texas For Families
By now, you can see that there are all-inclusive family resorts in Texas, but they’re not that common. Furthermore, the most popular and well-renowned places are expensive, so planning a big family trip may get tricky. But you’ll undoubtedly have an unforgettable experience if you can afford it.
However, if you’ve decided after reading this article that a standard beach resort vacation is a better fit, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top picks for a family beach holiday in the Lone Star State.
- San Luis Resort, Galveston
- Grand Galvez, Galveston
- Hilton Galveston Island Resort, Galveston
- Isla Grand Beach Resort, South Padre Island
- Hilton Garden Inn Padre Island Beachfront, Padre Island
- Horseshoe Bay Resort, Austin
- Hyatt Regency Hill Resort & Spa, San Antonio
- Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe
Family Resorts In Texas For Winter
Texas is known for having great weather year-round. That said, winters get dicey in the north and south. While warm or mild winters can be typical in places like Austin, they’re not guaranteed. Regardless of where you are, ice storms are a relatively common experience.
As a rule of thumb, the closer you are to the Mexican border, the better the weather tends to be during winter. So, El Paso could be an ideal winter destination. But weather aside, all the resorts mentioned in this article are fantastic options at any time of year.
Naturally, the hotels with many outdoor amenities, like water parks, aren’t as fun during winter. However, they are still quality resorts and offer plenty to do indoors.
References
- Doves Rest Cabins information: dovesrestcabins.com
- Lake Austin Spa Resort information: lakeaustin.com
- Moody Gardens information: moodygardens.com
- Great Wolf Lodge all-inclusive packages: greatwolf.com
- Sage Hill Inn & Spa information: sagehill.com
- Miraval Austin information: miravalresorts.com
Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
