Travaasa/Austin: Experiential Texas

They say everything’s bigger in Texas – and that reigns true for the state’s spa and wellness offerings as well. Deep in the central heart of the Lone Star State, the destination spa Travaasa\Austin does things on a grand scale – from its revitalizing programs and workshops to its tasty cuisine combined with a Texas twist to available water sport adventures on the nearby Lake Travis – and everything in between.

Turning Up the Heat

Travaasa, stemming from the words “travel” and “pravaasa,” the Sanskrit word meaning memorable journey, is one hot resort spa we believe is rising right along with the Texas temperatures. Within 210 acres above the Balcones Canyons Preserve, the 70-room property is located 30 minutes from Austin and summons the quiet appreciation of the untamed beauty of Texas Hill Country. Many of the guest room, hacienda or spa casita (ideal for those who wish to unplug completely) accommodations take advantage of the verdant forested backdrop from the private deck or patio (also the ideal place to simply stretch, breathe or perhaps practice a few yoga positions), as do nature hikes through the preserve, which lead to secret treasures like the Solidago Sanctuary, a respite for meditation and tranquility. Eco-conscious expertise is executed in both the resort’s construction and design; additionally, green-building practices are incorporated in the spa’s operations, which utilize organic, bio-energetic products during treatments.

Recapture Your Spirit in the Lone Star State

Travaasa indulges with five program categories to suit everyone’s fancy: Adventure, Culinary, Culture, Fitness and Spa, comprising workshops, lectures and more. Challenge the physical self at the Prickly Pear Challenge Course with zipline and climbing wall or horseback riding. Invigorate the spiritual self by meditating or taking a mini med class to discover healing from the inside out. Stimulate the body and mind with aquatic yoga, the Barre method or the outdoor circuit. Entice the palette by learning basic cooking skills or getting acclimated to the market. Fine tune the Texas Two-Step or study Hill Country’s indigenous flora and fauna.

Nutritious, sustainable cuisine, fused with Texan flavors, refuels for the next active day and causes the tongue to twang. Meals, taken in The Spur café or the dining hall, a capacious space capped by a pinewood cathedral ceiling and furnished with an oversized limestone fireplace, emphasize fresh, seasonal, locally sourced produce, meat, fish and dairy.  Gourmet fare for vegans and vegetarians can also be found on the menu.

Get Spa’d Out, Texas-Style

A Texas Hill Country aesthetic and a selection of 50-plus treatments make up the spa, which can be enjoyed during downtime at Travaasa. Services like massage, facials, body treatments, astrological consultations, numerology, yoga therapy and energy balancing set the tone for a relaxed stay, as do the infinity pool, whirlpool or dry sauna.

Signature treatments are rooted in the region’s vibrant musical history, such as the On the Road Again and The Rose massages, which use elements including warm hemp oil and tie-dyed organic linens. Private classes targeting a specific aim (nutrition consultations, core training, dance instruction, personal training, etc.) are on offer as well.

We’re two-steppin’ our way there right now.

*Plus, check out the Travaasa Hāna, formerly known as the Hotel Hāna Maui.