Grand Hyatt San Antonio - One of Texas' Shining Stars

The chic and trendy Grand Hyatt San Antonio located in downtown San Antonio, Texas offers 37 stories of luxury and an amazing view of the city's beautiful skyline. The Grand Hyatt SA is the place to stay if you want to  experience the culturally rich area of San Antonio. With it's history and local attractions like The Alamo, The River Walk, Sea World, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, you can enjoy a variety of vacation options in this vibrant and friendly City!

Upon entering the lobby of the Grand Hyatt San Antonio you are greeted by the stunning decor, modern with a Latin flair, the bold colors and gorgeous light fixtures give it the feel of an art gallery.  The staff is attentive and cheerful and call you by name from the minute you check in ( and they don't forget it, I love that) My room was spacious, beautiful, and spotlessly clean with the most comfortable bed I have slept on in years..I seriously had the best nights sleep while there!

Start your day with a quick trip to Perks Coffee & More located in the lobby. Delicious frappucinos, lattes, fresh brewed coffee, juice, muffins, and lots of prepared snacks you can grab and go as you head out to explore the many sites and sounds of San Antonio that are right outside your door! Literally, all you have to do is walk outside and you are right on San Antonio's famous River Walk. The best way to describe the River Walk is "full of life"! A 5 mile network of walkways along the San Antonio River, River Walk is lined with shops, restaurants, tranquil gardens, local craftsman selling unique jewelery, clothing, and decor, music, and much more. Take your time and stroll the Walk or hop in a water taxi and float along the river as you listen to mariachi bands, admire the architecture, and hear about the history and landmarks of the area. Other local attractions like the San Antonio Zoo, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Sea World, Market Square, and the San Antonio Botanical Garden are located just a short distance from the Grand Hyatt San Antonio. This City has so much to offer you are sure to find the vacation experience that fits your family's needs!

The hotel's heated roof-top lap pool has a breath taking view of the City. Spend the afternoon lounging poolside or end your busy day with a quick dip as you take in the sites of the skyline. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the 3 fabulous restaurants at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio. The Achiote River Cafe located on the River Walk offers an exciting Pan Latino menu. Treat yourself to a mojito and some ceviche as you overlook the San Antonio River at Terrace Bar  or have some sushi and cocktails at Bar Rojo.

My family had a great time at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio. The location was perfect for us with all of its marvelous amenities and easy access to all that San Antonio has to offer. San Antonio and the Grand Hyatt will see us again soon! For more information on the Grand Hyatt San Antonio visit www.grandsanantonio.hyatt.com or call (210) 270-8498.

The Smurfs in 3-D

Our little blue friends the Smurfs are back and taking on the Big Apple! Only 3 apples high themselves, the Smurfs need to figure out a way to get back to their mushroom village after being chased out by the evil wizard Gargamel. Transported through a magic portal they find themselves on the busy streets of New York City. Join Papa Smurf, Smurfette ( voiced by Katy Perry), Clumsy, Grouchy, Brainy, and Gutsy Smurf as they meet new friends Patrick & Grace ( Neil Patrick Harris & Jayma Mays), expectant parents whose lives are turned upside down by the arrival of these tiny blue beings. With Gargamel ( Hank Azaria) in pursuit they have to find their way home before they end up in his clutches. 

I had the opportunity to preview The Smurfs 3-D with my family in tow and we all enjoyed it. The movie had many of the familiar elements of the Smurfs TV cartoon that was on while I was growing up; the Smurfs theme song ( remember "la-la la, la, la la sing a happy song"?), the cute little mushroom village & teamwork of all the Smurfs together, and, of course, Gargamel and his sidekick Azreal the Cat, still trying to capture the Smurfs! Watching the Smurfs as they navigated their way around famous NYC landmarks ( Central Park, FAO Schwarz,Times Square, etc.) was very entertaining!  It's hard enough to make your way through the City as a "human" let alone as a Smurf and the director, Raja Gosnell,  had us laughing all the way through the "smurfy" dialogue as we get to experience the Smurfs in modern day. We had so much fun following the Smurfs on their journey back to Smurf Village. It was wonderful to share something that I grew up watching with my own children. ( I confess, I still have my Smurfette doll tucked away in a keepsake box). Clever with just the right amount silliness mixed in, The Smurfs 3-D is a great movie for the whole family! And at just under just under an hour and a half, the movie is the perfect length to keep the attention of  little ones. 

A heart warming story about Family and sticking together, the Smurfs 3-D, will charm parents and a whole new generation of children! Welcome back Smurfs! The Smurfs 3-D opens this Friday 7/29. ( Be sure to stay tuned through the credits to see how the Smurfs NYC experience influences the rebuilding of their Village :) )

Some Fun Smurf Facts:

• The Smufs have been around since 1958 and were originally called the "Schtroumpfs"
• Hank Azaria, who played Gargamel, shaved his head for the role. He spent over a 130 hours in a make up chair during the process of making the movie.
• Smurfette is the only female Smurf (see the movie to find out why)
• Three new Smurfs are introduced in the movie: Crazy, Gutsy, & Panicky.
• Smurfs are vegetarians
• For many years the Smurfs were part of the Ice Capades shows
• It took 3 years to develop the script to the Smurfs movie

          

Get Lost in Family Adventure at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort

Photo courtesy of The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort

Situated along the banks of the Colorado River between Austin & Bastrop, Texas the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort is the kind of place that has you planning your next visit there before you even leave! Whether you want a  family vacation, a couples getaway, or both, the Lost Pines Resort has it all covered and then some!

Some of Beautiful Grounds at The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort - photo by Susan Pazera

 There are over 16 miles of trails where you can horseback ride, bike ride ( the bike rentals are free), and hike as you take in the gorgeous property that encompasses the Lost Pines Resort. Rafting or kayaking on the Colorado River, swimming in the 1,000 foot Crooked River Water Park, tennis, zipline, climbing wall , and golfing at Wolf Dancer Golf Club are all part of the many experiences offered at the Resort.

The Lazy River at The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort - photo by Susan Pazera

My son having fun on the water slide at The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort -photo by Susan Pazera

 My 16 year old son had the opportunity to kayak the Colorado with certified guides. It was his first time kayaking and the guides were exceptional,  he caught on quickly and learned the history of the area while paddling down the river!

Photo courtesy of The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort

 Want to indulge in a little pampering? Sign the kids up for Camp Hyatt,( more below) the Resort's program for children, while you relax and get a massage at Spa Django. Spa Django offers therapeutic massage, deep tissue, facials, manicures, pedicures and many other body treatments. I was invited to experience a wonderful "Django Massage", a combination of relaxation and aromatherapy. Kendra, my wonderful masseuse, was the best. Not only did I get a fantastic massage, I received a lesson on "Django", which means " I awaken"and got to listen to music by Django Reinhardt from which the signature massage gets it's inspiration. The little ones can indulge in some pampering too at the Wilde Hare Youth Spa. Ice Cream pedicures, Ooey Gooey manicures, glam hair extensions, and princess hairdos are offered for the younger set!

Photo courtesy of The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort

 My youngest two children got to experience Camp Hyatt. They went on a nature hike, did crafts ( my 4 year old loves the ceramic piggy bank she got to paint), played indoor and outdoor sports, watched a movie ( popcorn included :) and had a great afternoon. It was very hard to get them to leave! Camp Hyatt was their favorite part of the day!

Don't miss visiting the Resort mascots, two Longhorn Steers ( T-Bone & Rib Eye ). There are "meet, greet, and seat" events available that allow you to interact with them and even sit in their saddles. They also have two Percheron draft horses that provide wagon rides throughout the resort. Say hello to Hoss too, their 125 pound Newfoundland "pup"!

Photo courtesy of The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort

There are so many dining experiences to choose from at the Lost Pines Resort.  Firewheel Cafe and Sheller's Bar and Grill are perfect for the whole family. For super casual poolside dining there's Old Buck's Place located right next to the lazy river! If you are looking for elegant dining be sure to check out Stories Fine Dining Establishment , fine wine and beautiful decor and everything you need to celebrate special moments. And for dessert?? End your day by the fire pit making S'mores and watching a movie on the Big Screen under the stars!

Enjoying S'mores by the Firepit at The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort -photo by Susan Pazera

The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort is the ideal place for a family vacation and also for the couple looking for a romantic getaway. We had a wonderful time and like I said, the planning has already started for our next visit!
For more information about Lost Pines visit www.lostpines.hyatt.com or call (512)308-1234.

Another beautiful picture of the Grounds at The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort- photo by Susan Pazera