Healing Time

By Jacqueline Miller

When it comes to our complete well being, a great way to get our mind, body and spirit in sync is to take time away to soothe the soul. So where’s one of the best places to go within our shores to find delicious and nutritious food, mind altering spa treatments and unforgettable activities? That would be Lake Austin Spa Resort, voted the #1 destination spa in the US and one of the top in the world from several esteemed travel publications.  

Nestled along the shores of scenic Lake Austin in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, Lake Austin Spa Resort has a relaxed atmosphere, and offers all-inclusive vacation packages, which include accommodations in one of 40 charming lakeside guest rooms, three gourmet meals daily, indoor and outdoor fitness activities and classes, a selection of spa and body treatments, comfortable public areas, peaceful grounds and nature and wildlife trails. 

The 25,000-square foot LakeHouse Spa offers more than 100 massage, body and skincare treatments and therapies. Healing and indigenous treatments, many using herbs grown in the organic Healing Gardens, are based on ancient principles of aromatherapy, Ayurveda, hydrotherapy, Moortherapy and Thalassotherapy.

The Pool Barn is home to an indoor Junior Olympic-length lap pool, 30 treatment areas including garden tents and suites and the Bamboo Room – a private outdoor treatment suite with in-ground hot tub, the Iris Salon, the Aster Café and two acres of terraced foliage and aquatic gardens.

More than 20 activities for all fitness levels are offered daily, ranging from BodyFlow® and Trek & Spin to Gentle Yoga and Nia Dance classes. Other offerings include canoeing, Hydro-biking™, kayaking, sculling, hiking, yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Spinning®, meditation and dance. Aquatic aerobics and swimming classes take place in one of three pools.  The training center overlooks Lake Austin and features state-of-the-art cardiovascular, circuit and free weight training equipment.

Both the mind and the body are enriched through discovery classes in healthy cooking, nutrition, communication skills, body image, relationships and sexuality, journaling, crafts, gardening and others. Special weeks and seasonal topics include programs such as Just Breathe, Reboot Camps, Feng Shui Beauty, Mother/Daughter, the Culinary Experience™, For the Love of Books and Ripple Effects: The Wellness of Water. There are also special events planned around holiday seasons.

More than 1,000 species of plants, herbs, vegetables, spices and wildflowers fill the abundant organic gardens. Lake Austin Spa Resort was among the first to create gardens specifically for growing herbs used in spa treatments. Classes and demonstrations on gardening topics and aromatherapy are offered weekly by the Director of Flora and Fauna.

Executive Chef Stéphane Beaucamp serves three delicious healthy meals daily, which are served in the resort dining room and the spa. He blends French influences with local inspirations to cook up healthy creations. Healthy cooking classes are scheduled throughout the week.

The Lakeside guest rooms feature casually elegant décor and furnishings sourced from around the world by co-owner Mike McAdams and his team. Fourteen newly renovated Luxury Lakeview rooms and ten new Luxury Garden Rooms offer spectacular views of Lake Austin and the Texas Hill Country and the interiors evoke reflection and relaxation with every detail. The Lady Bird Suite honors Lady Bird Johnson and includes a sitting room, fireplace, private wildflower garden and hot tub.

If you’re seeking to reset and renew this year, I suggest taking a look at this all-encompassing destination spa experience. Visit lakeaustin.com or call 800.847.5637.