Travaasa Austin

Sun-dappled oaks weave playful tapestries of light upon the bluebonnet-strewn surrounds of Travassa Austin, a modern spa retreat overlooking Lake Travis that manages to merge a Zen sensibility with the more rustic native pastimes of the Texas Hill Country. Despite its proximity to the bustling Texas capital just 26 miles away, the intimate 70-room resort offers tranquillity and wide-open spaces on 210 protected acres of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.

Guests choose elements of their journey from a vast array of offerings categorized under five experiential pillars: adventure, culinary, culture, fitness, and spa. Those who choose to concentrate on pampering inevitably spend time at The Spa at Travaasa, with its 11 treatment rooms, hot tub, sauna, and an infinity pool overlooking Lake Travis. Fitness offerings include more than 15 classes in yoga and Pilates. While a culture-focused experience may include harmonica lessons and a Texas Two-Step class, culinary enthusiasts dine on farm-to-table cuisine, attend cooking demonstrations, and more. Adventure seekers feel right at home with access to a state-of-the-art challenge course, climbing wall, zip line, equine experience, and horseback riding.

When it’s time to convene, groups head to the three venues of the Live Oak Conference Center. Planners appreciate a variety of spaces that include the spacious Lone Star Room, the Fireside Room—with its exposed beams and towering Texas-stone fireplace—and 9,000 square feet of outdoor veranda space for groups to 140.