Travaasa Austin Rating: 4.0 Pearls

Austin, Texas, United States

Travaasa makes a great place to get away from it all and yet still be relatively close to civilization. Some guests opt for the sedentary pleasures of a relaxing spa treatment, lounging by the pool overlooking forested canyons, or quiet meditation in the on-site garden. Others opt for the hotel’s numerous daily activities. There are 2.5 miles of hiking trails, yoga instruction, equine activities, culinary classes, a fitness center, and a challenging obstacle course.

The resort is situated on an expansive nature preserve, so it can get somewhat hot walking along the trails that weave throughout the property. Cooling off is easy, though, in the gorgeous infinity-edge pool overlooking the surrounding canyons. Poolside, there is plenty of space to lounge on the wooden deck as well.

The large spa lies adjacent to the pool and features a well-stocked shop. The entrance to the spa's treatment rooms is flanked by lovely spigots spewing into reservoirs, all set against green walls, creating a serene air of elegant simplicity that's found throughout the resort. For extra serenity, head to the Solidago Gardens, where you can take in the canyon views in utter solitude and meditate with only the sound of a gurgling fountain and chirping birds in the background.

Groups seeking to build team leadership often make use of the property's Prickly Pear Challenge Course, featuring a rope climb, rappelling, and rock climbing, among other obstacles. If the list of activities seems overwhelming, there's always the option to relax in the comfortable rooms and take in the views from your private patio.

View on a Larger Map

Travaasa, located on the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, sits atop a hill surrounded by canyons some 20 miles west of downtown Austin.

Although the hotel is removed from the action of downtown, this seems to be the very thing that draws visitors here. Nearby recreational enclaves include Lake Travis, popular with boaters. This part of Austin is mostly residential in nature, but there are good restaurants in the vicinity of the lake and just a short drive from the hotel.

• 42-minute drive to Austin Bergstrom International Airport
• 3-minute drive to Lake Travis
• 30-minute drive to Frank Erwin Center
• 30-minute drive to Mike A. Myers Stadium
• 30-minute drive to LBJ Presidential Library
• 32-minute drive to Texas State Capitol
• 32-minute drive to Congress Avenue Bridge, home to the largest urban bat colony in North America
• 32-minute drive to Austin City Limits at The Moody Theater
• 32-minute drive to 2nd Street entertainment district
• 32-minute drive to Blanton Museum of Art
• 35-minute drive to Sixth Street entertainment district

Rooms are housed in three-level haciendas or casitas and include Canyon (third floor), Trail (second floor) or Nature (ground level) rooms. TV junkies be forewarned, though: Rooms housed in casitas lack TVs. The best views are, not surprisingly, found from the third floor Canyon rooms overlooking the treetops. Upgrading to a Canyon room also gets you a large walk-in shower (though no bathtub) in addition to a better view.

Rooms are comfortable and rustically charming, with big beds that feature wood headboards and reading lamps. Rooms on the top two levels have balconies with patio chairs, while rooms on the ground floor have chairs outside the front door. The flat-screen TVs are wall-mounted directly over the desk, which may be inconvenient if your travel partner is using the desk while you try to watch TV.

• Mini-fridge
• CD player alarm clock
• In-room coffeemaker and electric kettle
• Free bottled water
• Ceiling fan and air-conditioning
• DVD player (in rooms with TV)
• Free Wi-Fi

• Beautiful infinity-edge, wooden-decked pool overlooking the canyons
• Large spa with numerous treatment rooms
• Spacious, bright fitness center with modern equipment -- and even a mechanical bull
• Meeting rooms in their own separate building in various sizes; also a media room
• Yoga and meditation areas
• View Full List of Amenities

• Jean’s Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serves locally sourced ingredients in the dining room or on the patio overlooking the canyon.
• The Spur Cafe serves lighter fare.
• Beer and wine served on-site, but there's no full bar