Take a deep breath. Notice how your shoulders drop, your sense of awareness awakens. Take another one. You start to gain perspective of where you are in this moment. One more and gratitude starts to sink in. Gratitude for the friends and family you have in your life. For a job that allows you to have a roof over your head. For the breath that God has put in you to bring purpose to this world. A state of gratitude is where I am right now. The sun is starting to rise, the morning air is still brisk in Texas and the only zone I am able to have WIFI is outside the little coffee shop on the beautiful grounds of Miraval Spa and Resort in Lake Travis, https://www.miravalaustin.com . The spa is located about 45 minutes outside of Austin Texas. It is only 40 degrees but my mind is set on gratitude and finding my purpose.
The lovely team at Miraval have one goal for you…to put you on a path that will bring you balance. A stay here will allow for time to reflect upon your life. Time to focus on forgiveness. On self love and care. On making an impact in the world in which we live. An opportunity find peace and self acceptance. The message here is all about investing some time in one’s self to set your intentions for your next chapter in life An opportunity for healing, re-grouping, and creating a life well balanced.
As you enter the resort, the first thing you notice is the sense of peace. Almost desert like in its appearance , Miraval Spa & Resort Austin sits on the hills of Lake Travis and is surrounded by the beauty of Texas wildlife and the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. The resort has various buildings sprinkled across the 220 acres including a Yoga barn, gym, spa, dining facilities. a Provision’s shop, and housing for guests. The intent of your trip is made very clear by the guide that welcomes you…no cell phones- take this time for yourself to reconnect with what is important in life. They give you “permission” to push aside the day to day distractions of the world and take care of yourself- mind, body, and soul.
There are so many options to choose from when it comes to how you want to spend your time here, I will try to break down to a few categories. For well being ; you are able to consult with a Wellness Counselor. They can help you through the process of addressing some of the tough issues in your life and provide guidance to move towards a more emotionally and physically balanced approach on life. Help with relationships, parenting, stress management, and inner calm. This will include developing a daily routine of mediation or prayer, healthy habits with food and exercise and connecting with others to bring peace and love into the world.
If you prefer to spend your time sharpening your culinary and wine skills, there are workshops for that as well With a working farm across the street, you can work with the chef and team to learn key steps to provide your body with the nutrition that it needs and find a healthier way of eating that brings you more energy. There is the opportunity to learn more about sustainable living as you work with bee keepers to learn about the impact bees play on our world and how essential they are to our survival. I have to admit, I opted out of this, my life long fear of bees just didn’t allow it. There are lighter workshops as well that include wine pairing and a class on chocolate.
If you are looking for more activity, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to join. There are Challenge courses, hiking trails, horseback riding excursions, and something called a “Swing and a Prayer” which has you dangling 35 feet in the air to help you face your doubts and insecurities. And of course there is Yoga and fitness. Learn to belly dance, or try your hand at kickboxing. Or maybe your style is more along the lines of Tai Chi in the beautiful Zen garden. Perhaps you want to try your hand at acrobatic yoga and hang from the ceilings while holding yoga poses. All of it is available to you – most of it included in the cost of your stay.
Are you starting to see how much there is to do at this fabulous place? I haven’t mentioned the spa yet. The Miraval spa with its beautiful infinity pool has all you could ever want. Body treatments, massages, facials- all focusing around renewal, healing, nurturing, and balance. This is not included in the daily price of the resort but truly worth a splurge to experience one of their fabulous treatments.
The accommodations are equally luxurious. The bed can only be described as heavenly…you feel like you are sleeping on a cloud. The feather bed with it’s layers of blankets and sheets will swaddle you as you fall into a deep sleep after a full day of activities.
Best time to come to Miraval? The.off season is January and February which is when the resort offers some great deals on packages for girlfriend and couple’s get-a- ways. We met women that gather here yearly to reconnect with each other. A family from Kansas City that gather together to celebrate each other each year. Season is spring and fall so the prices are a bit higher but Tuesdays and Wednesdays are their slowest days, so you still might find a deal or two.. Summers are hot in Austin- temps can reach over 100 degrees but the resort is in full swing. The nightly rates include so many of the activities that I mention above as well as 3 meals a day. You don’t need to over pack as the attire is mostly yoga pants and sweatshirts. No make up is needed. Perhaps a hat for a cool night or to cover up your bed head. You will not regret your time here and I will bet you will be eager to plan your return to the Austin location or explore one of the many other resorts they have. As an added benefit…3 months from the time you stayed you will receive a letter from yourself, mailed by the resort. Perhaps it is a letter stating your intentions in life, a reflection on your time at Miraval, or a letter of encouragement to stay on your path to a well balanced life. The journey you will experience at Miraval will have a lasting impact on you. It is well worth the trip.
Namaste
Travel is My Passion 