Staying at Wayback Austin has been on our radar ever since we enjoyed a delicious meal at their on-site restaurant with our friends who live in the area. Earlier this month, Curtis and I were scheduled to be in town for an event without the girls and despite having a few commitments on the docket, we wanted our time together to feel as much like a getaway as possible. Enter Wayback Austin to accomplish exactly that. To be transparent, we were generously hosted by the property as a media stay for a portion of our visit, however all opinions and endorsements remain my own.
Boutqiue Stay, Big Hospitality
There are just eight cottages on property, nestled into 3 acres of hill country and surrounded by 220 acres of private ranch land. Three of the cottages can comfortably host four people, while the remainder are for parties of two. We learned that Wayback Austin is owned and operated by mother-daughter duo, Vicki Sue and Sydney Bly, and it is evident just how much care they have for this space and their guests for the past 10 years. You’re more than just a room number to them. Walking up the stone pathway to our cottage, we felt like we were returning to our home away from home. Even on the days they were more fully booked, it still felt intimate and private. The saltwater pool was practically our own back yard oasis, complete with a petite pool house stocked with towels, books, refreshments and even sun hats. The speakers softly played Edith Piaf and between that and the rustling of the canopy of live oaks overhead, I was in quite the zen state. With bespoke charm and comfort to match, it’s no wonder it’s popular amongst couples, for girls’ trips, wellness retreats and even solo resets. And I can only imagine what a lovely spot it is for a wedding weekend takeover.
Location, Location, Location
The convenience was key for our particular visit, but so was feeling like we could actually unwind. Just 15 minutes west of downtown Austin, the property manages to feel tucked away yet conveniently located to the buzz of one of the most interesting and diverse urban destinations in the U.S. It strikes the perfect balance of proximity and peace. We would’ve loved to stay longer to explore the hill country further and when we’re back we plan to check out the nearby breweries, distilleries and vineyards.
Pretty Is As Pretty Does
The hotel’s property is as picturesque in person as it seems online. Even their own website touts it as “instagrammable” and as a full-time content creator, I certainly agree. It feels like you’re teleported into the feed of an effortlessly cool travel influencer. The interiors are beautifully curated with a soft Texas aesthetic and a soothing color story of blues and greens. I’ve seen a lot of descriptions hail them as having a “boho” and “Southwestern” feel which I get, but the aesthetic to me was more akin to “It’s Complicated”, a la Nancy Meyers – which happens to be one of my comfort watches. But vibes can only take you so far, and I wouldn’t be recommending lodging if it weren’t for more tangible merits. Just like the wise women in our lives have always said, “pretty is as pretty does” and that goes for accommodations. We want where we stay to feel as good as it looks, and Wayback Austin accomplishes that.
For starters, the cottages aren’t just photogenic, they smell divine. I couldn’t tell you the exact botanical notes, but they have that spa-like aroma that puts you instantly at ease. The sheets are crisp, cool and a welcome respite at the end of the day. There are even portable fans in each unit which might seem like a small detail, but my southern heart loves nothing more than being lulled to sleep by the whirring of fan blades. Other details that still stand out to me weeks later are: the little pottery dish to toss my earrings and discarded jewelry at the end of the day. Plentiful convenient places to hang my own bags and hats. The mini-fridge to stow away the half-drank bottle of Sancerre we’d enjoyed on the patio. The oversized shower/tub combo and locally sourced, organic bath products. The charming vintage furniture accents that I can only imagine came from days spent sourcing finishing touches at nearby Roundtop.
Wayback Cafe
The reason this spot was even on our list in the first place was from our dining experience at Wayback Cafe.The on-site restaurant leans into fresh, seasonal ingredients and whether you’re grabbing brunch on the weekend, swinging by for happy hour, or settling in for a slow dinner under the Texas sky, the experience feels effortless and memorable. I’ll admit, the “cafe” element in the name threw me for a loop at first and I wondered if it would be more of a grab-and-go sandwich situation. Wayback Cafe isn’t formal in the sense that it’s not one to put on airs, despite the elevated farm-to-table cuisine. Jackets aren’t required, but reservations are encouraged and they open up for booking three weeks in advance. There’s often live music scheduled on the weekends – in fact, it looks like there’s a jazz band performing on 5/9 from 6:30-8:30 and before that (on 4/29) there’s a poolside wine tasting. A quick peek at the website also reveals a few details about the Cabana Club – coming soon – which looks like a membership driven, Summer Sunday experience where locals can enjoy poolside relaxation and libations.
Deep In The Heart
To know us, is to know how much of our hearts are taken up by the people and places we love in Texas. It hit me that we’ve spent nearly 20 years visiting Austin and the surrounding hill country and while we are often lucky enough to get to bunk up with our friends who live there, we’ve also stayed at a wide range of local hotels and resorts and have amassed quite a roster to compare to. Wayback Austin truly stands out as the most unique and mirrors the soulfulness we admire so much about the area.
Guests can use the code FIRST10 to save 10% on their first booking.
