A Wooded Retreat at Hyatt Vacation Club at Wild Oak Ranch

by Nick Schenck on July 28, 2025 in Travels,
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Have you ever returned from a family vacation and thought to yourself, “I need a vacation from my vacation?” 

Rest assured: That won’t happen after visiting Hyatt Vacation Club at Wild Oak Ranch, a turnkey, family-friendly resort in the outskirts of San Antonio. 

I recently discovered this peaceful retreat with my wife and daughters, ages 11 and 12. The property offers a unique blend of natural beauty and resort amenities. It was the perfect early summer getaway for us.

A Rustic Welcome

A view of the spacious living room suite with high ceilings. Photo Nick Schenck.

Our first impression of Wild Oak Ranch was one of immediate calm. It’s still in San Antonio, but its wooded location in the Texas Hill Country feels private and secluded. The property sprawls across a beautiful undulating landscape. It perfectly balances a quiet nature setting with convenient access to city amenities. Nearby shops, restaurants, and grocery stores are only a short drive away. For those seeking more urban adventures, San Antonio’s famous River Walk and historic Alamo are about a 20-30 minute drive.

The main lodge features a large lobby. Several other buildings dot the property. These include hotel rooms, a fitness center, and an arcade. A charming cafe also sits on the grounds. 

We spent most of the vacation relaxing poolside at the main hotel pool area. Photo Nick Schenck.

The resort features two distinct pool areas. One large pool features both indoor and outdoor sections that are connected. It also has two water slides, a big hit with kids. There’s also a lazy river with private cabanas and a sandy beach a short walk down the hillside.

We loved how spacious the grounds were. It never felt overcrowded. And we even saw deer, rabbits, and hawks in the wooded areas.

Home Away From Home

Our suite on the third floor felt like a home away from home. It featured two comfortable bedrooms. It also had a full kitchen, perfect for preparing meals. A private balcony offered a quiet spot to unwind. The living area included a television, and each bedroom had its own TV. We enjoyed the convenience of a dishwasher in the kitchen. A washing machine and dryer were also available near the entrance.

We were welcomed to our hotel suite with this incredible charcuterie board. Photo Nick Schenck.

The master bedroom was well-appointed with a king-sized bed and a spacious en-suite bathroom with two individual sinks, large shower, and separate bathtub. The second bathroom was off the hallway. It led to the second bedroom, which had two twin-sized beds. Upon arrival, a delicious charcuterie basket awaited us. This thoughtful touch made us feel instantly welcomed.

Endless Activities for All Ages

If your kids are bored at Wild Oak Ranch, do not blame the hotel.

For instance, Saturday’s schedule included “DYE-namic Tees” and “Stuff A Buddy” workshops. A “Water Volleyball Match” and an evening “Block Party” also kept everyone entertained. Sunday offered “Diving for Diamonds” and “Resin Art.” A “Summer Pool Bash” was followed by a “Game Of Ranch” and “Slime” making. The day ended with a “Luau with Lilo and Stitch” movie night.

Making slime was a big hit with kids at the resort. Photo Nick Schenck.

We spent hours enjoying the water amenities. Floating down the 800-foot lazy river was a family favorite. Our daughters also joined other guests for lively games of water volleyball. Tossing a volleyball around in the pool was always fun. My daughters especially loved the thrilling water slides. I even found time to relax in one of the two hot tubs, enjoying both the indoor and outdoor options.

Beyond the pools, my daughter and I enjoyed a workout in the well-equipped fitness center. We played outdoor chess near the cafe, a nice change of pace. My wife and I also sipped some refreshing drinks poolside from J.B.’s Poolside Restaurant.

One evening, we gathered for s’mores around the firepits on the property. We also enjoyed simply strolling around the expansive property on the various walking paths. The beautiful trees and thoughtful landscaping offered a peaceful setting. For golf enthusiasts, the nearby Hyatt Hill Country Golf Course is a convenient option.

Unforgettable Moments and Lasting Impressions

S’mores at the Wildflower Pavilion hit the spot. Photo Nick Schenck.

The most memorable moment of the trip was watching our youngest daughter during the Saturday night Block Party. This event took place in the manicured lawns at the Wildflower Pavilion. She met other girls her age and they instantly connected. They danced together (hotel staff served as the DJ) and shared s’mores. Seeing her so happy and having such a blast was priceless.

Our overall takeaway from the vacation was relaxation. The resort truly feels like a natural oasis. Yet, it is only a short, convenient drive from our home in Austin. We would highly recommend Hyatt Vacation Club at Wild Oak Ranch to other families. It manages to feel like a high-end resort without being pretentious.

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Cover photo Nick Schenck

Nick Schenck is the co-founder and CEO of 3rd + Lamar, a video agency in Austin. He began his career writing in the National Football League during stints with the San Diego Chargers and Houston Texans.