“Watching hawks soar across the verdant canopy as you enjoy morning coffee from your hot tub is a pretty amazing way to start the day.”

The Azure Road Take

A serene Hill Country escape near Austin, Texas, Onera Wimberley blurs the lines between nature and hospitality. This landscape hotel, built with minimal impact on the surrounding environment, allows guests to feel ensconced in the surrounding environment. Watching hawks soar across the verdant canopy as you enjoy morning coffee from your hot tub is a pretty amazing way to start the day. Standalone units offer plenty of privacy, and even when it’s fully booked the atmosphere remains quiet and calm. While not a full-service hotel, you can arrange meals and activities with trusted local vendors if you want to do more than just relax, hike, and read a good book.

Who’s it for?

Couples looking for a quiet romantic getaway. Urbanites craving a dose of nature. Solo travelers seeking a peaceful escape from daily stress. Anyone who needs a good night’s sleep.

Sustainability Chops

Onera Wimberley unfurls across five acres, with 15 surrounding acres preserved as wildlife habitat. Guests can explore the mile-long walking path traversing the natural ecosystem to view hawks, foxes, and deer along the way. All 16 Greenhouse units have rooftops planted with 30 species of native grasses and wildflowers.

“Our vegetated rooftops provide extremely robust insulation which increases energy efficiency for heating and cooling our interior spaces,” says co-founder Ben Wolff. “All of our plantings on site are native to the area in order to minimize and ultimately eliminate irrigation needs.”

Shower water draining from the Greenhouses undergoes recycling via a greywater system which irrigates the roof gardens. Bathroom amenities of organic soap, shampoo, and conditioner by Public Goods helps minimize chemicals in the water supply.

All exterior lighting complies with International Dark Sky code, and appliances and lighting selections adhere high energy efficiency standards.

“Wimberley, Texas is an International Dark Sky-certified community and we are doing our part to keep it that way,” Wolff says. Onera even offers a stargazing experience with local astronomers for starstruck guests.

Location

This boutique landscape hotel sits in beautiful Texas Hill Country, 45 minutes south of Austin and just five minutes from Wimberley’s quaint town square. Room rates include parking; having a car makes it easier to get around the region.

Rooms

There are only two room types here, which is a relief in a world of convoluted room categories. The 12 Spyglass treehouse-style units sit nestled within a canopy of trees 30 feet above the ground while 16 greenhouse units have living roofs covered with native plants like Texas bluebonnets, winecups, and Indian blankets. These bloom each spring, a beautiful time to visit.

All units have spacious outdoor decks, private hot tubs, and floor-to-ceiling panoramic views, along with walk-in rain showers and well-equipped kitchenettes including butcher block counters and a microwave that doubles as an air fryer and convection oven. Since the property lacks a restaurant or food for purchase, I recommend bringing plenty of snacks and refreshments.

Food and Drink

Although Onera Wimberley does not have a restaurant, the hotel partners with local chef Ashley Casebier of Southern French With A Twist for private in-room multi-course dinners and room service deliveries. Guests select from a menu of appetizers, entrees, side dishes, and desserts in advance and Casebier will happily accommodate any allergies, dietary restrictions, and preferences. Garlicky crostini with roasted tomatoes and whipped lemon ricotta, tarragon brown butter seared diver scallops, and chocolate pot de crème are just a few delectable options. Room service deliveries should be ordered before arriving, and every meal comes with biscuits and Texas honey butter.

Staff and Service

You receive a check-in text message with directions and room entry code the day of arrival so you can head straight to your room. There’s no traditional front desk or lobby, and if you don’t book additional services like a massage or private chef dinner, you might not interact with anyone during your stay. But concierge services are a text message away if you need anything and the team is quick to respond.

Spa and Swim

The infinity-edge pool stands as a highlight with gorgeous sunset views and in-room massages available through The Med Spa Wimberley. Private yoga and sound bath classes with a friendly local instructor can be arranged, as well.

Accessibility

There is an ADA-compliant version of both Spyglass and Greenhouse room types, including ADA parking with a ramp to the unit entrance, along with door thresholds, kitchen counters, cabinets, beds, and a roll-in compliant shower and bathroom.