Texas Hill Country road trip: The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa

The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa is a luxurious yet rugged destination for a Texas Hill Country road trip. Photo: JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa, used with permission.

With road trip travel continuing to gather steam in 2021, Americans have the unique opportunity to rediscover their own backyard. One stop to consider for an epic Texas road trip is the luxurious yet rugged JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa. (JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa, 2021)

Nestled among the sloping hills of Sonora, JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa offers unmatched luxury in the Texas Hill Country. The 32-room boutique resort just a few hours away from major Texas cities boasts standalone accommodations on the sprawling 13,000-acre property. With wide-open space and conveniently located near Texas Wine Country and the iconic Sonora Caverns – JL Bar is perfect for cross-country road-trippers looking to refuel and recharge. The resort is also ideal for those seeking an extended stay that immerses them in all things Texas with activities and amenities including:

Luxury Cabins & Cottages: The JL Bar Ranch boasts 16 standalone luxury cabins and 16 spacious guest rooms with premium amenities, as well as the new Archer’s Nest Villa, a stunning six-bedroom villa that accommodates up to 12 guests and has a private swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, and a full home theatre. The resort also has “drive-up” style rooms with private golf carts available, perfect for a naturally distanced getaway.

Hill Country Adventures: From a full equestrian program featuring horseback riding and a horse psychology experience to off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, weekend yoga, wine tasting, and clay and skeet shooting, JL Bar Ranch’s slew of activities and programming take place primarily outside for the ultimate ‘safecation’ escape.

Cowboy Cookout: The culinary team at JL Bar Ranch has designed a decadent and interactive social distancing-approved dining experience with its new Cowboy Cookout. Guests can take in the Texas Hill Country views with a horseback ride to the property’s cookout camp, enjoy cocktails and snacks as the culinary team prepares a lavish steak dinner, and relax to country music while soaking in the magnificent sunset.

Relax & Recharge: To balance its outdoorsy and adventure programming, JL Bar Ranch guests can
unwind and practice self-care at the property’s full-service spa, which offers luxurious massages and spa treatments alongside a full nail/salon menu.

Valentine’s Day spa packages at Hiatus Spa + Retreat

Hiatus Spa + Retreat has four packages available for Valentine’s Day. Photo: Molly Culver, used with permission.

This year for Valentine’s Day, Hiatus Spa + Retreat has four spa packages available. These include The Greatest Love of All, The Love Everlasting, The Unforgettable, and the Take the Romance Home. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2021)

The Greatest Love of All – Invest in yourself this year with The Tailor-Made Facial and The Signature Massage. Two hours to just do you. 2 hours $179 | $138 H-Circle ($220 value)

The Love Everlasting – Give built-in me-time all year long with a one-year membership to H-Circle our spa lifestyle. Includes a signature Hiatus neck wrap and a $50 spa credit to use toward products or other services as our gift. $69/month on credit card

The Unforgettable – The super-customized Yours Truly Massage is paired with The One & Only Mani-Pedi and The Honey-Dew Facial for a spa day that will leave you glowing, and forever ours. 4 hours, $349 | $287 H-Circle

Take The Romance Home – Give both you and your sweetheart what you really need – some space. Pick between two 90-minute Essential Services and relax simultaneously, from separate rooms. Then take a special package with you complete with champagne, a sweet treat, and a Hiatus Everyday Aroma Oil to experience Hiatus at home. $350 | h-circle $239

Hiatus Spa + Retreat is a fresh kind of full-service spa that has changed the wellness industry with eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies, and an innovative spa subscription model. Powered by products with real green ingredients and a high-touch experience, Hiatus’ personalized approach to wellness is driven by the view that regular relaxation should be an empowering part of a healthy, happy lifestyle.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat offers three packages this holiday season

Hiatus Spa + Retreat has holiday gift packages. Photo: Molly Culver, used with permission.

This holiday season, Hiatus Spa + Retreat has created the perfect packages to give loved ones a day of self-care. Spa packages include two-plus hours of one-of-a-kind experiences with The All About You, three of the most in-demand spa services in The Peace, Love, Joy, and more. Below is more information on this year’s holiday packages. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2020)

The Merry + Bright – Two is better than one. Pick any two Essential Services–The Signature Massage, The Tailor-Made Facial, The One & Only Mani-Pedi, or The Body Wrap–and make a day of your getaway. 2+ hours, $179 (up to $220 value)

The Peace, Love, + Joy – Our three most in-demand services —The Signature Massage, The Tailor-Made Facial and The One & Only Mani-Pedi — are bundled up and tied with a bow, for your sugar plum. 3.5 hours, $259 ($320 value)

The All About You – Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience with The You Dew You HydraFacial® and The Yours Truly Massage. We love this journey for you. 2+ hours, $329 ($380 value)

With eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies, and an innovative spa subscription model, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is a fresh kind of full-service spa that has changed the wellness industry. Powered by products with real green ingredients and a high-touch experience, Hiatus’ personalized approach to wellness is driven by the view that regular relaxation should be an empowering part of a healthy, happy lifestyle.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat debuts Hiatus Everyday product line

Hiatus Everyday product line includes Friday Happy Hour, Saturday Pastime and Sunday Matinee. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat, the award-winning Texas day spa with eight locations across the state, is excited to announce the launch of the Hiatus Everyday product line, which is now available at all locations and online. The product line features two collections, The Weekend Collection and The Spa Day Collection, and includes over 20 products, such as aroma oil, hand and body wash, body butter, charcoal scrub and more. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2020)

Created to embody each unique day of the weekend, The Weekend Collection features the Friday Collection, the Saturday Collection and the Sunday Collection. Each day of The Weekend Collection features two unique aromas in the following products: aroma oil, hand and body wash, body butter and charcoal scrub.

The Friday Collection features uplifting and invigorating aromas with Happy Hour, a blend of blood orange, cardamom and pine needles, designed to put a smile on your face and leave you sparkling and Recess, featuring white sage, eucalyptus and spearmint, inviting you to exhale and hold space for whatever comes next.

The Saturday Collection blends soothing herbal and calming floral notes in the aromas with Pastime, a blending of layered florals with Amyris and citrus for an interesting yet playful aroma; and Daydream, a combination of lavender, bergamot, and chamomile for a soothing way to rest the senses.

The Sunday Collection brings warming woods, earthy herbals and a hint of sweet citrus to the aromas with Take Five, a comforting, warm, slightly herbal aroma of frankincense, petitgrain, and sandalwood; and Matinee, a balanced blend of clary sage, lavender, and cedarwood with a hint of floral.

In addition to The Weekend Collection, Hiatus is also debuting The Spa Day Collection featuring three products, including a Margarita Lip Scrub that was inspired by the sweet and tangy grit of margarita salt; Mojito Lip Balm, a velvety balm with refreshing cucumber and bergamot for a fresh take; and All-Clear Aroma Mist, a smudge in a spray with a balance of sage, sweet orange, and cedarwood to bring a moment of ritual to your everyday routine.

Hiatus Everyday products are now available online and in all eight Hiatus locations with product prices ranging from $7 to $27. Throughout the month of October, Hiatus invites guests to Spa for a Cause with $1 from the sale of every Hiatus Everyday product benefitting Peabody Fund: The Cancer Vaccine Project. The packaging design features watercolor images that mimic the art in each of the spas created by Texas-based artist Jan Heaton. The Weekend Collection features colors that are representative of the day of the week–Friday is green, which evokes life; Saturday is blue, which has a calming effect; and Sunday is terracotta, which grounds the soul. The team at Hiatus is excited to continue to grow the collection with additional products in the future.

“Five years in the making, this project is truly a labor of love. Our debut line is an extension of the Hiatus experience, made to enhance daily health and wellness rituals—hence the name Hiatus Everyday. We selected the cleanest natural ingredients and were grateful to have found a Texas partner who crafts exquisite, sustainably sourced, small-batch products, which help to incorporate our core principles into everyday life.” – Hiatus Co-Founder Sheila Garrison

Pinks on the Patio at La Cantera Resort & Spa

Pinks on the Patio is one way La Cantera Resort & Spa is honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

This month, La Cantera Resort & Spa is going PINK in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month and names WINGS its beneficiary of a month-long campaign. Last year, La Cantera Resort donated $16,000 to WINGS from the overall resort wide donation initiatives. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2020)

Every Thursday evening from October 1 through 22, the La Cantera Family will be raising its glasses, and donations, to the efforts and actions of WINGS. Pinks on the Patio, just off the main lobby entrance, will feature live music every Thursday from 6p.m. to 8p.m., with $11 cocktails, $10 Chandon Brut Rosé and One Hope Chardonnay available with complimentary pink popcorn with $2 from each drink special will going back to WINGS. Social distancing and mask requirements will be enforced.

GLOW, a night under the Texas stars at Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness, from 7p.m. to 10p.m. October 14 and 28 also benefits WINGS. Guests will enjoy a co-ed experience with live music, individual charcuterie and a mini bottle of Chandon in a socially distance setting. Masks will be required upon entry and throughout the spa. Guest will be able to explore the Himalayan Salt Saunas, Herbal Steam Rooms, Vitality Pools and outdoor infinity edge pool and heated Jacuzzis. Tickets are $100 per person with $5 of each ticket going to WINGS. Ages 21 and over only, swimwear required at all times.

The landscaping on Plaza San Saba just off the resort’s main lobby will have a rosy hue at dusk, as PINK LED lights bring focus to the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

WINGS’ mission is to bridge the gap between diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, providing comprehensive breast health services to uninsured women in Central and South Texas because everyone deserves a lifetime. WINGS is the only program of its kind in the country providing this kind of support for women with breast cancer. The program has provided support to over 900 South Texas women with breast cancer and over $12 million in healthcare services. Over 95% of the women treated through WINGS are still living as a result of the program. WINGS maintains an efficiency rating of 94%, which is above that of the average non-profit organization.

La Cantera Resort & Spa reopens June 3

plazasansaba — La Cantera Resort & Spa will reopen for business on June 3. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

La Cantera Resort & Spa announced last week that it will reopen for business on Wednesday, June 3. Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness will open Monday June 1 for hair and nail appointments only; and Signature, Inspired by Chef Andrew Weissman, will reopen its award-winning dining room on Tuesday, June 2 at 5:30p.m. for dinner service and Sunday Brunch. Signature hour remains suspended. The Resort golf course is now open seven days a week. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2020)

La Cantera Resort will continue to practice social distancing based on guidelines provided by the CDC, American Hotel & Lodging Association, Benchmark Hotels & Resorts, and elected officials, therefore limiting occupancies in areas such as restaurants, pools, lobby, etc., including limiting overnight occupancy to 50 percent of capacity to optimize social distancing. The Resort will continue to monitor ongoing conditions of COVID-19.

La Cantera Resort has teamed with safety, engineering, chemical partners, consultants and the CDC to develop LA CANTERA’S CLEAN TOUCH initiative.

LA CANTERA’S CLEAN TOUCH standards include:

Dedicated Sanitation personnel in all guest and associate areas.
Sanitizing stations throughout The Resort
Sanitation amenities will be included in your welcome packet and in-room
Enhanced valet safety and sanitization procedures
Guestrooms subject to electro-misting systems for comprehensive sanitation
Daily in-room housekeeping is temporarily suspended
The Resort will continue to practice social distancing standards throughout The Resort, based on guidelines provided by the CDC and Texas Government
Social distancing in all restaurants and bars with single use menus, gloves and masks for service staff and elimination of self-serve buffets
Contact-Free services where applicable
Hospital-Grade Merv 15 HVAC filters for HVAC systems
Use of La Cantera Resort & Spa App (coming soon) is strongly encouraged and will allow for a heightened contact-free ability to maneuver around the resort including check in, check out, food ordering, etc.
Temperature testing of all associates upon entry to The Resort

“Service excellence and memorable moments that guests have come to expect from the Resort will be artfully balanced with safety and sanitation protocols to continue to produce exceptional experiences in our unrivaled Hill Country Oasis – featuring expansive indoor and outdoor spaces to allow for natural social distancing and the option to be with friends and family or find your own place of solitude. Given the constant flow of new intelligence and ongoing developments, La Cantera Resort’s Clean Touch initiative will continuously evolve as new protocols continue to emerge.” – John Spomer, Vice President & Managing Director for La Cantera Resort & Spa.

Holiday shopping deals around town

Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission.

This week, Black Friday ushers in the holiday shopping season and area businesses are offering special deals to their customers to help them get the most for their dollars. (Shake Shack, Pluckers Wing Bar, Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2019)

In celebration of Black Friday, Shake Shack will be running a Black FryDay promotion from November 27 through December 1. Each guest (for all order modes – in-Shack, App pick-up, or delivery order) will receive a scratch-off ticket in their bag for the chance to win a prize. The scratch off area is the first gondola and all cards will be a winner. Prizes include: Free burger with any $20+ order or free fries with any $15+ order on the Shack App, Free Delivery with any $15+ order through Grubhub or Free Shack for a year (aka a $2,500 gift card). This offer would be a great time to try one of Shake Shack’s holiday shakes: Christmas Cookie Shake, Chocolate Peppermint Shake and Coconut Snowball Shake – which are offered now through January 5.

- Christmas Cookie Shake: Sugar cookie frozen custard, topped with whipped cream, crumbled shortbread and holiday sprinkles.
- Chocolate Peppermint Shake: Chocolate custard, peppermint fudge sauce, topped with whipped cream and chocolate peppermint bark.
- Coconut Snowball Shake: Vanilla custard, coconut, marshmallow, topped with whipped cream, coconut and sprinkles.

Pluckers Wing Bar will be offering $10 Pluckers Club Memberships on Black Friday and 20%-off everything via the Pluckers Shop (excluding gift cards) on Cyber Monday. Pluckers Club members enjoy a variety of rewards, including, but not limited to, free birthday meals, invitations to exclusive events, food and drink specials and more. Pluckers club membership is now available through the app on iTunes and Google Play – a treat for current and aspiring members.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat is running a special on their Bright and Early gift cards perfect for holiday gifting, stocking stuffers and to kick off the new year. Guests who purchase an online gift card valued at $125.00 get it for only $99.00. The limited time offer is valid through Friday, November 29. Hiatus Spa + Retreat is ringing in the holidays with the December monthly specials and holiday packages such as:

- - - The Merry & Bright: Two is better than one. Pick any two Essential Services–The Signature Massage, The Tailor Made Facial, The One & Only Mani-Pedi, The Body Glow or The Body Wrap–and make a day of your getaway. 2 or more hours, $179 (up to $220 value)
    - The Peace, Love, & Joy: their three most in-demand services —The Signature Massage, The Tailor Made Facial and The One & Only Mani-Pedi — are bundled up and tied with a bow, for your sugar plum 3.5 hours, $269 ($320 value)

December Monthly Retreat: December in Manhattan
“Embrace the holiday frenzy with our take on December in Manhattan – inspired by the timeless cocktail. A gentle full-body exfoliation prepares you to be smothered in a warm masque of antioxidant-rich Black Cherries, spicy Nutmeg and luscious Bourbon Vanilla. Unwind with a deeply penetrating massage, letting the fragrant masque nurture your skin and inspire your senses. A final rinse under the Vichy shower leaves you soft, sultry and satisfied, ready to sip a heart-melting Manhattan made with housemade bourbon and Madagascar vanilla-infused cherries.” (80-minute service for $195)

Father’s Day packages at Hiatus Spa + Retreat

hiatusfathersday — The Frosty Mug is just one of the packages available at Hiatus Spa + Retreat to celebrate dad this Father’s Day. Photo: Molly Culver, used with permission.

Father’s Day is coming up this month and Hiatus Spa + Retreat has packages to give Dad a well-deserved spa day. Each package at Hiatus is personalized from start to finish. All services include a purifying foot soak ritual and the signature hand and foot massage, along with a sensory journey and customized aromatherapy. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2019)

Father’s Day Packages include:
Frosty Mug: 80 mins, $195 | H-Circle $139 – After a thorough Dead Sea Salt body polish with woody essences of Cedar and Vetiver, Dad receives a shampoo and conditioning hair treatment with lathery scalp massage and a cool water rinse. Next is a refreshing massage under the warm Vichy shower with smooth stones of frozen beer that is sure to awaken the senses and boost circulation. An aromatic warm oil massage closes the experience but Dad’s retreat would not be complete without a frosty mug of local craft brew.

The Dad Bod: 2-3 Hours, $189 (normally $220) H-Circle $138 – His deserving choice of any two Hiatus Essential Services: The Signature Massage, The Tailor-Made Facial, The Body Glow, The Body Wrap, The One & Only Mani-Pedi

The Tip Top: 2 Hours, $210 (normally $250) H-Circle $168 – Knock it out of the park with two of the most popular services to leave Dad feeling shiny and new. First a sports massage with a custom blend of essential oils and guided stretching to banish aches and knots. Then, Pop gets an invigorating facial of exfoliation, masque and aromatherapy steam plus a hand and food massage. It ends with a restorative scalp treatment that makes this the perfect package from head-to-toe.

H-Circle Dad – H-Circle Members – There is nothing Dad likes more than spending time with kids. So, make it a family spa day and give him H-Circle guest pricing when he accompanies a member for a spa visit during the month of June. If he joins, Hiatus will waive his enrollment fee.

With soon-to-be seven locations across Texas, six years on Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies and an innovative spa subscription model, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is a fresh kind of full-service spa that has changed the wellness industry. Powered by products with real green ingredients and a high-touch experience, Hiatus’s personalized approach to wellness is driven by the view that regular relaxation should be an empowering part of a healthy, happy lifestyle.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 4, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355

Hiatus Spa + Retreat H-Circle Summer Memberships

hiatusspavalentines — Hiatus Spa + Retreat has special offers for the summer. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat, the award-winning day spa with five locations across Texas, is excited to offer new clients a summer retreat and an opportunity to experience their renowned H-Circle membership for three months. For only $69 per month, members can choose one essential service per month and the option to book additional services at the discounted member pricing, 10% off of all retail products, priority booking and discounts for any guests. Offer is available starting Saturday June 1 and guests who take advantage of it will receive a $50 gift card with the membership to spend at the spa. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2019)

H-Circle members can treat themselves to one of six of the following essential services each month:

• The Signature Massage: Mixing Swedish techniques and customized aromatherapy, this service will relax muscles, improve circulation, increase range of motion and stimulate the skin and nervous system. Restore balance, reduce tension and peace out.

• The Tailor-Made Facial: In this essential facial, our expert esthetician will carefully analyze the skin, paying particular attention to imbalances and seasonal changes. Integrated aromatherapy, aromatic steam, lymphatic massage and acupressure techniques accompany this deeply relaxing, customized facial.

• The One & Only Mani-Pedi: Kick up those heels in a zero-gravity chair, add an eye pillow, blanket, and warm neck wrap and let us go to town with a polish, buff, and shine.

• The Body Glow: In this 40-minute full-body renewal the entire body is polished with essential oils and dead sea salts to invigorate and cleanse, followed by a rejuvenating rainfall Vichy shower in the hydrotherapy room.

• Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese practice uses fine, disposable needles to access the meridian system along which energy pathways of the body flow. Restoring blood circulation to organs and tissue kick starts the body’s natural healing and balancing abilities. Enjoy a deeply relaxing experience that results in relief and healing from a variety of issues, including chronic pain, stress management, allergy symptoms, weight control, smoking cessation, fatigue and more.

• The Body Wrap: In this hydrating wrap, guests be exfoliated, smoothed, softened and then wrapped in warm layers. A restorative scalp and foot massage balances the whole body. Choice of warming or cooling ingredients.

The three-month summer membership must be purchased by August 1 and all three services must be used by October 31.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 4, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355

Spa for a Cause at Hiatus Spa + Retreat for Earth Month

Hiatus Spa + Retreat is excited to announce their annual month-long fundraiser at all locations to honor Earth Month this April. Hiatus will host ‘Spa for a Cause,’ to benefit charity:water, which includes a special water-conserving monthly retreat and special pricing on Essential Services. Each of these specials will support Hiatus’ $10,000 fundraising goal for charity:water, a nonprofit organization delivering clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries. For the past three years, by reaching their fundraising goal, charity:water was able to build two wells in Ethiopia benefitting over 300 people. Hiatus intends to meet its goal again this year.(Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2019)

Hiatus is offering a special discount of 20% off all Essential Services during the month of April when guests book ‘Spa for a Cause’ branded services with promo code “charity water.” 20% of profits from these services go towards charity:water. Hiatus will also donate $10 to charity:water for each guest who enrolls in the H-Circle membership program during the month of April.

This year, Hiatus will offer Stone Unturned, a special water conserving monthly retreat for April. A skin-quenching experience, after a dry-brush exfoliation, the skin is drenched in nourishing shea and cocoa butter while hot stones glide from head to toe. As the warmth of the stones fades, they are gently situated under the body to continue melting away tension while the body is enveloped in layers of a warm wrap. Fall into deeper relaxation with a reflexology session and awaken with a refreshing cool stone face massage. The result is radiant skin and good karma knowing this service contributes to clean water initiatives.

Hiatus strives to be earth-friendly year-round and has made the environment a cornerstone of its business philosophy. This includes from initial build-out to ongoing initiatives, such as bottle cap recycling, 100 percent wind-powered energy, VOC-free paint finishes, post-consumer recycled paper printed with soy ink and its no-bottled-water policy.

Sheila Garrison, Kristin Peabody and partner Bill Garrison founded Hiatus Spa + Retreat in Dallas in 2007. Since then, the spa has received numerous accolades, including the Innovate Award, International Spa Association – 2013, Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Companies 2012 – 2018, American Spa Magazine – Favorite Day Spa 2016, D Magazine’s Best of Big D 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 – Best Spa. With five successful locations in Dallas, Austin, Plano and San Antonio and two new Texas locations opening soon, the Texas-born day spa features fifty-plus signature treatments with a high-touch experience.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Parkway, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355

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