I’m old enough to remember when Miraval Resort & Spa opened its first location in Tucson, Arizona, in 1995. I had heard about its luxe accommodations, but if I’m honest, it was the photos of women lounging at a pool oasis in the middle of a desert that really sold me. That’s my kind of wellness, I thought.
So when Miraval opened its second location in Austin in 2019, I took it as a sign. I was clearly meant to be there now that it was within driving distance. Plus, the resort’s Texan twist made it even more attractive and gave me an excuse to wear my cowgirl hat.
Miraval is known for its holistic wellness approach that encourages visitors to seek balance in their lives. It’s upscale. It’s meant to pamper. It offers a respite from the real world while helping you return healthier, happier, and determined to maintain balance.
So, while it took me a few years to get there, I finally booked a few days with my good spa-loving friend Meg in tow, not really knowing what to expect. Would it be as legendary as I’d imagined all these years? Would they serve bean sprouts for lunch? And how many massages are too many?
Read on for answers to these burning questions, along with everything else you need to know about a stay at Miraval Austin Resort & Spa in Texas Hill Country.
What do you do every day at Miraval Austin Resort & Spa?
Before you ever arrive at Miraval, you’ve already been introduced to your Experience Planner via email. They’re your go-to for scheduling spa treatments and classes during your stay. The extensive class catalog is fun to browse but also a bit daunting—there are so many to choose from, with many included in your stay and many for an extra charge.
Your Experience Planner will help you narrow your choices, schedule everything, and send you a detailed copy of your itinerary. Don’t worry, you can change your mind if you’re not up for a 7 a.m. hike or you stumble upon another class that piques your interest.
From there, the “work” is done. Just show up and attend the classes, spa treatments, and demonstrations that you’ve handpicked for your experience. During downtime, enjoy both of Miraval Austin’s pools, both of which are positively tranquil.
What are the best activities at Miraval Austin?
Because Miraval’s philosophy centers on holistic wellness that speaks to where you are in your journey, favorite activities vary widely by person.
Case in point: I did a private Astro-Tarot session that broke down the astrology behind my personality, and I’m still thinking about what I learned months later. Seeing how impressed I was with my session, my friend signed up for her own, but it didn’t hit her the same way.
We both loved Cardio Drumming, an exuberant celebration of great music and movement where the class drummed on and moved around giant exercise balls and got jiggy with Tina Turner and Prince. That class was a joy, one I’d do again in a heartbeat.
Meg and I are both horse girls, so we signed up for Miraval’s signature Austin experiences. Meg hung out with the burros and loved every minute of it. I painted—yes, literally painted—the side of a horse. It was therapeutic to groom, paint whatever was on my mind, then bathe my patient horse and bid her a Texan goodbye. I swear I heard her respond, “Y’all come back now, ya hear?”
We also really enjoyed our Knife Skills class, where a culinary expert taught us how to hold our chef knives properly and slice through common ingredients like onions and peppers. The class is a good example of how wide-ranging Miraval’s offerings are. You can sign up for bootcamp, a cooking class, or anything in between.
How are the spa treatments at Miraval Austin?
I’m going to go all in here and say that the spa treatments at the Life in Balance Spa at Miraval are the best I’ve ever had—and I get a lot of spa treatments. My advice is to sign up for as many as you can afford, then shamelessly create a GoFundMe so you can indulge in a few more.
The 80-minute Signature Facial was heaven, and I’m not even a facial girl. My aesthetician soaked my thirsty skin with Essence of Miraval Collection products in partnership with Laurel Skin, tailored the service to my needs, and sent me on my way glowing.
I found absolute bliss in the Pradhana Veda Ayurveda treatment. My therapist, Anna, started by massaging my tummy (and I instantly tumbled back in time to my baby years), then worked out every single knot in my neck and shoulders. The treatment ended with about five minutes of hot oil dripping onto my forehead (shirodhara), a warm, comforting finish that left my hair and skin so soft I really did feel like a baby, untouched by the cares of the world.
And I loved Nâga with my therapist Kenda. Imagine lying on a giant mat on the floor under hanging silks. Kenda wrapped her arms around the silks and used her body weight to control pressure on different areas of my body. But this wasn’t a gimmicky version of Ashiatsu—it was way better. Half the treatment was stretching, with the amount and extent tailored to my body. It does require a good amount of trust in your therapist, but once you let go, you’ll get the best stretch of your life.
What are the rooms like at Miraval Austin Resort & Spa?
Miraval Austin’s property is a true Texas Hill Country landscape, with stacked rocks, century plants, cactuses, and forested paths. It’s peaceful and quiet; the only sound is birdsong, as you’re right in the bird migration path.
Our room was on the second floor in a cottage-style building. These cottages meander through the property and become one with the landscape. No matter where you are on the property, you’re close to an activity barn, the spa, or a pool, so there really is no bad location here. (Note: Serenity Cove rooms are off the beaten path and require a longer walk to activities. We preferred being steps away from everything in the center of the property.)
Rooms are spacious but cozy. The bedding makes you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud. Our porch was perched in the trees and offered great views of the valley below. The bathroom was roomy and had plenty of space for two people. We loved the little touches, like a small gong on the dresser and herbal tea offerings.
What is Miraval Austin’s food like?
One of the best surprises of my inaugural trip to Miraval Austin Resort & Spa was the food. Holy cow, was it good. I’m talking “This chef knows what he’s doing” good. All of the main meals are served at Hilltop Crossings Kitchen. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, with a wide range of choices, all on the healthy side and all delicious.
You can also order from a changing menu each day if you’re not a buffet person. And wine, beer, and alcohol are always an option in this judgment-free zone. Dinner is sit-down, and I can honestly say we never had a bad meal.
We also found ourselves wandering next door to The Nook, a coffee shop, grab-and-go space where guests hang out, stock up on the resort’s homemade protein balls or sandwiches, and play board games. It was incredibly convenient, and the staff was warm and welcoming.
Bottom line: I didn’t gain weight, nor did I lose it. But that’s not what I was there for. I was there to learn, grow, and find valuable information I could take home with me for better overall wellness.
The takeaway
This experience was a very special one, and yes, it left me with much to think about. It taught me that true wellness must be doable on a regular basis, that you can move your body in infinite ways that don’t involve a gym, and that you can—and should—consume what brings you joy.
It’s a treat you give yourself, a gift to your body, your mind, and your spirit. And it’s a gift that keeps on giving.
Rates start at $772 a night for a single-occupancy room and include a variety of activities and all your meals.
Note: The author’s stay was hosted by Miraval Austin Resort & Spa. The resort did not review or approve this story.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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