Visitors to San Antonio have seen many changes over the last 25 years, but one thing that has remained constant is the beauty, rustic -elegance and Texas friendliness experienced at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa. As the city embarks on the Tricentennial celebration of its founding, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa is also celebrating a seminal moment in its storied history—25 years of creating cherished memories for visitors from throughout the San Antonio community and the world.
HISTORY
On February 24, 1993, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa became the first destination resort in Texas and the nation’s first resort designed around living history—the Rogers-Wiseman Ranch, a family-owned property and working cattle ranch that stretched across thousands of acres. For more than 100 years before the resort opened its doors, the Rogers-Wiseman family cultivated the Hill Country land the ranch operated on, offered true Texas hospitality to visitors and raised three generations of family members on the thriving ranch.
AMAZING
From 1887 purchaser D.G. Rogers, to his prodigal son Henry and his wife Mary, to their daughter Blanche and her husband, Papa Ed, the history of the family is woven throughout the resort.
NATURAL BEAUTY
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa honors its heritage by maintaining the integrity and natural beauty of the 300 acres surrounding the property, and by offering a welcoming, relaxing and casually-elegant destination with world-class services for visitors and locals alike. Guests can still see the Rogers-Wiseman family influences and memorabilia throughout the property, like the original bill of sale from the 1880s and historic family photos that line the hallways, and the ranch’s ‘99’ cattle brand on jars of the resort’s house-made fire-roasted salsa.
“Our history is what sets us apart and makes us a destination unlike any other. By honoring the family who preserved and made this breathtaking setting possible, we’re able to offer an incredible experience that allows guests to unwind and reconnect with what truly matters—the relationships and memories we share,” said General Manager Joe Hindsley. “Two of the property’s most iconic spaces for socializing are named after family members. Aunt Mary’s lawn is where families gather on blankets during the summer to watch movies under the stars, and Henry’s Hollow, named after the ranch founder’s son who was known for merrymaking, is where we toast s’mores over a roaring fire each night with new and old friends.”
WOODBINE DEVELOPMENT
Before the resort ever opened its doors, when it was only open land full of grazing cattle, Dallas-based Woodbine Development Corporation recognized that the history of the land and the family should inform and inspire the look, feel and experience found on property. Serving as the developer/owner, Woodbine brought the resort to life in close collaboration with the family, who maintains an interest in the property to this day through the Rogers-Wiseman Family Interests.
“Several decades ago, we never dreamed our early conversations with the Wiseman family would give way to a partnership that would become the foundation for this award-winning Texas resort,” said John Scovell, founder and chairman of Woodbine.
PERFECT SOUTH TEXAS GETAWAY
“Over the years and still today, Hyatt Regency Hill Country’s success has remained deeply rooted in relationships cultivated during vacations, meetings, milestone celebrations and even workdays,” Scovell added. “This destination has become part of the stories of countless people who have come here to learn, explore, make memories and make a living. This property is also very special to Woodbine’s story and our legacy with Hyatt, and we feel honored to be part of this resort’s past and present and look forward to its future.”
RENOVATIONS AND MORE
Throughout its history the resort has undergone renovations and expansions to maintain the level of excellence guests have come to know and expect from the property. Today the resort boasts a five-acre water park with a FlowRider® wave machine, two-story waterslide, four swimming pools, and lazy river styled after the Guadalupe River; the Hill Country Golf Club, a sprawling 200-acre, 27-hole championship course designed by Arthur Hills and Associates with diverse terrain, lush hillsides, tree-shaded plateaus and tranquil ponds; and Windflower–The Hill Country Spa, a full-service spa set in an 1880s-style ranch house, featuring 21 treatment rooms offering a barn full of bliss to all who pass through its doors. The 300-acre property features 500 guestrooms and suites that are classically styled with Hill Country touches and modern amenities, and more than 100,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, including three ballrooms and a newly-renovated, glass-enclosed outdoor pavilion.
“In 2018 we celebrate 25 years of being a part of the cherished Texas tales of San Antonians and families all over the world,” Hindsley said. “We look forward to the next chapter in our story and ensuring guests create beloved memories here for generations to come.”
MORE INFO
For the history of the Rogers-Wiseman Ranch and Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, visit http://bit.ly/HyattHC25Years.
