By Rachael Lindley
Photography by Crystal Wise
La Palmilla (la pahl-mia) Texas Hotel feels as if you’ve been transported to another world. Guests no longer feel like they’re in Glen Rose, a mere 45 minute drive from Fort Worth. The property is nestled by the rushing Brazos River and is minutes from quaint downtown Glen Rose. The hotel is a Spanish Revival-style resort that has somehow encapsulated the chic feeling of a high end vacation destination.
And that’s precisely what the eight founders, Kimmie and Mitchell Ellis, Amanda and David Pastusek, John and Anna Pastusek, and Daryl and Andrea Stafford, had in mind when they set out to create a hotel.
What began as an idea for a small house for couples’ retreats evolved into something much more. In 2021, the four couples began dreaming of an experiential destination that would be ideal for families to connect.
Rooted in Faith
“Each family brought their own story, talents and faith to the table, and together we began to dream,” says Mitchell Ellis.
Mitchell explains that John is the visionary behind the architecture and gardens at La Palmilla, and a natural with design, but is also involved in the day-to-day operations of the hotel. Kimmie handles the creative side of social media, marketing, business development and public relations. He goes on to explain that he handles operations, property management systems and technology that keep things running smoothly.
The group built the resort with the intention and belief that hospitality can be healing and that beauty has the power to restore, a feeling that is palpable the moment you enter the property.
“When you walk into a space and you feel something — that’s what I like… that’s kind of where this whole thing started,” says John.
Walking through what the staff laughingly calls “the portal” — a walkway from the parking area to the piazza in front of the cantina — the arched stucco buildings and terracotta roofs are reminiscent of an international getaway.
The lush landscaping was designed by Renea Karl, a former Master Gardener at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
“Every plant on this property has been strategically placed,” says John. “The idea is to create an experience that changes subtly over time, making it familiar but always different.”
Renea arranged plants with an emphasis on symmetry, further punctuating the property’s revitalizing pool placed at the center of all of the Villas and Casitas.
Design Inspiration
The hotel’s design was deeply inspired by John and Anna’s own 1927 home. “We want to be authentic,” John says. “A Spanish Revival resort makes a whole lot of sense here.” He explains that he felt the need to create something that would feel organic and familiar to the area.
The property is home to an on-site Pecan Grove, Casa del Rey Chapel, a bell tower, the Cantina and a resort-style pool.
The owners worked closely with Fort Worth interior designer Sarah Somers to select every furnishing on property. The result feels steeped in rich Mexican culture, with a subdued color palette and heaps of natural textures.
La Palmilla boasts one-bedroom suites with a single king bed, one-bedroom suites with two queen beds, and one, two and three-bedroom casitas. “Casita” translates to “little house.” These spacious homes are complete with en-suite bathrooms for each bedroom, as well as a living room and kitchen.
The Cantina on the property serves as a common gathering place for visitors and guests alike. The bar was designed by Brynn Scott of Brynn Scott Designs, who sourced Talavera pottery and vintage Mexican folk art to adorn the shelves behind it. From the rustic Saltillo tiles imported from Mexico to the equipales, or traditional Mexican chairs crafted from wood and leather by hand by artisans in Jalisco, Mexico, each detail has been thoughtfully curated.
The most recent addition to La Palmilla is the Bodega. Brynn Scott modeled the space after a Mexican mercado and poolside bar, featuring bright, earthy colors and La Palmilla merchandise, sundries, medical supplies, and custom art inspired by the surrounding landscapes and flora.
Casa del Rey Chapel
The light-drenched Casa del Rey Chapel, or House of the King, on the property grounds, is a true story of divine intervention. The sacred space is adorned with colorful Dalle de Verre stained glass by Granbury artisan Cody Stromberg. He used thick, one-inch slabs of glass and cut them into mosaic shapes for each window. Once cut, he used a carbide chisel to create facets in the glass, so that when sunlight hits the glass, it refracts. In full sun, the pieces appear like gemstones, a point that was greatly considered.
“The entire property is made so that the summer solstice sets dead center behind this chapel,” John says. “Shadows on the piazza and light through the chapel’s windows were all carefully orchestrated.”
Cody, who had previously worked in Europe as a stained glass craftsman, was called home to care for his ailing father. While in need of local work, Cody happened upon La Palmilla and knew he could fulfill John’s vision for Casa del Rey. He was able to complete the stained glass pieces in nine months. Cody also handcarved the Spanish-style pews made of cedar. The ornate chapel, which seats 200 people, is based on Revelation 4, Jesus’ Throne Room.
Bold Growth with Purpose
“We are just getting started,” says Mitchell. “Our goal is to continue raising the bar for our guests.”
La Palmilla continues to explore new ways to bring unforgettable experiences to the property, including expanding their food and beverage program and bringing live music events and private dinners. The resort continues to foster relationships with other local establishments, such as Squaw Valley Golf Course for golf excursions and Brazos Outdoor Center for fishing and river experiences.
What sets La Palmilla apart is its ability to connect with guests on a deeper, more meaningful level. It’s not just about luxury, it’s about restoration. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or sharing a meal under the stars, there’s an unmistakable peace that permeates every moment.
“We want guests to feel like they’ve stepped into something elevated,” says Mitchell. “A place where every detail from the linens to the lighting at sunset has been chosen with intention.”
Whether guests are visiting for a wedding, family reunion or a romantic getaway, they are sure to feel something special upon arrival.
And it’s not just about looks. It’s about experience. Mitchell shares. “We wanted guests to feel something bigger than themselves when they walked through the gates.”
For the founding families of La Palmilla, the hotel is more than a business; it’s a calling. And that calling? To offer a space where guests don’t just escape, they transform.
