The Yurtopian: A Blissful Escape in Texas Hill Country
Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Texas Hill Country, The Yurtopian is more than a getaway—it’s a thoughtfully crafted experience designed to help guests unwind, reconnect, and immerse themselves in nature. The name itself is a blend of two guiding principles: “yurt,” representing the beautiful accommodations at the heart of the property, and “utopia,” evoking the peaceful, blissful state guests find themselves in during their stay.
Co-owned by Ann-Tyler and her husband Brian, The Yurtopian first came to life in March 2019 with a single yurt. Today, their vision has grown into a full-fledged retreat featuring 16 rentable yurts, 2 spa yurts, and a variety of curated experiences. With locations in Wimberley and Dripping Springs—both situated between Austin and San Antonio—The Yurtopian is perfectly positioned for those seeking a romantic escape from city life.
A Family Dream Turned Full-Time Passion
The Yurtopian began as a family project. Ann-Tyler and Brian had long owned land in Wimberley, adjacent to property that had been in her family since 1974. With three daughters, they decided to build three yurts—one for each child, just to see what might come of it.
“At the time, he was working as a lawyer, and I was doing marketing for small businesses and raising the kids,” Ann-Tyler recalls. “We thought, if it goes well and people like the yurts, we’ll scale. If no one comes, then we can just have three yurts for three daughters.” But fate had other plans. When the pandemic hit in 2020, interest in secluded getaways surged—and The Yurtopian became a full-time venture almost overnight.
Privacy, Romance, and Personal Touches
What sets The Yurtopian apart is its dedication to privacy and intentional design. Each yurt is nestled among the trees with up to 300 feet of wooded space between units, allowing guests to fully unwind in nature without distraction. Every unit features private amenities: a hot tub, fire pit, outdoor kitchen, bathroom, and rooftop deck. As Ann-Tyler puts it, “Our goal is for a guest to be able to ‘go naked’ from the hot tub to the yurt!”
The Yurtopian specializes in adult-only, romantic getaways. They offer thoughtful add-ons like couples massages in their spa yurt, a “sweethearts basket,” and even an “intimacy kit.” Recently, they’ve introduced posh picnic experiences—perfect for a proposal or special celebration.
Innovation Through Guest Experiences
Inspired by their visit to the Glamping Show in Colorado, the team has expanded their offerings to include curated add-ons and activities. From audio star guides and themed snack baskets to massage services and romance packages, these enhancements not only elevate the guest experience but have also become a valuable new revenue stream.
Committed to Sustainability
The Yurtopian’s commitment to sustainability is embedded in its operations. Yurts are built on decks, leaving a minimal footprint on the land. They use non-toxic, fragrance-free cleaning products and source eco-conscious items like Who Gives a Crap toilet paper—a brand that plants trees with each purchase. Water conservation is a major priority, especially in Central Texas, where the Dripping Springs property features a 30,000-gallon water collection tank, gathering rainwater from rooftops to help reduce consumption.
Local Roots, Collaborative Spirit
Ann-Tyler and Brian are actively involved in their local community, serving on hospitality and chamber of commerce boards. They’re also collaborative with other glamping operators in the area, often forming personal friendships with fellow hosts.
And their impact goes beyond business. “All we have to do is read the guest books in our yurts to understand the impact we have,” says Ann-Tyler. Guests write heartfelt messages about reconnecting with loved ones, finding peace under the stars, or simply escaping the pressures of everyday life.
Meeting New Expectations
As consumer expectations evolve, The Yurtopian is staying ahead of the curve. Today’s travelers—especially Gen X and Millennials—are seeking more than just unique lodging. They want a fully immersive experience. In response, the team is exploring more amenities like yoga, hiking, on-site food and beverage options, and market offerings to create a well-rounded resort feel.
Still, challenges remain. Like many others in the industry, The Yurtopian saw a dip in revenue last year and faced rising expenses. Despite this, they maintained a strong 62% occupancy rate and impressive gross revenue, a testament to their loyal guest base and strong brand identity.
Looking Ahead
The Yurtopian has exciting plans for the future. They’re currently seeking a buyer for their Dripping Springs location—a 46-acre property with 10 yurts, spa amenities, and massive potential for expansion. Whether transformed into a family-friendly resort or a luxury retreat with food and beverage options and a wedding venue, the property is ready for its next chapter.
Meanwhile, they plan to continue operating their Wimberley location and hope to turn their experience into a launchpad for helping others start their own glamping businesses. With over six years of insights and lessons learned, they’re excited to share their journey.
Lessons Learned & Dreams to Chase
Among the most surprising lessons? “Running a spa is really hard!” says Ann-Tyler. Managing massage therapy services has been a challenge, but also a rewarding expansion of their brand.
When asked where they'd go glamping themselves, the answer is just as adventurous as you'd expect: an African safari. “The original glamping in the world!” they say. Brian’s past visit to a remote yurt camp in Kyrgyzstan also reflects the couple’s appreciation for off-the-beaten-path travel.
Their passion remains fueled by connection—whether with guests, nature, or industry peers. Attending the Glamping Show and staying tapped into the community keeps ideas fresh and spirits high.
In the end, The Yurtopian is more than just a place to stay—it’s a labor of love, a shared vision, and a reminder that a little slice of bliss can go a long way.
