Reached via a long, winding road 20 miles west of the city, this hotel is just what the name says: a resorty spa on the banks of Lake Austin. Once a rustic, family-oriented resort run by youthful staffers for an energetic clientele of all ages, this spot has matured into one of the country's best all-inclusive spa resorts.
The goal of rejuvenation through care and education may not have changed, but the improved staffing and a stunning health spa have skyrocketed the appeal but not the rates, which were already high.
The award-winning 25,000-sq-ft spa just up the hill from the hotel has its own drive and entry, affording overnight guests better services and more privacy. Most guests spend a good deal of their time in the spa, but many also gather in the original building housing the lobby, in the library next to the formal flower gardens and on the pool terrace along the shoreline to take in the relaxing vistas.
The spa building, made of raw cedar and Austin limestone, is beautifully landscaped and adorned with splashing rock waterfalls, serene koi ponds, courtyards, and well-manicured flower and herb gardens. Almost every corner yields views of the tranquil lake.
Health, education and recreation are the focus here, with many guests opting for three-, four- or seven-night "Refresher Packages" that include consultations, skin and body treatments, and fitness classes and programs.
Guests linger in the transitional Blue Room before slipping into one of 20 indoor treatment rooms and 10 outdoor areas that offer private, couples, men's and women's rooms on screened porches, garden courtyards and poolside cabanas.
Daily classes in health, fitness and cooking are conducted. The spa cafe, whose recipes have graced the pages of Bon Appetit and Cooking Light, has a lovely terrace and serves both guests and those here just for spa treatments.
There are two sparkling pools, one s large indoor-outdoor lap pool and a second, more scenic Palm Pool lined with treatment cabanas for lazy lingering. Numerous hot tubs, saunas, well-stocked locker rooms, a large gym, and watersports from kayaking to hydro-biking along with miles of hiking trails are offered daily. Staffers arrange tennis and riding. Guests can rent motorized scooters.
The resort's signature products are sold in the expansive gift shop. Both indoor and outdoor venues are available for meetings and seminars; all are wired for the latest in audiovisuals and wireless Internet access.
The single-story accommodations wings, nestled on a bluff separated from the public areas and the lake by a service road were renovated in late 2001, upgrading the caliber and comforts of the appointments, which remain in good condition despite frequent use.
Rooms feature front porches with cushioned rattan seating, homey rockers and retractable awnings (operated by a room switch). Stylish interior country decor boasts garden-themed accents and lively color schemes, pine and wicker furniture on plush carpeting, pine hutches with TVs, Saltillo tiles and fresh flowers.
Oversized king or queen beds are draped in 300-thread-count linens and down comforters and piled high with soft pillows. Extras include CD and DVD players and wireless high-speed Internet access.
Naturally lit baths are spacious, with large mirrors, hand-painted lamps, deep soaking 
tubs, and open shelves that store hair dryers, plush towels, cotton robes, the hotel's signature lavender spa toiletries and lovely custom-tiled countertops. Rooms 13, 14, 17, 18, 19 and 20 have small bamboo garden patios with whirlpools. Three rooms have fireplaces, and two have wheelchair ramps.
Rooms one through 10 offer nice views of the gardens, pool patio and small meditation garden in back. Rooms 27 through 40 overlook a rolling grassy expanse with hammocks fronting the lake.
The average stay is three to seven nights, and many different packages are available, ranging from romance to spa to the Back on Track fitness program. Rates may seem high, but they usually include all meals, daily activities and a spa credit.
Catering to small groups, this self-described "laid-back" spa is a popular retreat for women, a friendly retreat offering either complete relaxation or an opportunity to turn up the heat on a healthy lifestyle.
