The Best Hotels in Austin Texas

Perhaps the resort that most exceeded my expectations was Lake Austin Spa Resort, which just underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation.  I didn’t know much about this adults-only, dog-friendly, all-inclusive hotel, as most of my clients are coastal and didn’t travel domestically quite like they are now after the pandemic.  What struck me most about this 40-room boutique resort on the edge of Lake Austin that sits opposite a protected bird sanctuary, is its European feel.  It is truly the best kept secret in Texas, and its high-profile clients like the Bush family, Matthew McConaughey, and Drew Barrymore probably prefer to keep it that way.

On the lake, they offer wakeboarding, water skiing, wake surfing, hydro-bikes, and stand-up paddle boards.  They also have an included daily afternoon cruise and a sunset wine cruise for an additional cost.  Magnolia Beach is the perfect setting to enjoy the soft breeze under an embracing Magnolia tree with a good book and southern sweet tea or glass of Rosé in hand.  In addition to the water sports, they have a daily roster of about 25 classes throughout the property, from hiking part of its 22 miles of hiking trails, to fossil hunting, to gardening and culinary events that feature guest speakers coverings topics such as the journey through death, cancer, or divorce to birding and culinary classes.

The rooms range from the entry-level signature rooms that don’t have a view to the lake to the lakeview rooms.  Perhaps my favorite was the Lady Bird Johnson suite, where its namesake stayed many times during her travels to this intimate resort.  It offers a private garden patio and is located on the quieter end of the resort that doesn’t have views of the lake, but experiences less foot traffic.  So, if you’re trying to fly under the radar and avoiding the paparazzi, I recommend this suite most of all. 

The 25,000-square-foot spa has 20 private treatment rooms with over 100 treatment choices including myofascial and craniosacral treatments.  The Bamboo Suite spa package includes a 3-hour private experience in a private outdoor patio with 2 hours of treatments and 1 hour of alone time to enjoy the space.  As an ex-competitive swimmer myself, I really loved the indoor 2-lane 25-yard pool.  There are also two different outdoor pools – one lakefront pool perfect for enjoying the views and sunlight and one spa pool, which offers more shade and an organic shape.

In addition to being the ideal getaway for a wellness and spa retreat, this Austin resort is ideal for larger corporate incentive or family events.  The resort is equipped with plenty of spaces that allow for outdoor events, team building activities, conference rooms, and more.  Even the dock can be converted into a covered outdoor dining space under the stars.  Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway for just you and your partner, or needing a venue for your next corporate event, I can handle all of the details to make your stay personalized for you.  It’s important to note that Lake Austin Spa Resort has a 3-night minimum stay for most of the year.

Book Lake Austin Spa Resort with Diego Travel to receive the following:

• Priority upgrade upon arrival if available
• $100 resort credit
• VIP welcome amenity
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Diego Travel welcome box for first-time clients

We recommend Lake Austin Spa Resort for:

• Honeymoon
• Anniversary Trips
• Couples Getaway
• Bachelorette Parties
• Girls Weekend Getaway
• Mother/Daughter Trips
• Solo Female Traveler
• Corporate Incentive Trips
• Small Weddings

I was really looking forward to my stay at Miraval Austin Wellness Resort & Spa because I felt like I was on the brink of insanity, a sentiment shared by every single mom who survived the challenges of educating kids at home while they can’t play with their friends.  I expected a soulful experience (after all, my company slogan is Curating travel that speaks to your soul), but the delivery fell short.I wavered on how I wanted to present this resort, as their sales team was amazing to work with and I think that for the right person, this resort would be a perfect fit.  It just wasn’t what I was expecting, and here’s why I didn’t like it:

The location: Perched up on a hillside, overlooking Lake Austin, I was expecting expansive views of the lake.  Instead, you can catch a glimpse of the lake from only limited spots on property.  There is a somewhat busy road running between the property and lake as well, which disrupts the feeling of being one with nature, as the sound of whirring vehicles interrupts the ohm of your yoga class.

The classes: While this resort is all-inclusive, many of the classes offered are an additional cost.  I sought out classes geared toward mental health as opposed to physical health, because I had just lost a family member and as I mentioned, I was going through some stuff after being stuck inside with kids for months on-end.  While I thought these classes would be more interactive and therapeutic, my experience was that there was a lead instructor that gave a lecture for an hour where the guests listened and took notes.  Hardly soulful and hardly effective, in my opinion.  Having said that, there was a myriad of physical fitness classes, and I witnessed many small groups of friends enjoying these together.  So, if you want to sign up for every fitness class under the sun and are the type that likes boot camps or a rigorous exercise itinerary, then Miraval Austin would be a great fit for you.

The food: After a flight delay, I arrived later than expected with ravenous hunger.  The main restaurant was closed, so my only option was the grab-and-go pre-packaged options at the smoothie bar next door.  I grabbed a salad, an avocado chocolate gluten free cookie, and a drink and sat down outdoors, overlooking that little sliver of Lake Austin.  The salad was mediocre at best, but I was hungry so I wolfed it down anyway.  That evening my meal was undercooked and did not contain the ingredients that were listed on the menu.  I mentioned it to my waiter and was told that menu items can vary slightly.  However, that was my experience at every meal.  The menu contained mouth-watering descriptions of Michelin-level options, but the delivery was plain and simple food that lacked flavor or variety.  Sorry, Miraval.  I was hungry for a good meal after I left, and I do not consider myself a picky eater.

The vibe: Miraval was recently bought by Hyatt Hotel group, so I did feel that there was a somewhat corporate vibe throughout the hotel.  The rooms felt like any other Hyatt and the service was more standardized and less personable, if you will.  This would be an excellent hotel for corporate retreats, looking for team-building and a property that can accommodate a large group.  As I mentioned, I also think that this is a great property for larger groups of friends who want the most amount of class options available.  As a side note, I have heard from many fellow agents who have been to both Miraval Arizona and Miraval Austin, and it is generally said that the Austin location pales in comparison.  Diego Travel, which is a proud independent affiliate of McCabe World Travel, is also a Hyatt Privé member, which translates to exclusive offers and rates for our clients at both Miraval properties.

Book Miraval Austin Wellness Resort & Spa with Diego Travel to receive the following:

• Priority upgrade upon arrival if available
• $100 resort credit
• Hyatt Privé welcome amenity
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Diego Travel welcome box for first-time clients

We recommend Miraval Austin for:

• Corporate Groups
• Large Groups of Girlfriends
• Bachelorette Parties
• Fitness Junkies
• Incentive Groups