On Our Radar: Luxury Spa in the Lone Star

JSG Hope went to college in Dallas and while she's only been there a couple of times in the past 10 years, she can't get enough of Austin. Not only is the city packed with culture-- like great food, live music, competitive sports, and groovy people (Whole Foods started here after all); it's also home to our favorite place to pamper - the Lake Austin Spa. We've been there many times because our great friend, Amanda, lives just minutes away. Each time we visit, this is on the top of our must do list.

Lake Austin Spa sits in the beautiful hill country just outside of the city and its buildings were designed to emulate a lake house--luxury at the lake. It's worth noting that Lake Austin is the most beautiful body of water we've seen inside the states. It's crystal clear blue, totally refreshing in HOT Texas weather, and if you're lucky you'll see a men's polo team diving off the cliffs and lounging on the rocks.

The Lake Austin Spa just won the #1 Destination Spa in North America by the readers of Conde Nast Magazine. Rightfully so, they've finished a gorgeous remodel including a new spa house with 25 treatment rooms, two pool areas, and 40 new guest rooms. The Blue Room which serves as the waiting room prior to treatment is gorgeous, comfortable and has a fabulous view of the 19 acre property. There are indoor and outdoor treatment rooms which are casually and tastefully decorated and spacious. Our favorite is on a screened in porch. Chef Terry Conlon provides the culinary experience at Aster Cafe where his philosophy is "nothing is forbidden." He uses healthy, organic ingredients (many from their own healing gardens) to rework favorite dishes like quesadillas, chicken salad, and paninis. There are two pool areas: the Pool Barn is an indoor jr. Olympic size lap pool and the Palm pool sits just outside the main building. They have over 100 treatments from which to choose. Their featured treatment is the Coffee Scrub and Massage, which promises to exfoliate, refresh and improve circulation, all the while reducing the appearance of cellulite- just in time for summer!

Lake Austin Spa even offers special events and discounts for girlfriends getaways. Hope to see y'all there!