Recharge With Intention At This Tranquil Hilltop Retreat

"It's wonderful here," the terrycloth-robed woman smiled as she drifted past. Each of the guests I encountered at Miraval Austin Resort and Spa echoed or reflected her sentiment when I toured the property recently with a group of travel advisors.

Miraval is an all-inclusive, luxury wellness resort with additional locations in Tucson, Arizona and the Berkshires. Their goal is to help guests create a life in balance, and the Austin property folds the area's unique culture into the experience.

The resort's sublime natural setting is an essential part of the guest experience.

Guests travel through miles of twisty Texas Hill Country roads to arrive at the 220-acre property, which overlooks Lake Travis. The Balcones Canyonland Preserve envelops the resort, and the natural setting is a primary part of the guest experience.

The beautifully landscaped grounds are thoughtfully arranged and include a world-class spa, hiking trails, a ropes course, a fully-functioning farm, and two tranquil infinity pools with jaw-dropping hilltop views.

Miraval Austin has two infinity pools with spectacular hill country views. Image courtesy of Miraval Austin.

The Austin property is the only Miraval site with group space, making it popular with small corporate teams looking to reconnect and regroup after months of working from home.

The staff remarked that they also welcome many other types of groups, including milestone celebrations, girlfriend getaways, bachelorette parties, and even small weddings.

Once guests arrive at the property, they're invited to tuck their devices into a tiny sleeping bag and create one or more intentions for their visit. Dozens of wellness classes, therapeutic services, and activities are available to choose from to meet those intentions.

Miraval's guests are able to truly unplug at the digital device-free property.

Teachers and specialists offer private and group workshops ranging from fitness and cooking classes to navigating transitions and coping with loss. Our group was treated to a thought-provoking digital mindfulness class during our visit.

Miraval's 117 guest rooms feature custom featherbeds and private balconies, some overlooking Lake Travis. The main restaurant offers fresh, healthy meals either indoors or on the patio. You can also opt for grab-and-go menu items, and be sure to stop in at the Nest for coffee, wine, beer, and a variety of mixed drinks.

The Hilltop Crossings Kitchen serves delicious meals using locally grown and thoughtfully sourced ingredients.

Here's a sampling of activities offered at Miraval Austin:

Outdoor Activities

Guests can hike along rolling hills through the resort's vast property or test themselves on the Hill Country Challenge Course (Miraval will soon break ground on a second course).

Adventure seekers can leap from a 25-foot pole or swing from a cable 35 feet above ground. For a more grounded activity, hatchet throwing and archery are available.

Water Activities

Set on scenic Lake Travis, watersports include Stand Up Paddleboarding, SUP Yoga, Mindful Kayaking, and fly fishing. Guests can also opt for a three-hour river kayaking excursion through the Texas Hill Country.

Equine

Austin is called the Live Music Capital of the World, and participants in the Rhythmic Riding exercise will enjoy local music while riding and connecting with their horses.

Miraval also features a series of non-riding equine experiences that help guests become aware of restrictive personal patterns, reframe their history, and uncover communication and leadership strengths. Guests can also tap into their creative spirit through a painting exercise that uses horses as the canvas.

Farm and Garden

Visitors to Cypress Creek Farm learn to care for a flock of chickens, set up a small coop, and collect eggs. Or they can suit up for an introductory beekeeping workshop in the farm's on-site apiary. They can also gain an understanding of honey's complex and diverse terroir at a honey tasting.

Creative Expression

Craft a clay candleholder while exploring different stages of gratitude. Or practice a Japanese art form like Kintsugi (mending pieces of broken pottery with gold) or Suminigashi (moving ink on water to create an undesigned design).

Yoga

The yoga studio offers a variety of activities, including aerial yoga and a Willie Nelson-inspired class complete with a locally-sourced soundtrack.

Miraval is owned by Hyatt and is a Virtuoso Best of the Best property. Exclusive Virtuoso amenities include an upgrade on arrival if available, $100 USD Resort Credit, complimentary buffet breakfast for two daily, and early check-in/late check-out, if available. Day passes are also available.

Are you ready to recharge or renew? Why not contact Grand Journeys Travel to help you plan some time for YOU!