With one day to spare before I interviewed Formula One racer Susie Wolff at the Grand Prix in Austin, I knew I had to see Lake Austin Spa Resort for myself. According to a plethora of travel and spa magazines, it’s one of the best spa getaways in the U.S. and beyond. Sign me up, with a double shot of relaxation, please.
Roughly a 45-minute drive from downtown Austin, the resort is located on the banks of Lake Austin in Austin’s hill country. Luckily, I made it just in time for lunch. Walking into the formal dining room with views of the jade-green lake, I suddenly felt overdressed. Everyone was practically naked, eating lunch in bathrobes and sandals.
I could get used to this.
It’s an all-inclusive resort–one price per night for all three meals (except for wine) and all activities, such as yoga and kayaking, plus some swanky spa flip-flops. I don’t know about you, but the price heavily influences what I choose to eat in a restaurant. Since all meals are included, there are no prices on the menu. Ordering what I was really in the mood for—rather than what was in my budget—was a fabulous treat.
After a nicoise salad and berry crumble (just because it’s a health spa doesn’t mean there’s not dessert!), I was shown to my room. Lucky me, I was staying in one of their newly remodeled suites outfitted in light blues, gold and cream decor. My favorite aspect was the private patio, complete with a calming fountain, in the back.
Time to get healthy! I changed into my workout clothes, went to the fitness center and had a chat with one of the health concierges about the day’s activities. The options were endless. Almost every hour of the day, there was something to do, such as pool aerobics, dance classes or boot camp. I chose a 30-minute foam rolling class.
The instructor, with his melodic voice, led me and another woman in a series of self-massaging exercises. This was ideal pre-gaming for my massage later that night.
Afterwards, I walked the grounds. Bonding with a butterflies and squirrels in the gardens, taking tons of pictures of flowers and interesting vegetables (loofah gourds!), and finally—I couldn’t resist any longer—plunking down in a hammock overlooking the tranquil lake.
Living in L.A., noise is ever-present. The silence, except for the birds tweeting or an occasional boat sailing by, wooed me into a deep sleep.
I awoke to find my body dotted with leaves and flowers that had fallen from trees overhead. Talk about dreamy! After munching on the mid-day snack in the lobby of hummus and pita chips, I was ready to sweat.
On my walk in the garden, I noticed these bicycle-kayak contraptions on the lake. Of course, if it’s looks strange and I haven’t tried it yet, that’s my kind of fun.
I hopped on and boated? wheeled? myself down the lake, ogling the neighbors’ homes-some lakeside mansions, some funky little shacks. In case you’re wondering, if I can maneuver one of those hybrid water toys, you can too. They are very stable (much more so than a bike) and deliver an easy-going workout.
I was really getting into this routine, even if I had only been there a few hours. Eat. Relax. Workout. Relax. Eat. Relax.
I love costume parties and this time, I was donning the expected mealtime outfit and eating dinner in bathrobe! I giggled as I sat down at the Friendship Table. One, because I’d never eaten dinner in public in a robe and two, if you sit at the Friendship Table, it means you’re open to strangers sitting with you. “At this table, things get wild!” the server playfully warned.
Wild at a health retreat? Can’t wait to see this!
Unfortunately, no one sat with me; it seemed as everyone there was traveling with a group of friends or family members. That’s okay, I had a nice chat with the server about Texas wines and Friendship Table happenings. Dinner was an elaborate three-course meal of gourmet selections, such as salmon crudo, ricotta tortellini and quinoa filet.
Finally, the moment I had been waiting for had arrived: the massage! As always, I requested ‘strong hands’. Sometimes, I actually get someone who will get in there and dig out my knots. Most of the time, I don’t.
I hopped on the table located in the outdoor netted patio (no bugs can fly in and disturb). The masseuse, Michael, asked me if I didn’t mind a combination of Thai, Swedish and few other modalities. No problem with that! And, he did exactly as I asked: intense without crying out in pain. If I lived in Austin, I’d make the trek once a month for Michael’s massage, plus—it didn’t hurt that he was handsome!
By the way, Lake Austin Spa is open to non-guests as well. Only the fitness/yoga classes are reserved for guests.
Entering my room nearly levitating from the fantastic rub-down I just had, the turndown sealed the deal. It was worth making the hour trek out of town to check out Lake Austin resort. And I had to return someday.
Never before had a hotel turndown brought me to tears—until Lake Austin Resort. A bright green card on my pillow read: I am deserve the best and I accept the best now. I am mentally and emotionally equipped to enjoy a prosperous and loving life.
The experience I had at Lake Austin Spa Resort confirmed the bedtime affirmation: I was receiving the very best!
Lake Austin Spa Resort, 1705 S. Quinlan Park Road, Austin, TX
I imagine if Martha Stewart had a health retreat, here’s what it would look like:
