My Trip to Lake Austin Resort and Spa
Of note before I start this review- I paid entirely for this trip it was NOT sponsored. :)
Once a year my best friend from college and I try to take a long weekend trip- ideally to a spa/ wellness resort. She’s a very busy (brag alert: Emmy award winning) news anchor who also has two kids and so we relish these few days off to take a breather from work/life and just have fun and relax. We’ve always been of the same temperament (not big on partying/ staying out late) so we are perfect travel partners. After seeing images of the Lake Austin Spa online I suggested we go there- and boy was it a good choice!
The lake is so calming and beautiful. I really loved the grounds and the vibe here- upscale but not intimidatingly so.
The rooms are like little cottages- if I go back, I;d ask for one down closer to the spa overlooking the lake instead of the driveway.
But they are so charming!
The only bummer was that the main pool, overlooking the lake, was closed for renovations. There were other lounge area to sit in the sun at, but this was a disappointment. It will be gorgeous when it’s done though.
My room was adorable- I immediately recognized some fabrics and was impressed with the quality. This rug should have been bigger though :)
How darling is this wallpapered closet?
The cafe curtains, woven woods and desk area millwork were all adorable and so well done.
More wallpaper in the bathroom!
This was the living room in the main building- so gorgeously layered- it really felt like someone’s (incredible) home. Designer Brianna Wright did a fantastic job with the interiors!
This was called the Treehouse Room- and it was empty! It’s just a gathering spot on the second floor of the main building overlooking the lake. I loved the art and the mix of patterns and fabrics.
The Blue Room at the spa BLEW. MY. DAMN. MIND. Everything in here was just amazing- the blue trim and stained ceiling with the wood paneled walls? The huge pewter chandelier. All the amazing DRAPES! I just loved this space. I got a massage and facial and both were good- the massage quite good, the facial more relaxing than I think DID anything for my skin but that seems to be how spa facials go.
The chandy! OMG.
Down off the pool by the lake is a little free-standing building that Is a library space and that was also mind-blowingly adorable! The pattern mixing is top notch.
Loved the variety of furniture styles and materials.
I packed ALL wrong- way too many fancy items, could have taken half what I did. Everyone is mostly in workout clothes, pool wear or straight up bathrobes all day- even to lunch! We did dress up a bit though (this skirt is old (similar), top is actually a workout top., sunglasses)
The only other bummer was that they do not have mixed drinks. Only wine and beer and a couple canned hard drinks. Was REALLY jonesing for a margarita when I arrived, but you know I love wine so I got over it. Also wine with this view (and some cheese your bestie) is always great anyways.
The food is included in the room rate and it is SO good- really- healthy but not TOO healthy, and great options. Everything we had was delicious!
When not sunning,w roking out or spa-ing, we spent a lot of time like this :)
They have TONS of fitness classes- from yoga to boxing, bootcamps, hiking…you name it! We did kickboxing, a cardio/ weights class, a yoga class on the dock (heaven) and took out paddle boards and kayaks. I love a vacation with a mix of activity and rest. I wish we had one more day there and would have done the 5 mile hike!
I feel very uncomfy posting myself in a bikini but a lot of people asked about this suit on IG- sold out in white but here is top and bottom in other colors). Erika’s is Solid & Striped
We took a water taxi (I.e. speedboat) down the lake into the city of Austin for dinner one night- HIGHLY recommend. (The dress I’m wearing is Erika’s because I hated everything I had- it’s Poupette St Barth and old but this is the same one in another color)
This really is the perfect escape for a girls weekend (lots more groups of women than men, FYI). The staff was wonderful, every need met (minus the margarita) and I will certainly be returning! In the meantime, some items to bring the look of this spectacular little slice of heaven into your own home.
Browse:
Looks amazing! Going to Austin with friends in June- I’d love to know where you at as well!
LOL I think I had commented before your trip that all you needed was workout clothes and a swimsuit! Did you check out the outdoor pool by the spa? I thought it was super relaxing. And the 5 mile hike was a highlight as well. I can’t wait to go back… would love to make it an annual thing with my daughter. (And I don’t have qualms politically about traveling to Austin as it’s the blue dot in the state and I’m happy to support the liberal leaning folks living there.)
What happened with your packing? I feel like you had it all put together when you posted your “girls trip”.
What happened with your packing????
I feel like you had everything posted prior to your trip?
Love this write up and would certainly like to go there one day. I agree with the cocktail complaint, though.
Erin, thanks for bringing this lovely spot to our attention. Sounds like a fantastic place for hubs and me either alone or with his brother and our SIL. Thanks!
What restaurant did y’all head to in Austin on your night out? So many good choices and curious what was recommended!
Do you know the source for the rug in the spa area? I like the blue and yellow combination. Thank you.
Sounds divine. I want to go too! Haha. Omg you look fantastic. So glad you girls had a wonderful and much needed stay. Fab decor. Thanks for sharing! Xox
You were literally down the street from my house! So glad you enjoyed it — it is a great spa!
Feel like I’ve been on holiday too with you now! Thank you, needed a break from looking at my own surroundings!
I love the headboard in your room — the mix of the fun wood border and upholstery. Any idea where to source something like that?
So pretty! I noticed the small rug when you first posted. Do you think it is sideways? It looks like it’s really far under the headboard. Anyway, looks like a wonderful holiday!
Happy for this review! This place is on my list for sure. Did you have separate rooms or is there a 2 bedroom option for friends traveling together?
It looks glorious, but I think I would have a hard time bringing any money into the state of Texas these days, for what should be obvious reasons. Ditto Florida. I wonder if anyone else feels the same way?
This is a good point actually – I’m half a world away in South Africa but am becoming more and more ‘holistic’ in deciding where to go when spending my money – from restaurants and shops known for their treatment of staff to buying art from Ukrainian artists on etsy. We should all adopt these approaches.
I had the same thought about FL and TX. I don’t support either. However, I have a travel/spa bestie too and this place had been on our list for a long while. Since it’s in Austin; the most liberal of TX cities, I’d go.
The other spa that’s high on my list is in NM. It was under renovations last year and I haven’t checked if it’s open yet. Here’s hoping because I’ll due.
Please share the name and location.
Sounds lovely! Isn’t it a rule that you always end up hating what you packed so you have to borrow your besties clothes?