Best Spa in Austin: Lake Austin Spa Resort and Miraval Austin

Best Spa in Austin: Lake Austin Spa Resort and Miraval Austin

Condé Nast Traveler readers recently voted for the best spas in the world, and two Austin spas made the list, solidifying Austin’s reputation as a wellness destination. Lake Austin Spa Resort earned the impressive No. 3 spot globally and was ranked the No. 1 destination spa in the US. Miraval Austin Resort & Spa also secured a position on the prestigious list, coming in at No. 20.

Lake Austin Spa Resort, located approximately 30 miles outside of the city, offers a true retreat experience. The 40-room resort embodies Texan charm with its stone and timber construction, lush greenery, and rustic interior design. Condé Nast Traveler contributor Allison Bagley described the resort as having a focus on wellness, highlighting the exceptional spa treatments, healthy cuisine, and stunning natural setting.

Beyond the traditional spa experience, Lake Austin Spa Resort provides unique amenities such as room service featuring ingredients grown on-site, guided stargazing sessions, and approachable yoga classes. Bagley also noted the unique use of locally sourced ingredients in spa treatments, like wildflowers and organic honey in facial scrubs, and the availability of semi-open treatment settings. The resort also boasts stand-up paddleboarding, cooking demonstrations, fitness classes, and a unique Comfort Zone Skin Analysis Scan, the only one of its kind in North America.

Miraval Austin Resort & Spa, reviewed by Austin-based writer Stirling Kelso, shares a similar emphasis on wellness and a serene setting removed from the city’s hustle. However, Miraval offers a more modern and stark aesthetic, featuring abstract art and Eastern design influences.

Kelso described Miraval’s clientele as the “wellness one percent,” highlighting its appeal to high-powered professionals seeking detoxification and rejuvenation. While cell phones are technically restricted to designated areas, Kelso observed that this rule isn’t always strictly enforced. Uniquely, Miraval offers wine, beer, and cocktails, a rarity among wellness retreats.

With two world-class spas in the top 30, Austin offers a variety of luxurious wellness experiences. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of Lake Austin Spa Resort or the modern elegance of Miraval Austin, you’re sure to find the perfect escape in the heart of Texas.

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