You may be familiar with Miraval in Tucson, Arizona - think Oprah and Gail experiencing “Swing & a Prayer”. All of my Oprah fans know what I am talking about and if you don’t know, you should google it for a good chuckle. A couple of months ago, I had the opportunity to create my own memorable experiences at this wellness resort. This time at their newest location in Austin, Texas.
On day of arrival we set up a semi-private FARM & GARDEN tour and it was the perfect way to soak in our surroundings and begin to disconnect from that hectic city life. The Cypress Creek Farm actually provides many of the fresh ingredients used in the meals at Miraval. They stand behind their sustainable farming practices, biodynamic farming principles, and a vision for responsible agriculture.
The ROOMS have all of those perfect little zen touches like singing bowls, a bed that literally feels like you are laying on a cloud, meditation cushions, and who doesn’t love an outdoor shower?
One might assume that a wellness resort only serves carrots and lettuce for MEALS but that is definitely not the case here. The menus did not disappoint and offered quite a selection for all palates with “mindful eating” encouraged here. They also offer the option to add on wine & cocktails.
SPA life… this lounge was spectacular with views that make you want to hang out here all day. The outdoor pool area at the spa offers the same panoramic views of Lake Travis. A truly perfect way to begin or end any treatment. I found my happy place here. A vacation that involves a spa treatment every day? Yes, please!!!
I booked the Ginger Healer which includes a deep tissue massage along with oils, wraps and a salt scrub. I also booked their Naga massage which is an exclusive service created by Miraval and is similar to a Thai massage but the therapist uses the silk hammocks during the treatment.
EXPERIENCES…. There were plenty of “firsts” for me during my stay and the “Floating Meditation” class was one of them. This is a meditation class where you are elevated above the floor in a silk hammock and you slowly rock to the soothing sounds of the crystal bowls. There is a note in the description that motion sickness is possible and I won’t lie, when I first got in the hammock I was feeling a little woozy. Surprisingly, I incorporated some of what I learned from guided meditation and managed to take away the focus from dizziness to a zen safe bubble. I was pretty proud that I turned that feeling around!
I also highly recommend the Guided Meditation classes and the Yoga Nidra meditation.
There are numerous ACTIVITIES and EXPERIENCES to take part in. You can fit in as many or as little as you want. A little tip… be sure to sign up for classes as early as possible before arrival to ensure you get into those you are really interested in. Space is limited in many of them and of course the popular ones can fill up quickly.
Pictured below… Hill Country Challenge Course, Culinary Classes, Swing & a Prayer (yep, that’s me ready to swing from a cable 35 feet above the ground) another “first” to add to my list and this one will stay with me forever. Back on that meditation path, this time take a walk through their Labyrinth which is a form of moving meditation.
I love a good SUNSET COCKTAIL and overlooking Texas Hill Country was a perfect spot to do just that. Soak in those rays at that golden hour and then head to dinner. In case you are wondering, yes this was my attire for dinner. One of the perks at wellness resorts is you can show up to the restaurant in anything from your spa robe to yoga wear.
It’s a perfect trip for a Solo traveler, Girls trip, Groups, Retreats, Honeymoons and pretty much anyone that needs to take a moment to breathe and unwind. Let’s face it, that’s everyone isn’t it? I went with girlfriends but the great thing is you can pick up a friend or two along the way as well.
I highly recommend you book yourself a wellness getaway soon and you can send all booking inquiries to debbie@f1s.com.
