The Ultimate Wellness Retreat: Lake Austin Spa Resort Review

“Pure bliss” are two of the many words that come to mind when I think about my recent excursion to Lake Austin Spa Resort.  Cozy relaxation, warm hospitality,  decadent gourmet meals and a picturesque view, it’s no wonder how Lake Austin Spa Resort landed the  #1 Destination Spa in North America by Conde’ Nast Traveler and remains one of the most coveted destination spas in the country. Tucked away in the scenic lakefront of Texas Hill Country, the resort offers a variety of packages with casually exquisite amenities and accommodations.

And the resort is not the only thing that has people raving over this #1 Hall of Fame U.S. Destination Spa Travel + Leisure World’s award winner, the dreamy spa treatments are almost too good to be true. A perfect complement to the lavish lakehouse setting, the spa offers scenic relaxation topped with a plethora of wellness activities including yoga, meditation, kayaking, boating, hydro-biking, culinary classes, and much more! Lake Austin Spa Resort is the perfect hidden getaway, 19 acres of wellness encompassed by awe-inspiring landscape, facilities and services. This is our ultimate wellness pick for this week’s #ThisIsMyWell series. Get the inside scoop about it and some valuable wellness tips from Deborah Evans Parker, Wellness Director at Lake Austin Spa Resort.

Photo courtesy of Lake Austin Spa Resort

How do you stay well and fit?

Walking outdoors daily in the morning as a way to start the day.  Warm showers with cold rinse to stimulate the blood and immune system.  A daily evening aromatherapy, mineral salt or seaweed bath for relaxation and skin care.  Daily gratitude practice throughout the day and as a tool to quickly turn a negative thought into a positive practice.

What do you do to stay centered?

I immediately practice breathing slowly anytime I notice a substantial increase in my heart rate in response to someone, a situation or an event.   With regular guided meditation, you can develop the skill to instantly relax the body regardless of what is going on around this, so my go to tool to stay relaxed in the middle of chaos.  I mentally visualize each body part totally relaxed and focus my thoughts here and progress my way from my feet to the top of my head.   I also practice not being reactive to things outside of my control and not create any unnecessary stress for myself.

Photo courtesy of Lake Austin Spa Resort

How do you maintain a sense of well-being?

This is totally attitude, the way you approach your daily life and your daily choices.   I work on being self-aware and understand my triggers and weak areas and accept myself just as I am at any given point in time.  I know at a deep level that the only thing in life I can control is myself and actively practice not letting small things take my personal power.

What tips or suggestions do you have for people that maintain rigorous lifestyles-sprinkled with life’s unforeseen challenges or unexpected hurdles?

*Make self-care a priority and realize that the worst time to give up your wellness lifestyle practices are when you are really stressed out and possibly time impoverished.
*If you are not capable of working out, eating the healthiest, get less sleep, suffer from damaged relationships, etc.  do not beat yourself up if you are challenged to keep your routine.  The additional stress and pressure you are putting on yourself is not necessary.  Use these situations as an opportunity to let go.
*Ask for more support when you are challenged or have unexpected hurdles and need the help to maintain some balance.
*The biggest reason for stress and lack of self-care is over commitment, so if a wellness lifestyle and time for self care is important, you may need to look at a significant lifestyle change if your health is truly a priority.

Photo courtesy of Lake Austin Spa Resort

What’s next for Lake Austin Spa Resort?

We will be launching some new water sports for the Summer of 2016 with an increase in paddle sport outings, combo adventures with hiking, yoga, meditation and picnics.  Spring 2016 brings new wildflower hikes + picnics and an expanded roster of boat cruises and hikes offered daily.  We are also introducing a moonlight stand up paddleboard meditation course on the lake, which will be a unique experience for our guests.

Photo courtesy of Lake Austin Spa Resort

Any special projects?

We will be expanding our sleep offerings in late Spring, as we are seeing sleep deprivation having a major impact on our guests health.

Special thanks to Lake Austin Spa Resort  and Deborah Evans Parker for taking the time to  share their “well” with us.

For more information visit Lake Austin Spa Resort website.