Water

by John Leach

Haus Party: Schlitterbahn Brings Luxury to the Comal

When we were wee, our parents used to take the whole family and a picnic lunch to Schlitterbahn for $20 a day. It was a soggy summer fairyland that consisted as much of giant shady oaks and fantastical mushroom castles as it did of awesome tube rides. Prices have gone up a bit and the quality of amenities has skyrocketed, but the magic remains. The now-expansive water park has stayed true to their aesthetic, especially when it comes to the newly opened Treehaus Resort accommodations. The suites are spacious, up-to-date, and elegant. With fully equipped kitchens, proximate barbecue pits, and only a handful of units, they feel more closely akin to a tasteful vacation rental home than an impersonal hotel. The exteriors retain an element of whimsical kitsch, while the interiors integrate the tree house theme in a sophisticated way. Driftwood-esque architectural detail successfully evokes both the Black Forest region of Germany and good old Central Texas at the same time. Counters and tables use the organic curves of plank wood, and the patio furniture is actually fashioned from salvaged trees felled by last summer's wildfires. Lodging is available from studio rooms to three-bedroom, two-bath suites – all with treetop views of the peaceful river and a playful tube chute. A stay at the Treehaus includes admission to the park and beat-the-line extended hours for the big rides, including the popular Master Blaster. We were nervous to witness yet another expansion on what was, to our eight-year-old selves, summer fun perfected. Not only do our sacred childhood memories remain undisturbed, the future has been significantly upgraded by this newest addition to Schlitterbahn. – Raven Hinojosa