Lake Austin Spa: A Worthy Retreat

This past weekend I had the good fortune to stay at the Lake Austin Spa Resort, located off Quinlan Park Road in West Austin and set waterside among the large, treed Austin hills. The setting is gorgeous and achieves its intent at relaxing visitors upon their entrance to the property. My stay was great, and the only regrettable moment was the one when my time was over and I had to depart.
Guests - who really do wander around in their Spa-provided robes and sandals - have use of a dipping pool overlooking the river, a deeper and more private swimming pool and hot tub area with cabanas, and a heated, Junior Olympic size lap pool in the “pool barn.” Guests also are free to wander the grounds on small walking trails and through the herb gardens and to sit and enjoy many of the areas designed to make them feel as though they are lounging in the home of a friend.
Activities include fitness classes such as yoga (available on a pier over the water,) Pilates, and stretching, and unexpected classes, with topics such as “Insights from the Tarot,” “Dream Wisdom,” and “The Stars at Night: Astronomy Basics.” They also have a nice fitness room overlooking the water and offer many kinds of cooking demonstrations.
Meals are included, with snacks and room service available at most times and a selection of courses being offered for dinner. A sample dinner from my stay included Watermelon Gazpacho, Jicama Salad, Tuna Steak, and Cheesecake with Blueberries. While each item was listed along with its caloric and fat content and was fairly small in portion, they did a remarkably good job at making diners satiated with what I considered to be a healthy and excellent quality of food.
Of course, spa services of all kinds are available for additional purchase, and the spa facility is an easy walk from the accommodations through beautiful gardens and water features. I enjoyed the “Texas Starry Night’ with Darius, who did a fabulous job at unwinding me from my everyday stress. The treatment is perfect for pre-bedtime relaxation and included a lavender oil full-body massage and a body wrap, with an herbal heat pack on my stomach and an herbal eye pillow over my eyes. I followed my nighttime treatment with a dip in the pool and hot tub on my way back to my room. Good night!
The rooms, too, were conducive to relaxation and created an easygoing feel. More so a casual comfort than a sophisticated luxury, my room was very appealing, with tile floors and cushy comforters, a jetted tub, and a small courtyard with lounging chairs. My room also had a lake view from a small, front, vine-covered porch where I could sit on a rocking chair and relax, reading a book, while the boats went past. I was pleased.
Oh, if only pampering could be an everyday affair! I’ll be counting the days until I next can be bathed in the scent of lavender, wander through the gloriously-colored grounds and lay on the pier counting the stars. I’m beginning to relax just thinking about it.