Last updated July 3, 2024
Snuggled up in a fuzzy blanket on a roomy chaise lounge, I nibbled my house-made granola bar and gazed first at the soothing Himalayan salt wall and then out the window at the lush grounds of Four Seasons Hotel Austin.
It was a dreary day in the Texas town known for its technology and music scene. And I was grateful to be tucked into the luxurious relaxation room at the spa.
Four Seasons Hotel Austin has been on my to-visit list for a few years. So, when I received an invitation to attend a destination wedding at the property that sits along Lady Bird Lake, I sent in my RSVP pronto.
Read on for my four reasons why Four Seasons Hotel Austin should be your wellness getaway go-to when you’re looking to indulge in a little lakeside luxury.
The Location.
The best of both worlds—that’s how I’d describe this hotel’s location. If you’re looking to enjoy all the shopping, dining and entertainment options that downtown Austin hot spots like Rainey Street and Second Street have to offer, they’re within walking distance of the property.
Yet, if you’d rather indulge in the R&R of a getaway to the lake, Four Seasons Hotel Austin is the perfect place to go. Thanks to the imperfect weather I experienced, once my car from the airport dropped me off (FYI, it’s about a 20-minute drive from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to the hotel), I had no problem immersing myself in the world of the Four Seasons.
But, when the sun came out on the last morning of my visit, I finally had a chance to explore the property’s outdoor offerings. Adirondack chairs and hammocks dapple the lawn and offer the perfect place to curl up for a nap or to read a good book.
There’s a salt water pool where you can cool off on a hot Texas day, and games for guests to play like cornhole and ping pong. If you’re feeling adventurous, just beyond the property there are places to rent kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
And finally, there are the miles of lakeside trails where I enjoyed a long walk before my departure.
The Spa.
“Shush, shush.” That’s the sound that the brush made as my spa therapist used it for the dry brushing portion of the Body Firming Detox treatment I experienced during my visit to the Four Seasons Hotel Austin.
The 50-minute treatment, which also includes a ginger massage, detoxifies the lymphatic system and helps firm the skin. And I can confirm. It’s the perfect treatment to have the day before draping your body in a form-fitting gown for a black-tie wedding!
If you’re looking for a less vigorous treatment, the spa menu offers a variety of options ranging from the Lavender Dreams body wrap to the Ultimate Caviar Anti-Aging facial. After my treatment, I spent some time in the relaxation room. Here you can enjoy snacks like the granola bar and a cup of tea.
And don’t miss the ping salt wall. Located in the relaxation lounge, the wall offers a variety of health benefits ranging from stress reduction to allergy relief. While I didn’t work out the day of my treatment, I did venture down to the spa’s fitness center one morning to get a cardio session in on one of the machines that had a brilliant view of the lake.
And by the way, be sure to check the spa’s schedule. Events such as Vino + Vinyasa (a yoga and wine tasting) are on offer throughout the year.
The Rooms.
Given my expansive view of the lake and all of the details that made me feel right at home, it was tough to leave my deluxe lake view room. Morning, noon and night, I had the choice of lounging in my plush, king size bed among a plethora of feather pillows; on the comfy sofa; or at the desk where I could position my chair to look out at Lady Bird.
The setting was so ideal that I enjoyed most of my meals in my room, thanks to this property’s room service offerings (more about that in a moment). Then, there were the other little luxuries like an electric tea kettle (which this tea drinker appreciates), bathrobes and slippers, twice-daily housekeeping service, a fully stocked mini bar, and a white noise machine and Bluetooth-enabled Bose speaker.
Finally, there is the fabulous Four Seasons app. The service allows you to chat with the hotel from the moment you book until you depart. I’ve used the app whenever I visit a Four Seasons property. I love how easy it makes it to do everything from booking dining and spa services to ordering extra pillows.
Basically, it makes me feel like I have a personal butler available throughout my visit.
The Food and Drink.
From my made-to-order room service omelet and green agave smoothie to the pan-seared sea bass I enjoyed in Ciclo, this property did not disappoint when it came to tantalizing my taste buds.
As I’ve already shared, I enjoy at least one breakfast, lunch and dinner in my room, courtesy of room service. Items include a juicy burger with all the fixings, perfectly cooked fries as well as healthy-but-delicious dishes such as tomato-basil soup and the Austin Hippie salad.
Room service can sometimes be hit-or-miss when it comes to responsiveness and quality. My orders at Four Seasons Hotel Austin were always delivered promptly, hot (when appropriate) and with a smile.
When I did venture down to the hotel’s bar concept, Live Oak, or dining concept, Ciclo, I was equally as pleased with the quality of service and menu choices. When ordering dinner at Ciclo, save room for dessert. Although I’m not typically a sweets person, I was told to try the vanilla and cacao nib bon bons.
And I’m so glad I did. They were like little bites of ice cream brilliance! If you’re visiting on a Sunday, take advantage of the dining experience: Sunday brunch at Ciclo.
Here, you can treat yourself to cold buffet items such as crab claws and sushi, hot buffet choices such as roasted pork tenderloin and seasonal mini pancakes, carving station delicacies, an eggs Benedict station, and more. Needless to say, brunch will be part of my plan the next time I visit this property for a weekend of wellness. And, course, indulgence!
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