CEDAR CREEK, TEXAS—When the developers of the new eco-luxury hotel located about 20 minutes from downtown Austin describe their new property as being “heavenly,” they are not kidding. The hotel, which consists of 12 dome-style villas, a 200,000-gallon natural water pool, and restaurant is called “The Heavens.”
Set to open in mid-2025, each villa is named after a constellation and features handcrafted stained-glass windows, bottle artwork on the ceiling representing the constellation, and reclaimed cedar wood furnishings. Developer Dan Mages says four of the villas are completed and the rough plumbing has been completed for the fifth one.
“We call them cathedrals,” Mages says of each villa. “Each window has a stain glass window. On the top of each sanctuary, we have done bottle artwork. You can see the constellation on top of the dome. An astrological sign will be carved into each door.”
Main Construction Material: Aircrete
Each villa is being constructed with Aircrete, a lightweight, non-toxic masonry product that is made by infusing tiny air bubbles, in the form of foam, into a Portland cement slurry. The foam expands the volume of the cement many times, making it a low-cost building material and significantly increasing its r-value.
“We are the first resort in the U.S. to use Aircrete,” Mages says. “It is fireproof, insect proof, mold-proof, and rot proof. It strengthens over time and can withstand hurricanes and earthquakes. It is almost as light as a feather.”
Each villa will be self-sustaining and have its own carport with solar panels providing the power for the villa. Water falling onto the carport will be collected and used for watering the extensive garden that includes herbs and just about every vegetable imaginable.
“We are excited about having an organic garden,” Mages adds. “Our restaurant will be true farm to table. The bulk of the food will be grown on site.”
Two Will Be Subterranean
Each villa will be unique and 750 square feet on average, with ceilings as high as 20 feet. “One will be two stories with a bridge overlooking a courtyard,” Mages says. “Two will be subterranean. One villa has a built-in pizza oven. All the furnishings are being handmade from the cedar we felled—including each sink.”
Mages describes the resort as being “truly magical” with everything being “a piece of artistic beauty.”
The 200,000-gallon natural water pool is being built with locally sourced limestone and will include a 12-foot waterfall.
Phase two of the project will include a hotel with 50 to 62 units on the frontage of the property. It will be capable of hosting up to 200 guests for events such as yoga retreats and corporate gatherings. The development has raised more than $1 million from friends and family and is seeking to raise an additional $2.9 million for future stages.
With its strict adherence to sustainability and creative, unique design, Mages hopes The Heavens will be “a model of sorts” for others to follow.
Glenn Hasek can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
