Lake Austin Spa Resort

Lake Austin Spa Resort is a world-class destination spa set on 19 acres of lakeside property. The spa embraces its lakeside location, with dockside lounge chairs, hammocks, and pergolas. Boating and paddleboarding are also on the activity roster. The clientele includes solo travelers looking for rest and relaxation, women on mother/daughter or girlfriend getaways, and couples. However, unless for a business retreat, Lake Austin is not a working traveler’s destination. There is no business center, and cellphones are aggressively discouraged in public areas. The atmosphere is adult, and kids under the age of 14 are not allowed. 

Lake Austin is dedicated to wellness, rest, renewal (both spiritual and physical), and healthy weight loss. The common areas are pretty, restful, and quiet, with lots of comfortable seating and sunlight streaming through the many windows. The dining room is bright and airy, with a huge fresh salad bar, and a menu that is seasonal and local. Much of the produce and herbs are grown in the resort’s organic gardens. Those herbs are also used in some of the spa treatments, adding to the holistic vibe of the resort. The library is stocked with board games and, obviously, books, for lazy afternoons. The pools feel luxurious, with sunbeds and poolside cabanas where guests can lounge between laps and aquarobics, or just enjoy the warm Texas sun. Spa aficionados will find much to enjoy at Lake Austin, and spa newbies won’t be disappointed as this is one of the country’s best-known and regarded destination spas.

The Lake Austin Spa Resort is located in Texas Hill Country, on the shore of Lake Austin. The spa is built on 19 gorgeous acres, with lots of vegetation, palm trees, and a huge organic garden. Lake Austin Spa is a true destination, best for guests who want to arrive and stay put, on a break from the world, as there is nothing to do nearby. Downtown Austin is a 40-minute drive from the spa, or about a $70 cab ride, each way. The Austin airport is 45 minutes from the resort by car.

Rooms at the Lake Austin Spa Resort are cozy and cottage-like, although on the small side. There are a variety of room categories, from Luxury LakeView rooms, with two double beds, to the sprawling Lady Bird Suite, which is more like a small house. Luxury Garden Rooms have luxe California King beds. The decor is super Southern, with a lot of antiques and chintz, including padded floral headboards, and swags of silk fabric over the beds. Each room has private outdoor space, including front patios with retractable awnings and comfy chaises and, in some, backyard spaces with more seating. 

Bathrooms are exceptional, with wainscoting, double sinks, vanities with stools, soaking tubs, and a pretty lake-cottage vibe. Lavender-scented toiletries are provided. Fresh flowers from the resort gardens add to the rooms' charm. Rooms have lake or garden views; rooms near the spa entrance are private but get some noise from arriving and departing guests, while rooms near the spa get a lot of passing foot traffic. Guests receive personal water bottles, which can be stored in the mini-fridges. Spa sandals and cotton robes are a nice touch. And despite the resort's emphasis on unplugging, there are flat-screen TVs with cable and DVD players, radios with iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi. Other standard features include safes and writing desks.  

Lake Austin Spa Resort features a first-rate spa, the LakeHouse, which also includes the Iris Salon, together offering more than 100 treatments. Options run the gamut: river-rock massages, energy balancing, ayurveda, aromatherapy, sugar and salt scrubs, acupuncture, cupping, and tapping. The spa is a luxe retreat, with separate men's and women's wet areas, including hot tubs and saunas with views into a private rock garden. There are zen-like indoor treatment rooms, as well as outdoor treatment cabanas. The large fitness center has plenty of cardio machines, circuit-training and stretching equipment, and free weights. Personal trainers are available by appointment. Fitness classes include Zumba, yoga, spinning, tai chi, Pilates, and strength and conditioning. Outdoor fitness activities include kayaking, sculling, paddleboarding, hiking, and biking.

Lake Austin has three pools. The indoor pool, located in the Pool Barn, is Junior Olympic length, perfect for serious lap swimming. The Palm Pool is a palm tree-surrounded oasis with poolside cabanas and lots of lounging room, and an outdoor hot tub. The Resort Pool is large and sporty. 

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as all-day snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. The menu is seasonal and local, with produce and herbs sourced from the resort's organic garden. Nutritional information is listed on the menu. Guests can sit at private tables or join others at the communal Friendship Table. Beer and wine are offered, although they are not part of the all-inclusive option, but hard liquor is not served. Guests can bring their own alcohol into their rooms, but not the dining room or public areas. There are cooking classes with renowned chefs, offered in a bright modern kitchen decorated with hand-painted ceramics and Fiesta Ware. Gardening and nutrition workshops are also available. 

The gift shop sells activewear, jewelry, sundries, and more. A large spa shop offers a wide variety of beauty and wellness products. The spa has free, 24-hour laundry facilities for guest convenience. Dogs are allowed, for a fee. There is one computer available for guests in the boutique.