Take a Break

World-renowned Austin spa and resort opens to public like never before

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Lake Austin Spa Resort is now open to the public for special events.

Photo courtesy of Lake Austin Spa Resort

Nestled in a quiet bend of the Colorado River, Lake Austin Spa Resort is rich in Hill Country charm, modern amenities, healthy dining options, and fitness sessions that explore the importance of the outdoors. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the world-renowned wellness destination has introduced a few changes to its award-winning offerings, including opportunities for the public to visit.

A new event series called Aster After Dark grants Austinites access to the spa, named a top spot in the country and the world by Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and Andrew Harper. Previously, you needed a hotel reservation or spa treatment to enter the grounds — but no longer.

At least one evening a month, the doors to Aster Cafe will open to the public. The events range from seated dinners to educational programming with visiting chefs, sommeliers, and other high-profile guests.

The spa also has introduced over 20 new treatments. Standouts include the Weekend Warrior Massage with assisted stretching and a facial that combines laser technology with antioxidants.

There's a new way to get to the spa too. A fun water taxi service, which launched in February, will pick you up from a predesignated location — including Oyster Landing and the Pennybacker Bridge, or, if you're a waterfront resident, your own home — and take you to the spa.

Upcoming events in the Aster After Dark series include a trunk show on February 28 in the Lakehouse Spa Salon, a mandala reading on March 8 at Aster Cafe, and a gardening session on March 24 with Lake Austin's director of fauna and flora. Some events are free, while others are ticketed; reservations are strongly encouraged. For more information, call 512-371-7341.

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That's How I Got to Memphis

Delta adds 5 nonstop routes from Austin including San Francisco, Memphis

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The new flights will operate once each, every day.

It's never too early to start planning spring break, so news is welcome that Austinites will have five new nonstop options to get out of town starting in spring 2025, thanks to a new Delta Airlines service extension at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).

One route, going to Memphis, Tennessee, is a return to a previous service. There are four new ones going to Panama City and Tampa, Florida; San Francisco, California; and Indianapolis, Indiana. All five routes will operate once each day, every day.

The expansion "positions the airline to have the second-largest market share at the Central Texas airport based on daily departing flights," according to a news release published by the airport. In June 2024, in terms of overall people transported, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics shows Delta in third place with a 13.78 percent share, American Airlines with 17.82 percent, and Southwest Airlines with a large 41.87 percent.

“Delta’s decision to expand its service in Austin is a testament to our city's thriving economy and vibrant community,” said Austin city manager T.C. Broadnax in the release. “These five new flights will not only enhance connectivity for our residents and businesses but also contribute to Austin’s reputation as a premiere destination for travel and commerce. We are thrilled to welcome Delta's continued investment in Austin.”

Passengers to Panama City, Indianapolis, and Memphis will ride on an Embraer 175s operated by SkyWest; those traveling to San Francisco and Tampa will take an Airbus 220-300 with free wifi provided by Delta onboard.

“Delta is continuing to build its presence in Austin with new routes to more business and leisure destinations across the U.S.” said Delta senior vice president of network planning Joe Esposito. “With 55 peak-day departures planned for Summer 2025, Delta is reaffirming its commitment to Austin, giving our customers even more opportunities to connect to our global network.”

The following additions will be made to Delta's schedule:

Panama City, Florida (ECP): Service starts March 9, 2025. Flights depart Austin at 2:30 pm and arrive in Panama City at 4:28 pm. Flights departs Panama City at 5:10 pm and arrive in Austin at 7:19 pm.
Indianapolis (IND): Service starts May 7, 2025. Flights depart Austin at 9:50 am and arrive in Indianapolis at 1:30 pm. Flights depart Indianapolis at 2:10 pm and arrive in Austin at 3:55 pm.
Memphis (MEM): Service starts May 7, 2025. Flights depart Austin at 7:59 pm and arrive in Memphis at 9:59 pm. Flights depart Memphis at 7:05 am and arrive in Austin at 9:05 am.
San Francisco (SFO): Service starts June 8, 2025. Flights depart Austin at 9:40 am and arrive in San Francisco at 11:10 am. Flights depart San Francisco at 1:15 pm and arrive in Austin at 5:30 pm.
Tampa (TPA): Service starts June 8, 2025. Flights depart Austin at 7:25 pm and arrive in Tampa at 10:59 pm. Flights depart Tampa at 7 am and arrive in Austin at 8:45 am.

Tickets are available now at delta.com.