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Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
A quintessential summer in Austin, Texas, involves getting out on the water.
Credit:Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
In fact, the heat almost demands it.
The resort itself is a bit of a window back in time.
The ambiance encourages you to get off your phone and soak in your surroundings and the water.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Staying at Lake Austin Spa Resort is a bit of a choose-your-own adventure.
Personally, I thought I wanted to relax.
Another thing that struck me was just how attentive the staff were.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Its easy to see why Lake Austin Spa Resort is so loved.
The staff is accommodating, the menus are thoughtful, and the experiences available are abundant.
To learn more about that experience, read my full review below.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Each offers a casual yet upscale atmosphere with hand-picked antique and vintage decor that maintains the resorts Texan charm.
The Lake View and Garden rooms have similar offerings with a more scenic view.
Those looking for the ultimate pampering and perhaps a history lesson can stay in the Lady Bird Johnson Suite.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
The team sources anything they cant grow directly from local farmers.
The menu accommodates various dietary and health concerns, from dairy- and sugar-free to vegan and gluten-free options.
To say these ingredients are fresh is an understatement.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
I ordered almost every fish dish they had and was hard-pressed to pick a favorite.
But it doesnt have to be all health and wellness, as the cocktails also thoroughly impressed me.
My favorite was the Hill Country Ol Fashioned, with Citrus & Smoke being a close second.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
As an all-inclusive resort, all meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks are included in the nightly rate.
Outside the scheduled activities, there is still much to do at the resort.
Perhaps the biggest draw is the lake.
But if it’s relaxation you seek, that is also not hard to find.
The spa is in a separate building connecting to the main resort through a gated walkway.
I enjoyed trying out a few different experiences in the spa.
My first stop was the newly installed hydro-circuit.
I began with an exfoliating mud scrub and then rotated between a warm shower and a cold plunge.
I also tried the Luminosity of Ice facial, which left my skin plump and glowing.
However, my favorite would have to be the private aqua stretch.
However, only ages 16 and up are allowed at the resort.
Teens can enjoy yoga, water sports, and other activities.
Glass, plastic, cardboard, and paper are also recycled for landscaping projects.
It also donates old linens and blankets to local animal shelters.
Lake Austin Spa Resort has two ADA-compliant rooms.
A water taxi service, departing from downtown, is available and it’s a very scenic 40-minute journey.
