Culture and Lifestyle Activities and Entertainment The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Texas For Your Next Trip From dude ranches to wellness resorts to family-friendly hotels. By Cynthia J Drake Cynthia J Drake Cynthia J. Drake has been a travel writer since 2009. Based in Austin, Texas, she has written for Good Housekeeping, House Beautiful, Parents, AAA, Texas Monthly, and other publications. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on July 25, 2024 Close Photo: Courtesy Rough Creek Lodge & Resort “I live here now—I’m never going back,” a woman announced after leaving a meditation class recently at Miraval Austin, and we all chuckled in blissed-out agreement. Soon we’d have to return to the real world, where our daily life revolved around more than napping in hammocks, sipping lavender vanilla lattes, and ordering dessert with every meal—luxuries to which we’d become accustomed in our short stay at this all-inclusive resort. Though Texas all-inclusives may be a bit different from their Mexican and Caribbean counterparts with open bars and expansive beaches, you might be surprised to learn that there are still quite a few options where you can check in and truly relax, with all (or most) of your meals and activities already covered in the price of your vacation. Some offer add-on packages so you have the option to include the cost of your meals with your stay. From dude ranches to wellness resorts and family-friendly hotels, if you’re looking for a splurge vacation with minimal decision making, check out these 10 best options for Texas all-inclusive resorts. 17 Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Florida 01 of 10 Cibolo Creek Ranch Courtesy Cibolo Creek Ranch Marfa This five-star resort is off the beaten path in far West Texas on 30,000 acres of land, about 30 miles from the artsy and enchanting town of Marfa. Explore the 19th century forts and the intriguing historical treasures within located right on this property, which dates back to an 1857 livestock and trade outpost built by cattle baron Milton Faver. Complimentary activities include mountain biking, and catch-and-release fishing and paddle boating on the on-site lake. Guests can arrange for additional activities, like ATV tours, horseback riding, and yoga with a tea ceremony, as well. Daily breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and a dinner with a fixed menu are included with your stay. cibolocreekranch.com, 432-729-6654, 97139 US-67, Marfa, TX 79843 Explore Marfa 02 of 10 Miraval Austin Resort & Spa Courtesy Miraval Austin Resort & Spa Austin Nestled in a hilltop overlooking the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, this all-inclusive wellness vacation comes packed with complimentary classes, from meditation to bellydancing to farm visits so you can commune with the resident chickens. All your meals are included at the resort’s on-site restaurant, with a menu packed with veggie-forward and gluten-free entrees, as well as made-to-order smoothies and coffee drinks and snacks in between your meals. Gratuities are also included, as well as access to spa facilities such as steam rooms and hot tubs. The only thing you will pay for is alcohol, any premium activity fees (floating sound bath is a highly recommended add-on), and spa treatments. This resort also has quite possibly the most comfortable beds ever—the feather mattresses feel like sleeping on a cloud. miravalresorts.com, 855-234-1672, 13500 FM2769, Austin, TX 78726 Explore Austin 03 of 10 Rancho Cortez Courtesy Rancho Cortez Bandera Rancho Cortez not only offers classic dude ranch style accommodations, but it doubles as a health and wellness ranch for guests who want to refocus their efforts to improve their health with a dose of “cowboy wellness.” Up to two-month fitness stay options are available. For other guests, pick from a variety of lodging options including traditional guest rooms and bunkhouses, with some suitable for up to 15 guests. Three buffet-style meals are provided in the on-site dining room daily (they sound an actual dinner bell when it’s time to eat). Swim in the indoor and outdoor pools and take two trail rides on horseback daily, learn to throw a lasso, and take a wagon ride to feed the longhorn cattle. ranchocortez.com, 830-796-9339, 872 Hay Hollar Rd, Bandera, TX 78003 04 of 10 Sage Hill Inn & Spa Courtesy Sage Hill Inn & Spa Kyle Located just 30 minutes southwest of Austin, Sage Hill Inn & Spa has received top praise from couples and friends reconnecting at this restful retreat. Located on 88 acres in Texas Hill Country, most rooms on the property include fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Guests can enjoy five miles of hiking trails, on-site pickleball, a pool and hot tubs. Spa services are also available. Guests are treated to a complimentary breakfast each morning, in addition to a three-course chef-prepared dinner nightly. Rooms are stocked with complimentary nonalcoholic beverages, including Mexican Coca Cola, sparkling and still water. Duchman Family Winery and Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood are popular nearby stops. sagehill.com, 512-268-1617, 4444 Ranch to Market Rd 150, Kyle, TX 78640 05 of 10 Rough Creek Lodge & Resort Courtesy Rough Creek Lodge & Resort Glen Rose Rough Creek Lodge is about an hour southwest of Fort Worth, offering an off-the-beaten-path ranch-style all-inclusive vacation on an 11,000-acre property. Accommodations range from traditional hotel-style lodging in the main lodge, with rooms overlooking Mallard Lake. Or for more privacy, opt for renting a cabin or a vacation rental home on the property. Your stay in the lodge or in a cabin includes a breakfast buffet and a three-course gourmet dinner featuring cuisine from lauded Chef Gerard Thompson. During your stay, you’ll enjoy complimentary activities from ziplining, hayrides, archery, fishing (including the use of boats), fossil hunting, bicycling, and a petting zoo. roughcreek.com, 254-965-3700, 5165 Co Rd 2013, Glen Rose, TX 76043 06 of 10 Great Wolf Lodge Courtesy Great Wolf Lodge. Grapevine (and Webster location coming soon) Many families are already familiar with the over-the-top family thrills at Great Wolf Lodge. In August 2024, Texas’s second Great Wolf Lodge location will open in Webster, 25 miles southeast of Houston on the Texas Gulf Coast.Your stay includes accommodations in various family-style rooms and suites (the KidCabin and Wolf Den suites are appointed with bunk beds and adorable camping style theming), as well as access to the spacious waterparks at both locations, and live kid-friendly entertainment throughout the day. Add-on packages for food and entertainment at the Grapevine location are available, such as the Ultimate Food & Fun Package, which includes MagiQuest games (these are interactive wand-based adventures that keep the kids occupied for hours) and wands, unlimited popcorn, sodas, and more. There are also add-on packages just for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Credits can be used at the various on-site eateries, both inside and outside the waterpark. greatwolf.com/grapevine, 800-693-9653, 100 Great Wolf Dr, Grapevine, TX 76051 07 of 10 Mayan Ranch Courtesy Mayan Ranch Bandera At this guest ranch, your stay includes three meals (except for Sundays). Rustic accommodations are assigned based on guest needs and preferences, with some rooms in the 1930s era cabins outfitted with bunk beds and fireplaces. Take two complimentary horseback rides each day. Events are planned throughout the week for guests, including hoedowns with live music, guided stargazing, and hayrides. You can also swim in the oversized on-site pool, or swim and tube on the Medina River, which runs through the property. Then swap cowboy tales over a roaring fire while roasting the perfect marshmallow. mayanranch.com, 830-796-3312, 350 Mayan Ranch Rd, Bandera, TX 78003 08 of 10 Doves Rest Courtesy Doves Rest Canyon Though not technically an all-inclusive resort, Doves Rest offers full-time concierge service to enable you to create your own packaged vacation. Located near Palo Duro Canyon about 30 minutes southeast of Amarillo, you’ll wake up to unspoiled views of Texas’s “Grand Canyon,” overlooking the breathtaking flora and fauna of the beautiful Panhandle region. To create your own all-inclusive experience, talk with your concierge about purchasing prepared breakfasts and packed lunches for hiking trips, and arranging a private chef to cook dinner for your group from the comfort of your cabin. There is a massage teepee on site available for booking spa services, as well. dovesrestcabins.com, 806-557-8998, 10500 Lighthouse Trail, Canyon, TX 79015 09 of 10 Lake Austin Spa Resort Courtesy Lake Austin Spa Resort Austin Another wellness-focused resort in Austin, Lake Austin Spa Resort is a bit smaller (40 beds in cottage-like rooms versus 117 at Miraval) and is situated right on the lakeshore, which lends itself to easy access to stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and evening wine cruises, where you can nibble nuts, fruit, and cheeses from individually prepared bento boxes while exploring this relatively secluded section of Lake Austin. Meals at two restaurants—one at the spa and one overlooking the water—are included in your stay, in addition to snacks and nonalcoholic beverages such as smoothies and wellness shots. I loved indulging in the multi course dinners, with items like Macadamia Crusted Mahi Mahi and steaks sourced from local farms. Many classes are complimentary, from Bokken-do Japanese Swords, Myofascial release in the pool, and tarot card readings. lakeaustin.com, 512-372-7300, 1705 S Quinlan Park Rd., Austin, TX 78732 10 of 10 Dixie Dude Ranch Courtesy Dixie Dude Ranch Bandera One of several dude ranches located in the central Texas town of Bandera (known as the Cowboy Capital of the World), the Dixie Dude and its neighbors may not offer luxury, but they do offer a lot of heart and hospitality. And they’re a value-packed all-inclusive vacation option that’s great for couples and families. Choose from 1940s and ’50s era cabin accommodations or a more modern bunkhouse option. Each of the 19 room options is appointed with log-style furnishings and Western decor. You won’t find Wi-Fi access or TVs in the rooms—slowing down and enjoying the cowboy life is the name of the game here. You’ll enjoy two complimentary horseback rides per day. Three included “Texas-sized” home cooked meals are prepared family-style in the chow hall daily (except for Sundays), in addition to the occasional outdoor barbecues. Iced tea, lemonade, water, and milk are included, and you can bring your own beverages, too. dixieduderanch.com, 830-796-7771, 833 Dixie Dude Ranch Rd, Bandera, TX 78003 Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit