Cibolo Creek Ranch — Hotel in Presidio

Go Big and Go Home

(Time off is essential to well-being. Much research went into finding a place to visit that would rejuvenate my spirit and give me a chance to breathe and reflect.

My research kept bringing me back to Cibolo Creek Ranch. Luxury, remote, moderate weather and an interesting history. Search after search, I kept finding myself drawn to Cibolo. Skilled management and caring staff delivered everything promised. It’s a must visit, if, you are willing to be part of something, in situ.)

Cibolo Creek Ranch was everything I hoped for but impossible to fully imagine.

The promised expectations were all fulfilled, and so were many intangible unquantifiable unexpected micro experiences. Cibolo attracts a delightful carousel of fascinating guests all made welcome by staff and visitors alike, West Texas conversations sound very much like they have for generations, a blend of unique borderland theology indelibly imprinted with Texas self assuredness, uniquely compounded by diversity and a sense that history is still in the making.

“a chance to dream within his dream”

Imagine a dinner table, composed of families, singles, new and old friends, celebrities or not all united by dinner. Here sits a Symphony conductor, there Texas oilmen, a brave Democratic operative, a Rabbi, an adventurer pilot and a young mountain climber on his way to K2. That was one evening, the cast changed regularly, each meal a ritual of welcome and exploration of the many voyages that led to this isolated place.

Its someone’s home that you are in, but that’s the charm. John Poindexter’s dream of living history and restored forts provides us a chance to dream within his dream.

Consider the amount of space devoted to artifacts and dioramic still life exhibits of the past, instead of guest rooms which speaks volumes about how important this project is.

“a landscape that soars above and wraps tightly around sensual terrain”

Paintings and maps abound, commissioned specifically to illustrate the history of each area and the fine accents of local objects and collected treasures only add to the sense of Big History in which I feel is being made under my feet.

Guests are housed in meticulously curated history draped over modern everyday luxury, within a landscape that soars above and wraps tightly around sensual terrain, wild and inviting, beckoning and challenging, a map can only describe the terrain, one must exist within it to know its unrelenting embrace.

Cibolo Creek Ranch is a real living space, a paean to time and history.

“rare integrity and fealty to history”

The energy of explorers and adventurers is palpable, with endless opportunities to become one with some of the most historically significant property imaginable.

Authenticity sets it apart from so many other places, the rare integrity and fealty to history is unpolished and sacred, everyday life is a continuation of the past.

Its Texas big and still it...

My wife and I booked a room to celebrate an anniversary and I was a little apprehensious about it being so remote and the possibility of sparse amenities. Nothing could be further from the truth.

This place is so well managed (even under new management at the GM level) that you wouldn't know that it's sitting on a 30,000 acre ranch in the Big Bend region of Texas. The food is outstanding and not just some "thrown together meal" to feed the guests. Each meal is well thought out and well executed at a level of some of the finest hotels I've stayed at. Not "too" fancy but not just standard fare either. The chefs definitely know their way around a kitchen and offer up some staples for breakfast, such as huevos rancheros, chorizo & eggs, pancakes and several standard eggs dishes. Dinners are the prize though and each meal (lunch / dinner) comes with a fantastic homemade dessert, many with ranch grown fruits.

Rooms are rustic but very comfortable and accommodating. NOTHING to be missed here, just as you would expect at a fine resort.

Grounds are meticulously maintained and very lush with fruit trees, flowering bushes and ivy that was so healthy I had to touch it to insure it wasn't fake! And the best part about the lake side and pool... NO MOSQUITOS!!!

As for the staff. Not one single person, from the wait staff to grounds keepers and to tour guides would look as though they were just doing a job. Everyone was extremely courteous, very helpful and spoke with a smile on their face. They (staff) even asked the GM if they could do something special for our anniversary, and the GM (Brian) gave them carte blanche to do what they wished. We were surprised with a nice plate of hand-made chocolate dipped strawberries and a bottle of nice champagne when we got back to our room after dinner - of which Brian was so gracious to comp along with wine that night.

And a final word about the new GM, Brian. This is a man dedicated to doing what he loves, and that is managing a ranch resort at a level that draws people from all walks of life, including several dignitaries, famous musicians and actors. You'll never know who you may meet at this gem. Many of them coming for the game hunts and others just to enjoy a true West Texas experience holding true to its storied heritage. I believe that Brian will maintain this experience for many years to come and his knowledge of working a "resort" like this will set a standard for others to...

OK,,,,,,, here’s the scoop. You need to have your expectations properly aligned with what type of accommodations are here. Not a Four Seasons type of hotel, but an “off the charts” five star experience nonetheless. I LOVED my stay here. My family LOVED our stay here. Having said all that, let’s get to work on trying to “align your expectations”. A good place to start is with the cons. When you turn off the paved Hwy 67, you are greeted by a plain Jane farm gate and four miles of bumpy dirt roads that lead you to your accommodations . (I was glad I drove my RAM pick up truck and not my wife’s BMW). When you check in and sign all of the paper work, don’t ask for a key to your room, because there isn’t any. Yes you can lock your door from the inside at night if you like, but no key is necessary, as everyone staying here are good people, just like you. Call it Boy Scouts honor, or whatever you like.

If you are expecting the maid to come in during the day to clean up, change linens, and perhaps leave a chocolate mint on your pillow, you are in for a long wait. You make your own bed, and you learn not to soil your sheets, because they don’t come to your room during your stay. The room reminded me of a quaint bed and breakfast I stayed at in Taos, New Mexico. Mexican/Southwest style, wood burning fireplace in the corner, clean (but not impeccably clean). OK, now that I’ve shocked you, let’s get to the good stuff. You will always, and I mean ALWAYS remember your stay at Cibolo Creek Ranch. The History, including the in-house museums will enlighten you and intrigue you. The Hummer guided tour of the 45,000 acre ranch will saturate your senses like never before. Breathtaking, awesome, incredible!! The chef cooked meals, in a quaint family style dining area will have you begging for more. There is definitely a spiritual connection to be made here, like no other place I have ever visited. Totally unique, totally SW Texas. If you think you can find another place as good as this in the Marfa, Presidio area, forget it. It doesn’t exist. Yes it is pricey, but...