Travaasa

Travaasa Review

Nestled along a hilltop ridge only about 20 miles from Austin, Travaasa Spa & Resort has a fresh image of wellness and luxury that artfully mingles the beauty of the Hill Country with rustic architecture and lush native landscaping. In a way, Travaasa almost feels like a glammed-up summer camp. Caliche pathways that crunch beneath your flip flops, primitive hiking trails that meander the hillside, and for the outdoor lover in us all, ropes courses, horseback riding, and a 3-acre working farm on sight that offers agricultural and culinary classes. Most importantly, it's a place where you can unplug from daily life at the scenic negative-edge pool overlooking the valley, in the spa taking advantage of a full menu of treatments, or through the varying menu of invigorating yoga and fitness classes. Out-of-towners will notice a particularly "Tex-ifed" list of activities that include Two-Step dancing, campfire star-gazing, harmonica lessons and even mechanical bull riding. Executive Chef Benjamin Baker has developed relationships with local farmers and purveyors to design the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus not only to fit within the desires of the health-conscious spa goer, but also to appeal to the foodie in everyone. (All menu items include a complete list of nutrition facts.) Rooms are arranged in a few different floor plans and sizes. Third floor rooms offer exquisite tree-top views of the regional landscape. Most are equipped with flat-screen cable TV, although there are a few without for those that don't want the tempting distraction. Plush pillows, firm beds, and big puffy down comforters ensure a comfortable sleep. À la carte and all-inclusive packages are available.