Lake Austin Spa Resort in the Texas Hill Country was recently ranked the No. 2 destination spa in North America by Condé Nast Traveler and No. 9 in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine. “We’ve got casual Austin style but also the luxury accoutrements people expect,” says program director Robbie Hudson. With just 40 rooms, the resort is geared to offer each guest a highly individualized travel experience.

The lush Hill Country setting offers both privacy and outdoor peacefulness, where robes are acceptable attire—in the cooking school and even at dinner.

The spa resort offers all-inclusive vacation packages, which feature lakeside accommodations, three gourmet meals daily, indoor and outdoor fitness activities, Culinary Experience classes, and a selection of luxurious spa and body treatments. Packages range from three to seven nights and start at $1,705 per person. For more details, visit lakeaustin.com.

Recipes from Lake Austin Spa:
Poached Pears with Blue Cheese and Brandy
Candy-Striped Beet and Goat Cheese Napoleons
Grilled Tuna and Green Tomatoes with Creamy Bacon Vinaigrette
Grilled Tuna with White Bean Salad and Black Olive Tapenade

Text by Denise Gee
Photograph: Courtesy of Lake Austin Spa Resort