Yucatán Do It

United takes off with new nonstop flight from Austin to Cancun

Hyatt Ziva Cancun beach chairs tropical drinks vacation

Cancun is closer than ever with this new nonstop. Hyatt Ziva Cancun/Facebook

Beginning this summer, you can get to the Yucatán Peninsula easier than ever. On April 9, United Airlines announced it's adding a new nonstop flight from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Cancun International Airport in June.

According to a release, the airline will begin seasonal nonstop service between the two cities beginning June 8 but did not disclose when the summer flights will end.

United's newest nonstop takes off from ABIA on Saturday and Sunday at 7:47 am, landing in CUN at 10:20 am. Return flights also leave the Mexican resort town on Saturday and Sunday at 11:20 am, landing back in the Capital City at 2:05 pm.

The Austin to Cancun route is just part of United's massive, multi-city expansion of nonstop service across the U.S.

"Today we are offering our customers more destinations than ever before, both here in the United States and overseas," said Patrick Quayle, United's vice president of International Network in a release.

Along with Austin, San Antonio also received nonstop service to Cancun, while Houston landed direct flights to St. Thomas and Turks and Caicos.

As of press time, fares for United's newest nonstop were priced at $464 and up for a week-long vacation.

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New crystal lagoon will bring sandy beaches to the Hill Country

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa lagoon

A new lagoon is being built at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa. Rendering courtesy of Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa

As San Antonio temperatures climb, one of the city’s most popular resorts is prepping a splashy new amenity. In September, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa will add a 2.2-acre lagoon to the property — in time for trip-digit summer weather.

According to a release, the family-friendly resort partnered with Crystal Lagoons, a Florida-based company known for its breathtaking international builds. The Hyatt Regency project is the first resort use of the firm’s cutting-edge technology inside the central United States.

This new water feature will include pristine white sandy beaches, luxe private cabanas, and water sports activities. A new poolside venue, debuting in November, will overlook the lagoon and provide space for weddings and private events.

The swanky property will also add new accommodations in time for the busy staycation season, the release says. In May, the retreat will introduce five 2,336-square-foot villas named after Hill Country rivers. Each secluded rental will feature four bedrooms outfitted with soaking tubs, walk-in showers, and private patios.

The villas will be outfitted with luxe amenities.Rendering courtesy of Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa.

The complex will also include enticing shared spaces for socializing with other guests, including a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances, and an outdoor lounge and dining area centered around a firepit.

Each booking includes VIP perks like text access to a 24-hour villa host, twice-daily housekeeping services, enhanced in-room dining, and a golf cart. Vacationers will also have access to the pool and other amenities at the Wildflower Spa.

The new additions continue the resort’s ongoing enhancements. In 2023, Hyatt Regency Hill Country finished renovating all its guestrooms and suites. The following year, the resort focused on updating its dining options, modernizing the Antlers Lodge restaurant, Cactus Oak Tavern, and Charlie’s Long Bar, and adding a new indoor-outdoor concept, Woodbine Bar, to the lobby.

“Hyatt Regency Hill Country has been delivering unforgettable experiences for our guests for over 30 years," said Steven J. Smith, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, via a release. "We are now thrilled to embark on an exciting new chapter that will redefine the resort experience here in Central Texas.”