CIRI’s newest resort investment, which is being constructed adjacent to the 1,100-acre McKinney Roughs Nature Park alongside the Colorado River, has officially been named the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa.

The Lost Pines of Bastrop County are separated from the better known pine forests of East Texas by more than 80 miles. According to John Scovell, president and chief executive officer of Woodbine Development Corp., legend has it that early Texas Native Americans planted the seedlings to remind them of the magnificent trees to the east. It’s generally thought that the lost pines are survivors from the Ice Age, when other parts of the forest between this region and its more familiar neighbors didn’t survive the shift to drier climates.

“The historically significant loblolly pines provide a wonderful and dramatic change of scenery from the rest of the region, and we wanted to acknowledge this by naming our new destination resort the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa,” said Scovell. “We believe the resort will capture the feel of the region and its place in history.” The resort is located just 20 minutes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

The natural beauty of the region is combined with the rich history of the county seat, Bastrop, which was settled in 1832 as part of Stephen F. Austin’s “Little Colony” and thrived through the mid-19th century as a timber town. Today, Bastrop has been designated as the “most historic small town in Texas” because it contains more than 125 historically designated buildings. Guests to the region can visit historic sites, shop, bird watch and explore the Colorado River and other abundant natural resources around the 70-square-mile region east of Austin. Nearby attractions include the Bastrop Opera House and the popular Bastrop Farmer’s Market.

Woodbine Development Corp. of Dallas and Hyatt Hotels Corp. recently unveiled detailed development plans and renderings for the 491-room destination resort, which will include more than 50,000 square feet of indoor function space, an 18-hole golf course, a full-service spa and multiple food and beverage outlets. Recreational amenities include a lavish man-made water park with multiple pools, including a flowing river pool; canoeing, kayaking, rafting and fishing opportunities in the Colorado River; and more than 16 miles of hiking and equestrian trails.

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a joint venture among CIRI and affiliates of Woodbine Development Corp.; The Oklahoma Publishing Company of Oklahoma City; and Hyatt Hotels Corp. of Chicago.