Discover Why Spa Hotels Are the Ultimate Austin Travel Secret and Where to Book

On a trip to this buzzing Texas city, be sure to slow down and take some time to unwind.

If you’ve been to Austin in the past few years, it’s clear that the city is quickly changing and growing. More skyscrapers are being built, the tech world has made its move to the Texas hotspot, and restaurants, bars, breweries, and event venues are providing plenty of upgrades and amenities to the hoards of visitors and new residents flocking to the Lone Star State.

However, it’s not all about bachelorette parties, country music, cold beer, and barbecue; in fact, there are several places in Austin where you can escape, relax, and rejuvenate — you just have to know where to look. More often than not, these moments of stillness and peace are found in the city’s hotels and accompanying spas, which serve as refuges from the heat, crowds, and seemingly limitless activities. Therefore, while you can choose to spend the day hopping on an e-scooter, swimming in Barton Springs, or roaming the shops on South Congress, it’s here in Austin’s spa hotels where you can find true escapism.

Whether you’re looking for something downtown or a retreat out in the Hill Country, there’s a place of relaxation for every type of traveler soaking in the culture of Austin, Texas.

Austin Proper Hotel

Every corner of the Austin Proper Hotel, the Texas outpost of the Proper Hospitality brand, radiates sophistication and top-of-the-line curation. Designed by Kelly Wearstler, the hotel offers a unique atmosphere sprinkled with visual curiosities and exquisite settings. However, nowhere in the hotel feels as special and distinctly Austin as Verbena Spa. The property’s buzzing restaurants, outdoor pool, and sundeck may be where you partake in the social scene, but those activities are best balanced by one of the treatments offered by the spa’s seasoned therapists. Perusing the spa menu, you’ll discover a massage named “Austin: The Proper Way.” In true Texas fashion, the treatment begins with a sip of Casa del Sol Blanco Tequila — all part of the reflective, sensory meditative experience, followed by a detoxifying, relaxing massage.

Miraval Austin

Austin may be renowned for its downtown attractions, but an adventure up to the Hill Country is essential for those in search of a peaceful retreat. Miraval Austin is an unforgettable property — the kind you experience and immediately bank in your mind as a life-changing trip. Furthermore, it is nestled into the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve above Lake Travis, offering a serene atmosphere. The property’s all-encompassing approach to wellness is what truly sets it apart. It’s not merely about effective facials and massages; guests are encouraged to participate in diverse classes that challenge them physically, mentally, and emotionally. For instance, a Cardio Drumming class is perfect for releasing everyday frustrations, and mindfulness practices help guests unwind in a silk hammock while basking in the healing sounds of singing bowls. The extensive list of classes, services, and treatments changes frequently, making it wise to spend at least three days at the Miraval property for a truly immersive experience.

Fairmont Austin

Luxury encapsulates the experience at Fairmont Austin, a sky-high hotel just three blocks away from the famous Congress Avenue Bridge. Once you step into the grand, marbled lobby, it becomes evident that impeccable service and high-end experiences are standard. This is especially true for the hotel’s spa, which serves as a serene getaway complete with saline soaking pools, dry heat saunas, and eucalyptus steam grottos. Guests are encouraged to indulge in world-class treatments like the Ultimate Oxygen Facial and Fairmont Austin Personalized Massage, enhancing the luxurious atmosphere the Fairmont brand is known for. The property’s ideal location makes it perfect for an afternoon of relaxation after a delightful swim at the rooftop pool and before experiencing the vibrant nightlife at caviar and Champagne bar Room 725 or dining at Garrison.

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

The Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa shines due to its extensive services and expansive spa. This family-friendly property boasts four golf courses, three pools, and over 30 weekly fitness classes — but its spa is where serious head-to-toe rejuvenation happens. Guests should dedicate a day at the Mokara Spa, which highlights the restoration of the mind, body, and spirit through a variety of treatments: facials, massages, nail care, makeup services, and more. Coupled with lounges, dry saunas, whirlpools, and steam rooms, the experience is carefully crafted for total relaxation. Indulging in an anti-aging facial followed by a hot stone massage and pedicure promises an unrivaled rejuvenation experience.

Four Seasons Austin

One of the benefits of staying at a Four Seasons hotel is the guarantee that no detail will be overlooked. This commitment shines brightly at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin, a lakeside property boasting a spa designed with a holistic range of services. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Austin, the hotel spa offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The Himalayan salt wall in the relaxation lounge and eucalyptus-infused steam rooms are merely the beginning of the Four Seasons’ spa experience. Guests can indulge in signature treatments including the HydraFacial™ and the Four Seasons Sensory Experience, in addition to seasonal offerings. As expected with the Four Seasons, every aspect is about personalization and luxury, ensuring guests leave completely relaxed and revitalized.

Hotel Zaza

If you’re in Austin, there’s a good chance that you’re there to celebrate a wedding or a bachelor or bachelorette party. Should you feel you might overindulge on the first night of festivities or need a total reset once the weekend wraps, consider the Morning After Scrub and Wrap at Hotel Zaza’s aptly named ZaSpa. The hotel’s downtown location is perfect for fitting in a spa trip before dining or prior to an afternoon flight. This revitalizing treatment features a full 90 minutes of a sea salt scrub, detoxifying seaweed wrap, and a full-body massage.

The Loren

The newest addition on this list, The Loren at Lady Bird Lake opened its doors in October 2022. Given its lakeside location, this hotel is fast becoming a destination for travelers in search of a relaxing weekend escape. The property’s 5,000-square-foot Milk + Honey Spa offers all-natural and Medspa treatments, from Swedish-style deep tissue massages to manicures and laser treatments.