Travel Planner: Burnet, TX

Though it's been around since 1946, the Flying L is anything but stuck in the past. Guests can horseback ride, go on hayrides, and enjoy nightly s'mores roasting, as is the case with most dude ranches, but this expansive 772-acre property also has an 18-hole golf course, a water park and lounging pool, and an entire kids' activity program. Accommodations range in size from stand-alone villas with room for 13 to smaller condo-like suites that sleep four to six. All have a gas fireplace and cozy bedding. Pros:

Well-appointed condos including washer/dryer, variety of activities to choose from.

Homesites built up around the golf course take away from the resort feel, thin walls make things audible between condos. www.flyingl.com. 23 rooms, 36 suites. In-room: kitchen. In-hotel: golf course, pools, tennis court. Credit cards accepted. Rate includes: All-inclusive.

Fortune 1000 execs and groups galore flock to this resort on 4,000 acres of prime Hill Country acreage in a tony area west of Austin. Among the many top-resort amenities are four championship golf courses (two rated among Texas's best), 11 tennis courts, a spa with salon services, and a huge fitness center. Major 2007 and 2008 renovations considerably improved formerly dowdy interiors, but old-money luxury remains the theme. Standard rooms have one king- or two queen-size beds, 1½ baths, a radio with iPod docking station, a 42-inch flat-screen TV, and a well-stocked minibar. Many have panoramic views of the countryside. Downtown is a 15-minute drive outside of rush hour. All rooms are no-smoking. Pros:

Luxurious, gorgeous views, great golf courses.

Expensive, fees for extras like bottled water. www.bartoncreek.com. 285 rooms, 18 suites. In-room: safe, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurants, bars, golf courses, pools, tennis courts, gym, spa, children's programs, parking. Credit cards accepted.

This resort is right on Lake Travis. The property has all the amenities you'd expect from a large conference and resort destination as well as a full-service spa. www.lakeway.dolce.com. 166 rooms, 2 suites. In-room: Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, golf courses, pools, tennis court, spa. Credit cards accepted.

On a finger of land surrounded on three sides by Lake Travis, this sprawling, handsome resort housed in low-rise stone buildings is about 20 mi from downtown. The property has all you'd expect from a large conference center and resort, including a full-service, state-of-the-art spa, built in 2007, and a tiered infinity-edge outdoor pool. Many recreational opportunities are available on the lake and adjacent marina, from sunset cruises to watercraft rentals, and four golf courses are nearby. Rooms (all no-smoking) are tasteful, mocha-hued, and modern, with contemporary art and plush beds. Most rooms have lakeside views and balconies. The upscale Travis Restaurant offers largely steaks and seafood (some diners have noted glaring service glitches). Pros:

Gorgeous resort hotel in peaceful lakeside location; many high-end amenities.

Not convenient to downtown, some may find the ambience stuffy. www.lakeway.dolce.com. 166 rooms, 2 suites. In-room: Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurants, bar, golf courses, pools, tennis court, gym, spa, children's programs, business center, parking. Credit cards accepted.

This isn't your typical Marriott experience. The breathtaking views of Lake LBJ spreading its glimmering fingers should be your first clue. Every room overlooks a lush, tropical-meets-Texas landscape. Subdued earth-toned decor keeps the focus on the views. There's enough to keep you busy for days: access to three championship golf courses, a full-service spa, clay and hard-surface tennis courts. Though quiet in location, silence is easily broken if louder guests are returning to their rooms later at night. Pros:

Excellent activities for kids, top golf and tennis options, comfortable rooms.

Caters more to families, staff can be a bit too laid-back. www.horseshoebaymarriott.com. 349 rooms, 64 1-bedroom and 29 2-bedroom condos. In-room: Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: pools, gym, spa, children's programs, laundry facilities, some pets allowed. Credit cards accepted.