Since its inception in 1995, when it opened its first resort and spa in Tucson, Ariz., Miraval Group has been synonymous with wellness. Now, more than 20 years later, the Miraval brand is riding the wave it helped create by opening its second wellness resort, Miraval Austin in Texas, Miraval owner Hyatt Hotels Corp. announced this week.
Located 20 miles northwest of downtown, Miraval Austin occupies 220 acres overlooking Lake Travis, the city's largest lake. Along with 117 guest rooms and suites -- each of which features sleep-enhancing amenities such as blackout shades and "cellphone sleeping bags" (pouches in which to tuck one's phone in an effort to unplug) -- highlights include the 20,000-square-foot Life in Balance Spa, which includes 30 treatment rooms, a spa pool, relaxation rooms, a salon, a sauna and a steam room. In addition, a 5,000-square-foot Body Mindfulness Center with Technogym equipment and a fitness studio promotes activities like cardio drumming, spinning and yoga; a challenge course offers activities like slacklining, archery and hatchet throwing; and a 10-acre farm and ranch give individuals and groups a variety of equine experiences.
On the food-and-beverage front, the hotel has a signature restaurant serving hand-crafted Texas-inspired dishes using ingredients from the property's farm and local purveyors. There's also the Life in Balance Culinary Kitchen outfitted by Williams Sonoma -- a demonstration kitchen for interactive culinary programs, including healthy cooking classes and workshops -- as well as a pool café and a smoothie bar that serves coffee and smoothies during the day and craft cocktails at night.
Finally, there's a retail boutique selling a hand-curated selection of locally made art, jewelry, clothing and skin-care products, plus 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space for meetings and events.