Name: Watermark Hotel & Spa in San Antonio, Texas
Type of Spa: Urban Hotel Spa
This is the best hotel in San Antonio – urbane, sophisticated, and so romantic that Jennifer Lopez kissed on a bridge right outside in one of her movies. The hotel’s style is masculine, but women will love hand-in-hand strolling along the historic River Walk, a shady canal lined with restaurants (and no cars!)
The Setting at Watermark Hotel & Spa: This 19th century building was originally a Saddlery (yep, that means they made saddles there), then a department store. In 2003 it was reopened as a luxury hotel right on the River Walk, a shady haven rich with greenery, birds and people.
The Spa at Watermark Hotel & Spa This urbane, sophisticated, full-service spa greets you with a grand, curving staircase that sweeps up to the second floor. Four “spa suites” on the second floor have a special entrance so you can go to your room in your robe, without setting foot in an elevator. The spa suites have two-person whirlpool tubs and bamboo floors so you can get massage right in your room. They’re in high demand from couples, girlfriends, and moms and daughters. On the top floor of the hotel is a nice mind-body studio with yoga classes on weekends, a small pool, and a café for eating lunch in your robe.
Signature Treatments at Watermark Hotel & Spa: The Solus Per Aqua ($105 for 50 minutes) takes place in a hydrotherapy tub, where the massage therapist leans over to support and massage your body below the waterline. It’s different, and an interesting exercise in trust. The Watermark Restoration ($150 for 80 minutes) starts with a Swedish massage with Naturopathica’s Arnica body oil, a miracle-worker for easing aching muscles. It really gets to penetrate when the therapist rubs in a healing yucca serum and wraps warm, moist towels around your legs and on your back.
The Oxygen Facial ($150 for 80 minutes) didn’t deliver the blast of pure oxygen from a machine I was expecting. (The oxygen, apparently, is in the mask that is painted on your face.) But it was soothing and expertly delivered nonetheless. A gratuity of 18% is added to all services.
Accommodations at Watermark Hotel & Spa The rooms have unusually high ceilings – a throwback to their 19th century origin – and a restrained, sophisticated style that includes leather chairs. Rooms at the front have doors that open onto balconies overlooking the River Walk. It’s a charming view, and literally, a breath of fresh air. Marble bathrooms are roomy and have Jacuzzi tubs. It has 99 rooms.
The Food at Watermark Hotel & Spa: Pesca on the River has fresh seafood flown in from around the world, with a big oyster bar and a charming outdoor café, right on the River Walk. It’s a great place to breakfast. You can also eat at Las Canarias, a formal restaurant with live flamenco music at La Mansion del Rio, a sister hotel just across the canal.
Rates at Watermark Hotel & Spa: Rates range from $329 to $700 on weekdays and $419 - $850 on weekends. You can save a little and still use the spa if you stay at La Mansion del Rio, a sister property right across the water. www.watermarkhotel.com for current specials.
What’s Special at Watermark Hotel & Spa: The hotel’s sophistication and romantic River Walk location make it a truly unique destination.
What Could Be Better: The spa has plenty of staff, but the locker room needs to be more alert on tidy-ups.
Bottom Line: This spa is for you if you want to stay at the best hotel in San Antonio, with a luxurious spa experience. This spa is not for you if want to be outside a city, far from people.
Contact Info: Watermark Hotel & Spa, 212 West Crockett Street, San Antonio, Texas, 78205.
Telephone: 866-605-1212 or 210-396-5800 www.watermarkhotel.com
