Miraval Austin Resort & Spa

This upscale spa resort is bucolically set amid ancient live oaks, cypress trees, and forested hills of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, offering a nature-filled retreat with a vast array of activities. Comprising seven buildings, the property commands beautiful views of its green surroundings and undulating topography. The gorgeous grounds offer plenty of charming corners to relax in and take in the scenic views, be it by the stunning infinity pool or walking the hiking trails. Contemporary interiors are stylish with a country vibe; a cozy fireplace lounge is filled with leather couches, while the light and airy restaurant features high, wood-slatted ceilings and large windows filling the space with light and green views. Nature and the outdoors take center stage here, however, as the surroundings are truly spectacular and the vast grounds offer a relaxing, tranquil atmosphere. Furthermore, an over-16 policy maintains a serene ambience throughout.

The hotel is located on the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, situated atop a hill surrounded by scenic canyons. The location is remote and about a half-hour drive to downtown Austin; the location attracts travelers seeking a dose of tranquility and an escape from city life. Nearby recreational enclaves include Lake Travis, popular with boaters and about a 10-minute drive away. This part of Austin is mostly residential in nature, but there are good restaurants in the vicinity of the lake. Austin Bergstrom International Airport is about a 40-minute drive away.

There are two types of rooms available at the resort: Canyon View and Nature View, both of which have private balconies offering gorgeous views of either the Texas Hill Country or the hotel’s gardens and trails. Rooms are tastefully decorated in a rustic, country style with soft colors and sturdy, rustic-chic wood furniture that includes work desks and beautiful beds topped with plush, organic linens. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi, plus thoughtful touches like free bottled water, organic coffee, and welcome snacks. Bathrooms are covered in attractive beige tiles and have walk-in rainfall showers, plush robes, and a range of toiletries.

The hotel’s gorgeous grounds offer a wealth of activities and facilities, including a beautiful infinity-edge pool with a wooden deck overlooking the canyons. The luxurious spa has 11 treatment rooms, a hot tub, and sauna, and offers an array of treatments using organic, bioenergetic products including facials, massages, waxing, and nail services. There’s also a spacious and bright fitness center filled with modern equipment and even a mechanical bull, plus yoga and Pilates classes as well as outdoor workouts. The hotel’s Preserve Kitchen + Bar serves local, organic fare (many of the ingredients sourced from its own working farm) in a lovely, high-ceilinged space or on the beautiful patio. There are several meeting rooms on-site and the hotel organizes group activities and team building exercises. Guests can indulge in a host of various outdoor activities, including a challenge course with rope climbing and a zip line, horseback riding, archery, hiking one of the trails running through the grounds, and culinary classes. The hotel also has a working farm and guests can partake in various classes.