Being near water is known to improve your mental health. So if that’s the case, wouldn’t you want to be near it as often as possible? Fortunately in Austin, we have no shortage of lakes, pools, and watering holes. But what if you could turn the relaxation up a notch?
Located on Lake Austin sits Lake Austin Spa Resort, the most picturesque piece of property whose whole ethos is focused around the power of water.
For this summer, they launched the Summer Solstice, a series of spa services, workouts, and activities, to connect to the water in a more meaningful way. I was invited to the property to get a little preview and left speechless and in a total state of zen.
We started the day off with a water taxi from the 360 bridge to the resort. Guests can be picked up from there or Hula Hut which I thought was a really special touch to kick off our visit to the resort.
Once on the property we did a walking tour to view their floating lake lounge which is the gateway to water activities like water biking, stand up paddle boarding, and yoga on the lake lotus. We previewed their two pools, many lounge rooms which all offer a unique environment, including beautiful views of the lake, and even caught one of their meditation classes around preparing for bed called beditation.
We were also some of the first to try new spa services inspired by the summer solstice. On the special menu are services like:
LakeHouse Forest Bathing Journey
Signature Service. Shinrin-yoku is a term that means “taking in the forest atmosphere” or “forest bathing.” Researchers primarily in Japan and South Korea have established a robust body of scientific literature on the health benefits of spending time under the canopy of a living forest. Increased immune function, reduced stress levels and improved mood are just some of the recorded health benefits that breathing the forest air can bring. Our signature spa journey uses a mélange of forest woods and resins wrapped around uplifting citrus notes along with tranquil nature sounds to recreate this healing environment. An invigorating scrub, eucalyptus shower & therapeutic massage using warm towels and a muscle recovery balm will uplift your spirit and recharge your body.
Deep Rest
Signature Service. Quality sleep is vital to healthy living and affects so many aspects of our life: learning & memory, metabolism & weight, stress & emotional stability, cardiovascular health, immunity and more. Acupressure, Marma points, aromatherapy, Swedish massage, crystal healing, sound therapy and proprioceptive, deep touch pressure work synergistically to induce a deep state of relaxation.
Aquatic CranioSacral
This profound modality is intensified by the healing benefits of being in the water. Float weightless in the warm water of the Pool Barn. This deeply calming treatment adjusts the subtle rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid as it circulates around the brain and spinal cord. Using very light, specific touch, your practitioner monitors the flow to determine where restrictions are located and gently releases them improving the function of the central nervous system. CranioSacral releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance.
I went with the forest bathing journey and it left my skin feeling so rejuvenated and refreshed. I was in heaven between the forest smells used to infuse, and they used this amazing muscle balm which was exactly what I needed as a frequent fitness junkie. I’m seriously counting the days till I can go back again.
Before we left we were treated to a delicious meal by Stéphane Beaucamp who recently had cooked at the famed James Beard House which is a huge prestigious honor. He takes advantage of the garden for seasonal inspiration to incorporate into his dishes which just come alive with flavor.
From the food to the ambiance, everything is inspired to promote wellness and relaxation. And the best part is the beautiful Lake Austin is there for so many points of inspiration. Whether you’re doing a water activity, relaxing by a pool, or enjoying a spa service, the calm bustle of the water is there for you to sink into.
For a full list of Summer Solstice activities, check out the schedule here. And be sure to book now because Summer Solstice is going on now until August 30th, 2018!
