Between the azure sky and waters, Blue Grotto on Medina Lake offers Hill Country travelers a slice of heaven.
Story by Pamela Price
Sparkling water. A brilliant blue sky. White rocks that reflect snowy clouds above. It’s enough to make you think you’d been whisked away to a foreign land.
Except it’s only a short drive from San Antonio to Medina Lake. Close enough to be convenient to the city, but far from every day to be memorable.
This summer our small pandemic social pod spent a couple of nights at Medina Lake’s Blue Grotto (Instagram), an AirBNB-listed property. (We’re friends, but I’m writing this review of my own volition – not as a trade for the visit.)
The weekend was our first visit to Medina Lake – which is known for its restricted public access, so I spent a little time reading up on the reservoir situated in Medina and Bandera Lake.
Turns out, like most things in these parts, there’s a cool backstory.
Medina Lake – A brief history
The 18-mile, crescent shaped body of water resulted from the construction of Medina Dam on the Medina River over a century ago. Designed to provide water to area farmers, the dam itself was an engineering marvel, then-the largest concrete dam in the country. In fact, it’s on the National Register of Historic Places.
The nation took notice of the lake during the devastating 2010-2013 drought, when dramatic photographs from its rocky shores illustrated the lack of rainfall. Between the loss of fish and the impact on local businesses, it looked like the situation would remain dire.
Then the rain returned.
Along with visitors.
What’s nearby
Thanks to the ongoing pandemic – and an incoming tropical storm, we stayed pretty close to the house, cooking meals in the small but beautiful, convenient gourmet kitchen. Locals, however, rave about 4 Way Bar & Grill and La Cabana Cafe.
A drive to Bandera (America’s cowboy capital) is a pleasant one, where places like the Old Spanish Trail and 11th Street Cowboy Bar beckon. If you’ve got (more than a) little change to spare – or just want to check out something shiny, Hyo Silver is worth a visit.
For the water lovers, there’s a boat ramp nearby – accessible only with a key. Note that the terrain is rocky and steep, and even sunbathers will want to drive to the access gate when it’s hot.
Wildlife – specifically deer – are a big deal. In fact, they’re everywhere. If you’re patient and time things right, you can walk out front and greet a couple of them. One patient girl we met was willing to accept a juicy piece of fruit or veg from your hand.
About Medina Lake’s Blue Grotto
A new construction in an older, well-established lakefront community, Blue Grotto stands out for its architecture and the deep blue exterior paint. There’s ample parking – but parties are discouraged due to community restrictions. Oak trees remind you that you really are in Texas.
Inspired in name and decor by the famous serene, mystical pool in Capri, Italy, the property is well-appointed and features a beautiful tile-adorned stairway, two bedrooms, a dining table for four, and two bathrooms. The secondary downstairs bath features both a washer and dryer and a stunning shower evoking the pages of a glossy design magazine. From the view beyond second floor master bedroom, live oak branches evoke memories of childhood treehouses.
Guests are allowed to use a kayak, which requires either a truck or an SUV loaded. And maybe a couple of strong teenagers for transport. Got your own boat or Jet Ski? Talk with the owners. They can make space for you to bring it.
For a low-key gathering of immediate family and friends, however, there’s space. A tiny side porch and the first floor easily hold 7 or so people.
The best part? As AirBNB rentals go, Medina Lake’s Blue Grotto is crazy-affordable with multiple dates open now through end of the year. In fact, in these days of schoolcations, it’s got the right vibe and good wi-fi.
