My Miraval Getaway and What To Pack
My recent trip to Miraval Austin could have included all sorts of exercise, and I did get some, but my main focus was on trying their unique services and treatments. Today, I’m sharing the dress code for Miraval Austin, along with some of their special services you can experience to rejuvenate and renew your mind, body, and spirit.
Miraval is a luxury all-inclusive resort and spa in the peaceful Texas Hill Country that takes a 360-degree approach to wellness. I found the staff warm, helpful, and incredibly knowledgeable.
I was fortunate to go on this 4-day trip as part of a group with my friend Jo-Lynne Shane. I’ve been on a few trips with Jo-Lynne before and always have a blast with her. There were 10 women in our group, which was organized by Stacey Blum at Whirlaway Travel. I clicked with Stacey immediately and would travel with her anytime!
What’s Included In Your Miraval Package
Each package includes your accommodation, all meals and snacks throughout the day, and non-alcoholic beverages. They provide free parking or a shared ride to and from the airport, which makes it easy to fly in and fly out. Your stay also includes complimentary fitness, meditation, yoga, wellness lectures, and hiking activities.
Each night booked also includes a $175 resort credit to use toward fee-based experiences, which I utilized heavily! It’s a gratuity-free resort, so you never have to worry about who or what to tip. They have experienced planners to help you choose and schedule your activities throughout the day, which I highly recommend you use.
Upon arrival, you are given a tote bag and a sleeping bag for your phone. Your room also has a convenient little bed to lay your phone on. They really encourage you to unplug and be digital-free.
Dress Code for Miraval Austin
The dress code at Miraval Austin is casual, comfortable, athletic clothes. You’ll see women wearing yoga pants, t-shirts, cozy knits, leggings, and relaxed athletic wear with sneakers. In colder temps, they wear puffer jackets, cozy hats, and fleece to stay warm. For hiking, zip-lining, and outdoor adventures, they wear hiking shoes and durable outdoor clothing. The Nest CafĆ© and Bar is a coffee and snack bar during the day and a bar area at night. It’s always stocked with take-and-go snacks, which I found handy to bring back to my room.
What to Wear to Dinner at Miraval Austin
The atmosphere is very casual at the resort, and dressing for dinner is no different than throughout the day. I often spotted guests having dinner in their robes from the adjacent day spa, so pretty much anything goes. Most people wore their elevated workout attire or comfy casual clothes. Jeans were not as common, but I did see them. As hard as it is for me to believe, this is the only picture I took of what I wore at the resort!
What to Do at Miraval Austin
Solidago Sanctuary
The Solidago Sanctuary is not to be missed. “Solidago” is derived from the Latin word for “to make whole,” and this sanctuary is designed to be a tranquil space that promotes relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation. This sacred space serves as the original propertyās spiritual center, where they hold yoga sessions, mindfulness practices, and other activities aimed at fostering mental and physical well-being. I attended several sessions in this special place and left feeling renewed and inspired each time.
Sound Bowl Mediation
Himalayan Sound Bowl sessions are simply amazing! I attended one at their Yoga Barn and at the Solidago Sanctuary and highly recommend you try one.
Infinity Pools
The property has two infinity pools that overlook Lake Travis. Guests love to relax poolside and enjoy cocktails in the evening…even in the cooler weather.
Fitness Studio
The only group activity we did besides dinner each night was cardio drumming in the fitness studio.
We each had a set of drumsticks and a large ball to hit. When the instructor mentioned it would get very loud, I bailed because I know loud sounds stress me out. The other gals said it was a blast and really enjoyed it. I had a more peaceful time walking the labyrinth and breathing in the cool, fresh air.
Life In Balance Spa
Later that day, I visited the Life In Balance Spa for the first of several body treatments. I don’t have many images of the inside because it’s a digital-free area, although I did see people reading things on their phones while waiting to be called for their sessions.
Miraval Spa Sanctuary offers many types of massage, Ayurveda treatments, Energy & Eastern therapies such as reflexology, crystal energy balancing, Reiki, traditional facial and salon services, as well as Prenatal treatments. I used my resort credits to try an Abhayanga massage, a crystal energy balancing session with Rieki, and PradhÄna Veda, which is a warm oil massage.
The Accommodation
Their rooms and suites are housed in separate lodges spread across the property. My room felt a long way from the main action, which helped me get my steps in each day. The bathroom was beautifully appointed, and the bed was incredibly comfortable.
I loved to decompress on this corner chaise by the window and do a little knitting after I got back to my room each afternoon.
I spotted many groups of women traveling together, as well as couples and mother/daughter duos. This was such an amazing experience I couldn’t hep thinking how much I would love to experience it with my daughter! I feel blessed to have had this experience and hope to revisit Miraval Austin with her or perhaps try one of their other resorts in the Berkshires or Arizona.
Have you ever thought about going to a wellness retreat?
This looks amazing!! I did a yoga retreat and stayed in a yurt with my daughter. This looks more luxurious. I live on the East Coast. I’ll look into the Berkshires.
Thanks for sharing, Mary
I lived in Austin āback in the dayā and now live near Houston. This is my first intro to this spa. Iām definitely making a note and adding it to my todo list.
Iāve attended three separate Retreats where no words are spoken for five days! It may sound crazy, especially for someone lik me who canāt keep her mouth shut šbut it really was awesome.
Iāve considered doing one of those silent retreats but wasnāt sure how I would do it. Thanks for the positive review.
For the past several years, a friend and I have been going to Red Mountain Resort in Ivins, Utah–just 30 minutes from St. George airport. We have always stayed three nights, but we will stay four this year. The food is really good, the spa treatments restorative, and we have always enjoyed the morning hikes and classes. So glad you enjoyed your stay at Miraval. It is so good to get away!
That sounds just lovely!
Sounds wonderful. I used to go to The Oaks in Ojai, but sadly the spa has closed….Miraval seems to have good choices for everyone…..but what they offer, right now is not in my radar……but I do have friends that are looking for a great spa….I’ll pass this along
Sounds wonderful and luxurious.
I have gone to very affordable places like Wilbur Hot Springs near you in CA. Off the grid. Nice rooms. Several pools and a few yoga sessions if you want. Pretty walking trails. A library room. You bring your own food and use their gourmet kitchen. Very low key. Forced relaxation.
Germany has/had a culture where everyone goes on a spa holiday twice a year. And they get enough vacation days to allow it. Iād like that!
Iād like that too! Forced relaxation sounds like something a lot of us could benefit from.
Red Mountain Resort in St George Utah has a similar vibe. I loved my time there and had a spiritual awakening. It is a beautiful and serene spot!
Thank you Lisa! Iāll check out
So sorry to hear you had a health scare – wishing you all the best and that it is under control.
Your wellness spa trip looks amazing! I would be there in a flash if it was closer. I’ve done overnight spa trips before, but never this extensive. I might just start searching for something close by.
Just wondering if you are going to do an update on your John Kitchener experience soon?
Thank you Yvonne. There always seems to be something these days. I am still working on my thoughts about the John Kitchener analysis and will have it out soon.
That trip sounds amazing! I bet you came back completely relaxed!
I did. It seemed like another world with such a relaxed atmosphere.
I enjoyed reading this. So interesting and enticing!
I love hearing about your Miraval spa experience. I have been practicing yoga for 20 years. Itās the best stretching/meditation I could have ever given myself. I am always stunned that people are so judgmental about it, conflicting with their religious views. We have so much diversity in our studio.
I live in Arizona & sometime will treat myself to the spa in Tucson.
Thank you, as always.
Yoga is amazing! My doctor has recommended I do more of it for my spine issues. Of course the meditation part is amazing too. I need to make it more of a habit.
Thank you Jennifer, I think about how hard it would be for me to be away from husband for 4 days. I would want to share that experience with him, (we have been married 52 years).
Iām happy for you, perhaps Iāll have a lightbulb moment and be able to do something like your weekend.
There were several husband and wife couples there enjoying the experience together. My husband would have zero interest in anything like this. Heād be bored out of his mind.
Sounds like a good experience. I would liked to have seen what the food was like dinners and lunch options. Also, how expensive was this? Is it by the day or week?.
You can buy one night or several. They have lots of specials where you buy a few nights get one free. The meals were ok, but nothing amazing. One gal I met was there for a month and got a great deal.
Oh Jennifer! This looks and sounds so wonderful! How I would enjoy this with my daughter too. I’m sure you returned with an uplifted spirit.
I did!! I hope I can return with her one day.
Sounds wonderful!