Gas prices are soaring along with the temperatures – you know you want a weekend getaway, but you don’t want to have to take out a second mortgage to do it. While localized “staycations” gain popularity when the economy is low or oil prices high, these Central Texas resorts offer much more than a nice hotel stay. They are destinations unto themselves, where a quick car trip can make you feel far away from home, and in the midst of some great summer adventures for you and your kids, significant other or best friends.
For the Girls: Lake Austin Spa Resort
This legendary spot is not only in demand for Texas residents, but guests from all over the country. The ultimate in resorts is consistently rated the top destination spa in North America by publications such as Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Zagat and Spa Magazine. Once you arrive, it’s easy to see why. The grounds, facilities and rooms are gorgeous, but in a comfortable, understated way that is completely in keeping with the Texas lakeside setting. The food is phenomenal – healthy gourmet, with inventive dishes prepared by Executive Chef Stephane Beaucamp, using many ingredients straight from the resort’s own Healing Gardens. Beaucamp also gives cooking demonstrations filled with colorful anecdotes from his life.
What I loved most about Lake Austin Spa Resort was the fact that I could do as much or as little as I wanted, and have as much interaction and services, or as much quiet time, as I desired. All packages include three meals daily and unlimited discovery and fitness activities, leaving guests free to set their own itinerary and pace. I quickly realized that the only difficult thing about my stay was deciding what to do – should I take the yoga class or zen out in a garden meditation? Should I hit the stand-up paddleboards for a lesson, or simply stroll the beautifully landscaped paths and make my way to a lakeside hammock with a book?
There were many pairs or small groups of women in residence with me; some seemed to be friends while others were clearly mother and daughter. There were also a number of couples, and plenty of single guests like myself, enjoying a serene and solitary recharge far from the madding crowds. I split my time between hiking, boating, swimming, eating, and enjoying the world-renowned spa treatments and facilities. Nothing was left to be desired, right down to my private garden and luxurious lavender bath products.
Overnight full resort accommodations start at $1,635 for a three-night package that includes meals, activities, and spa allowance (depending on the package). Spa-only day packages start at $365 including Lakehouse Spa facilities, spa treatment and gourmet lunch.
Romantic Interlude: Lakeway Resort & Spa
After a $15 million redevelopment, Lakeway has emerged as much more than a golf, business or retirement destination. The location on Lake Travis means often-magical sunsets, and the addition of a modern glass-enclosed ballroom and San Saba Spa have made the resort one of the hottest destinations for weddings, celebrations and romantic getaways.
There’s hardly a better way to begin than setting out on the water; the resort has partnered with Texas Sailing to take guests out on sunset or moonlight chartered sails, where you can just lean back and relax or jump in on the boating action as you wish. Cheese and fruit picnics, wine and music complete the experience; the folks at Texas Sailing can even arrange for an on-board massage!
Before or after the lake excursion enjoy dinner at Josey’s, where Executive Chef Jeff Axline serves up Hill Country comfort food with flair; try the Gulf Coast Crab Cake Sliders, my favorite. There’s a quiet dining room as well as a lounge with live music that stay hopping pretty late. There are plenty of spots around Lakeway Resort, however, to find a private place to share a glass of wine or special moment.
During the day there is plenty to do as well, from one of the four 18-hole championship golf courses where guests have privileges, to the infinity edge pool with three tiers, swim-up bar and fun little alcoves in the water for lounging. To complete a romantic weekend, you can’t miss the San Saba Spa; once inside, I found this to be a peaceful retreat with a beautiful ambience that was hard to leave. Several couple’s packages are available in the massage suites for two, including candlelight retreats, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries.
Room rates range from $200-420; or try a suite or condo ($900-1300). Lakeway Resort and Spa also offers many special packages centered around sailing, romance, spa or golf getaways. And check out their poolside “Live at the Lake” free concert series all summer long, showcasing some of Austin’s top bands.
Family Fun: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa
If there was ever a Central Texas destination mecca for children of all ages, Lost Pines is it. The resort is spread over 405 acres that combine a unique blend of nature and manmade luxury. For outdoor active adventures, take the kids on an excursion through McKinney Roughs Nature Park or horseback riding at the Renegade Trailhead. Trails on foot or horseback are led by experienced guides and appropriate for all levels age two and up. There’s even a horse camp to teach horsemanship skills, archery, trap shooting, ziplining, a climbing wall and GPS scavenger hunt.
To cool off, dip into the Colorado River in kayaks or a raft float – or simply head back into the resort’s Crooked River Pool Area, featuring a two-story waterslide, waterfalls, volleyball, beach and lazy river for tubing. Don’t forget a stop off into McDade’s Emporium for old-fashioned ice cream sundaes. Evenings at Lost Pines come with entertainment as well – the lost art camp-style joys of stargazing and s’mores over the campfire.
And if you want to be pampered even though you’ve got some young ones in tow, don’t worry – the Hyatt Lost Pines is truly progressive in this area. Along with their fabulous adult treatments at Spa Django, a special Wild Hare Youth Spa is offered. Younger guests are pampered with Ice Cream Pedicures, Teen Facials and Glam Hair Extensions. The entire spa enlivens everyone’s senses with its implementation of music, art, nature, movement and fun to the spa experience. It is truly one of a kind.
During all of 2011, families can take advantage of the Family Stay More Play More offer, which gives increasing resort credits based on the length of stay. A two-night stay results in $100 resort credit; four nights will get you $400. Credits can be used for dining, spa treatments, activities and more. Accommodations start at $250, and many packages are available.