Dive into indulgence at this highly acclaimed lake resort in Austin, Texas
AUSTIN, Texas | It occurs to me, as I lapse into a semi-trance while watching the sun fall beyond a tree-cloaked bluff over the serene lake, that it’s time to stop thinking of self-indulgence as a bad thing.
At the moment, in fact, it’s about being really good to myself — or, at least, letting the resident experts here at Lake Austin Spa Resort remind me how that’s done.
At this much-lauded retreat, recently named among the 10 best in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine, the point is to establish ways that people like me can learn how to de-stress and feel revived, inside and out. And not just for the duration of the stay, but for life.
If I do my part, I can go home and put into practice simple, smart things such as taking time for a massage, getting to that early yoga class and eating nourishing things on something resembling a regular basis.
My day at Lake Austin begins with a Pi-Yo class, which includes a nice tai ch’i warm-up and a combination of yoga balance work and stretching, followed by Pilates-based core work. Then it’s time for power pump class, a fast-moving hour of high-intensity work with hand-held weights — made infinitely more pleasant by the view of the glittering lake.
A selection of classes spans the course of a day, ranging from spinning and kickboxing to meditation and stability ball training. Out on the dock, an instructor helps participants with the aquabikes, kayaking and a new addition, sculling. There’s such a full and varied schedule that it would take a week to get through all the options.
But for Day 1, it seems wise to balance all that working out by letting others work on me. Donning the house spa sandals and the ecru-colored robes that guests wear morning and night, I mosey along the fine-gravel path that connects the main lodge with the exquisitely appointed guest suites and the magnificent new, 25,000-square-foot LakeHouse Spa.
A goddess named Melissa chooses products from the B. Kamins line for my “personal best facial,” which is customized for each guest’s skin type and needs. She makes my face tingle and glow while pampering me with aromatherapies emanating lavender and mints.
Between treatments, I lounge in the Blue Living Room, a lovely space that doesn’t Zen you to death like so many spas are bent on doing. Pine walls are swept with a wash the color of faded denim, and comfy couches bear afghan throws. Magazines and books and big containers of herbal tea and lemon water beckon.
Then soft-spoken Mary claims me, leading me to a ritual I’ll dream of for years — the River Rock Massage. For an hour she sweeps me with faintly scented oils and runs very warm, smooth stones along every muscle to encourage complete relaxation. Mary promises I’ll sleep like a baby, and I nearly achieve that state afterward as I laze outside on the rock patio.
When it’s nearly dark, I wander back toward my suite by the LakeHouse swimming pool, framed on one side by cabanas and on the other by the pretty pool barn, where guests swim laps.
After a shower, I give myself over to the miracles of chef Terry Conlan, who makes celebratory feasts. I tuck into a cup of slightly spicy butternut squash-apple soup, followed by a sumptuous mixed grill of venison chop, wild boar sausage and grilled quail over red chili-spiked posole, all for a grand total of about 400 calories.
At the end of my first day, sitting on my little porch and watching the stars appear against the night sky seems like such a treat. I realize it’s because I’ve actually relaxed enough to smell the lush rosemary bushes a few feet away. I can hear things that never get my attention anymore, like the wind rustling leaves in the magnolia and pecan trees and, of all wonders, the sound of my own breathing.
If I allowed Lake Austin Spa to do this in a day, what might several days bring? And better yet, when can I return for a self-indulgent tune-up?
Before treatments, guests relax in the Blue Room at LakeHouse Spa. Guests may choose from a variety of massage, body and facial treatments, as well as a full menu of nail and hair salon services.
Blend nature with nurture and enjoy your spa treatment in one of many unique treatment locations, such as LakeHouse Spa’s Treatment Porch. Other options include an indoor suite, outdoor cabana or the Bamboo Room.
Lake Austin Spa Resort offers up to 20 activities daily, such as yoga on the Yoga Deck. Activities may be indoors, outdoors, on the lake or in the junior Olympic-sized Pool Barn.TRAVELER’S CHECK | LAKE AUSTIN SPA
Lake Austin Spa Resort is about 25 minutes from downtown Austin, Texas.
Lodging: A multimillion-dollar renovation updated all 40 lakeside guest rooms, giving them bright new colors. Each is furnished with 300-count Egyptian cotton bedding, artisan-crafted throws, custom lavender spa products, AM/FM clock radio with iPod docking station and remote control, and wireless Internet connection. Three-night ultimate spa pampering packages start at $1,935 for double and go to $2,735 for private premier rooms.
Dining: Included with guest stays. Lunch available in main dining room, as are breakfast and dinner, as well as at the spa’s new Aster Café, which offers a separate spa menu.
Spa treatments: Choose individual treatments or buy them bundled in a package. Dozens of body, skin and massage therapies are offered, including such signature treatments as Tour of Texas, a 110-minute rejuvenating adventure incorporating a prickly pear exfoliating scrub, aloe vera moisturizing-nourishing wrap, face-scalp massage and 50-minute full body massage with essential oils, $295; the 100-minute Thai massage, $250; and the 70-minute River Rock Massage, $175.
To learn more: lakeaustin.com.
The award-winning cuisine at Lake Austin Spa Resort is carefully prepared by a culinary team led by acclaimed executive chef Terry Conlan.
By JUNE NAYLOR, Special to The Star