Austinist Spa Day at Travaasa

Imagine that you have the luxury of taking an entire day off just for yourself. What would you do?

When the owners of Travaasa invited Austinist to spend a day out at their location, it was an offer we were happy to accept. Picture this - a leisurely drive up to north west Austin, down a winding country road off of 620. Just 25 minutes after leaving the chaos of downtown you reach your destination for the day: Travaasa Spa. Already dressed in workout clothes you drop your bag off at a personal locker and set your own code for the day. You stroll down the tree lined gravel paths towards a fitness center, but this is no ordinary gym. In the center sits a mechanical bull just daring you to ride it. That will have to come later though, since you are here for some Total Body Fitness to work every muscle to the bone. Forty-five minutes later you certainly have a new appreciation for you stabilizing inner core muscles, thanks to Brazilian trainer Ivonete. Now you're off for some exploring of the gorgeous surroundings.

Wandering around the expansive site you stumble upon a challenge course rising high into the sky, complete with a climbing wall. Since you're looking for more of a mental challenge than physical, you continue on your way down the paths until you cover a secret garden. Nestled in a grove of trees, the inviting entrance encourages you make a choice. To the left lies a manicured lawn with straight lines and a simple square fountain. In the center stands a wooden door with a plaque in Latin that loosely translates to "Whether or not you ask for Him, God is present." Your first choice falls to the right though, as it opens up onto a natural sanctuary, lush with flowering bushes, a trickling babble of water, friendly lizards scampering over rocks, and a curving path leading to a stone bench. After sitting down, you contemplate the serenity in the quiet around you. After a few meditative moments, you move to explore the rest of the garden. The manicured side provides simplicity and clean lines in stark contrast to nature's unruly growth. In between the two plots sits a perfect mediation/yoga space with windows on three sides as well as on the roof to allow for as much natural light as possible. Reveling in your discovery, you realize it is time to head back to the spa for a deep tissue massage.

After a quick shower to wash away the morning's dust, you relax into an over-sized, supremely comfortable robe. Your masseuse, Alex, explains the mind/body connection and emphasizes how important it is to take the relaxation and connection with you. After an almost spiritual experience under Alex's talented care and the subsequent time to clear your head from a massage cloud, you discover an enormous appetite and walk over to the dining room. Here you find a perfectly dressed salad and a scrumptious homemade burger accompanied by the perfect number of seasoned sweet potato fries. While eating you observe the brave souls attempting to cross a slackline tied between two trees in the courtyard outside.


Feeling thoroughly nourished yet not overly full, you're ready for some pool time. This is a far cry from the YMCA pool though - overlooking Hill Country with Lake Travis in the distance, the infinity pool water falls continuously over the edge to carry away any residual stress. It also provides the perfect spot for contemplation on a full day of activities. Rejuvenated, you decide at last it is time to check out that bull riding before calling it the perfect spa day.

Travaasa Austin offers many specialty massage and deluxe facial options in a luxurious setting. Beyond the traditional spa services, you'll find fitness classes like yoga and Zumba, activities such as harmonica lessons, hiking and two step classes, as well as wonderfully attentive and friendly staff that provide an opportunity to try something new in a relaxed, calming environment. Casitas surround the main buildings for overnight stays if you need a longer time to destress. Or if you need to keep working, meeting spaces are available for group outings. It's like summer camp for adults who are looking to get away from it all, less than 30 minutes from home!