Heads up Austin: Our travel-friendly city is about to get a lot busier. Three top-tier local resorts – Lake Austin Spa Resort, Miraval Austin Resort & Spa, and Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa – all entered the top 10 in their respective categories in Condé Nast Traveler's 36th annual Readers' Choice Awards, released October 3.
The highly coveted awards are decided by Condé Nast Traveler readers, and approximately 500,000 readers voted in the 2023 awards. Categories included in the awards (besides resorts) include hotels, cruise lines, trains, airlines and airports, countries, and more.
Winners are independently selected by readers, which makes the Texas resorts' wins all that much sweeter.
In the category of "Top 20 Destination Spa Resorts in the United States," Lake Austin Spa Resort ranked in No. 2. The all-inclusive spa is tucked away on Lake Austin, with a natural stone exterior to blend in with the hill it resides on. The resort is renowned for its reviving and immersive wellness experiences.
Condé Nast contributing writer Allison Bagley praised the interior design of the suites in her review of the destination spa, but a particular pool and the expansive spa treatments that really caught her eye.
"One of the pools is housed inside a barn — it's a striking setting," she wrote. "And I loved that the spa treatments use products grown on the grounds (wildflower and organic honey are used in the facial scrubs) and that some treatments take place in semi-open settings."
Take a dip in the pool inside of a barn.Photo courtesy of Lake Austin Spa Resort
She notes that any travelers who book a trip to this exuberant spa should amend their expectations if they want to experience the city during their stay.
"[The spa is] located 30 minutes from downtown and is purely meant for a spa getaway," she said. "It's impossible to not feel relaxed, what with the hammocks dotting the property, quiet nature trails, water sports, cooking classes, and astrologer-led stargazing sessions."
In a press release acknowledging the spa's high-ranking achievement, Lake Austin Spa Resort general manager JoAnn Lenhardt said she and her team owe their success to the resort's guests.
"At Lake Austin Spa Resort, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our guests who have shown their support for us year after year," Lenhardt said. "Since opening our doors, our team has strived to inspire guests to higher levels of wellness during their stay."'
A little further down the list is the esteemed Miraval Austin Resort & Spa, which ranked No. 5. This serenity-focused and resplendent resort is geared toward the "wellness one percent," according to contributing writer Stirling Kelso in her review.
"This is where high-powered professionals come to detox, restructure, and take a break," she wrote. "Note that cell phones technically aren't permitted except in dedicated zones, although we saw more than one person breaking the rules."
Austin's Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa also earned a top 10 spot, but this time in Condé Nast's "Top 10 Resorts in the Southwest" category.
Ranking No. 7 with a spectacular score of 97.31, the resort offers several deluxe amenities, including an on-site vacation planner for guests, two climate-controlled pools, the fan-favorite Blind Salamander restaurant, and more. Of course, guests can't forget about the peaceful 13,000-square-foot Mokara Spa.
"With a focus on restoration of the mind, body and spirit, Mokara Spa offers Austin-inspired signature spa treatments, salon services, restorative personal journeys and more," the resort's website says. "The spa’s private rooftop pool is a unique Austin destination for spa patrons overlooking the expansive Texas Hill Country. Spa guests have access to spa amenities including relaxation lounge, steam room, sauna, indoor heated whirlpool and locker rooms for the day."
Earlier this year, the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa was recognized in Travel + Leisure's own 2023 Readers' Choice Awards.
More information about the ranking and the winners can be found on cntraveler.com.
