Get Away at Home

The Lakeway Resort and Spa Offers a Luxury Getaway on Austin’s Very Own Lake Travis

Story by Darline Turner-Lee

The Lakeway Resort and Spa is a getaway destination right within reach of Austin city limits. After a mere 25-minute drive, I was completely immersed in luxury. Walking about the property and seeing all that it has to offer the luxurious rooms, the fine dining, the spa, the gym, the three pools and the lake I too began to yearn for liberation from the confines of my everyday life. Some hotel resorts are best known for their spa and relaxation amenities. Others are known for their activities, in particular, the golf courses or tennis courts. Some resorts are known as romantic getaways where couples can escape and reconnect while others are more family-friendly. The fantastic thing about the Lakeway Resort and Spa is that it has the capability to meet all of these needs. It truly is an all-inclusive resort.

“The resort itself is new but the property has been in operation since 1963,” explains Zarina Zertuche, public relations manager and my guide for the day. The property has a rich history. First developed as a gathering place for Lakeway’s retired residents, the property expanded as the Lakeway Yacht Club was charted and a champion tennis community grew. As business and industry grew in Austin, “The Lakeway Inn” introduced newly renovated conference rooms to draw businesses to the lake. Each successive owner expanded and developed the property in keeping with the expansion and growth of Austin. When more young families settled in Lakeway, “The Inn” once again changed hands and the new owners contracted with former managers, Dolce International, to create the Lakeway Resort and Spa. The property is seeing a renewed demand as a meeting place, a much sought-after wedding destination location, and a getaway retreat and family vacation destination. “People may be familiar with The Inn,” says Zertuche, “But we have so much more to offer; now people really should come out and see what’s new.” As you enter the expansive foyer, the two-story wall of windows overlooking the lake captivates you and calls you down the stairs to sit in the lounge and stay awhile. It’s striking how much this particular part of Lake Travis resembles a tropical beach with ocean front properties, boat docks and pedestrian piers. It really is hard to believe that about 25 miles away is downtown Austin.

The current design of the property has all of its rooms facing Lake Travis. Whether you’re having a pedicure, a gourmet meal, striding on the treadmill or relaxing by the pools, you are lulled by the lake. The standard king rooms (166 in all) sport luxurious bedding, expansive bathrooms, sitting areas and balconies that provide spectacular views of Lake Travis. The two presidential suites allow patrons to have small receptions within their own private, luxurious confines.

Kids are welcome and there are myriad activities for them as well. As I enjoyed lunch with Ms. Zertuche, we watched several kids turn into human prunes on the waterslide in one of the pools. There is a daily list of activities just for kids and this summer the resort has partnered with Champions Day Camp to offer weekly activities for kids four-to-10 years old.

Now you’re probably asking, “So how much does all this luxury cost?” Not as much as you might think. As gas prices soar to unthinkable highs and airport delays consume much of your vacation time, it isn’t as easy as it once was to travel for a quick getaway. For about $500, you and that special someone could drive for less than an hour from most points around the Greater Austin area and get completely away. For what you would spend in airfare alone you can put towards a luxurious room for a couple of nights complete with spa treatments and gourmet meals. (I highly recommend the lime and sea salt scrub and massage, which comes with a margarita for you to savor after the massage is done!) Come out on Sunday nights during the summer for poolside music and fun. If you choose, you can cruise the lake, shop the lakefront boutiques, golf or simply sit out at the pool all a stone’s throw from your home. If you are a part of a business or civic group, why not have your annual team building meeting overlooking the lake? It’s really no more expensive than one of the downtown hotels and the additional amenities will make the extra drive well worth it.

I could go on and on about the décor, the fabulous food and the glorious property of the resort, but I think you get the picture that it’s pure luxury and at the same time, family-friendly. While luxurious décor and surroundings make the Lakeway Resort and Spa a force to be reckoned with in resort circles, this is not, in my opinion, the selling point. Sometimes we all just want to get away, relax and unwind. We may head out to Fredericksburg or south to Galveston or South Padre Island. The next time you yearn for freedom, take a ride out to Lake Travis. Lakeway Resort and Spa has successfully created an oasis, a getaway right here on the outskirts of Austin that you and I can run to when needed. Whether it’s time away with your honey, a business meeting, a family vacation or individual retreat, the Lakeway Resort and Spa can accommodate your needs.

MORE INFO The Lakeway Resort and Spa 101 Lakeway Drive Austin, TX 78734 512.261.6600 800.525.3929 www.lakeway.dolce.com