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The Rebirth of a Legend: The Lakeway Resort & Spa

By Joel Chusid

Just thirty minutes outside of Austin, Texas, the Lakeway Resort & Spa has a split personality: fully equipped business conference center by weekday, delightful retreat for recreation, relaxation, and weddings on the weekend. In reality, that’s not quite true since the resort on the shores of Lake Travis can handle both types of visitors any day of the week. It’s where close by recreational activities and spa treatments abound, yet state-of-the-art business facilities can handle those who need them.

The hotel was originally founded in 1963 as the Lakeway Inn as a centerpiece for the retirement community of Lakeway. It has gradually expanded, adding rooms and meeting facilities as its location midway between the Dallas Metroplex and Houston was especially convenient. The area continued to develop, with conveniently close and world-class golf and tennis facilities and of course all the water sports and activities that come with a spectacular lakeside location. It was still primarily a meeting venue when a new six story guest room tower was added in 2000. In 2005 when Behringer Harvard Funds of Dallas bought the complex and the well known Dolce International took over management (actually for the second time), things began to change. The Inn was renamed the Lakeway Resort & Spa, and an ambitious $15 million development plan began. General Manager Jeff Burns was recruited from just up the road at another Dolce facility, the American Airlines Conference Center. In late March 2007 the resort unveiled its 24,000 square feel of new meeting facilities, a dramatic glass enclosed ballroom, several swimming pools including one with a swim-up bar, new restaurants and bars, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and newly designed guest rooms with everything from free Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs to dreamy “Blissful Beds.”

I consider myself a global person, and am used to visiting and writing about more exotic locales than Austin, but the Lakeway Resort & Spa has charm and a personality that wins you over right from the hearty Texas welcome to the fine cuisine with an international influence. With only 166 rooms and 2 suites, the resort is intimate and never feels crowded. The brand new San Saba spa features a men’s relaxation lounge with flat-screen TV and animal hide pillows, while the women’s lounge has a floral, feminine touch. Treatments such as massages, manicures and pedicures, facials, and wraps can be arranged. Chef Bryce Murphree demonstrated his versatility at the launch party, with a variety of cuisines. The Back Porch Wine Bar features 500 wall-shelved bottles of fine wines and a masterful Chilean bartender who can make great margaritas and sangrias.

For business, the Lakeway is a perfect place for any kinds of meetings, from small retreats to larger gatherings. No less than 17 meeting rooms, 12 breakout rooms, and three ballrooms can handle all kinds of gatherings. Audio-visual equipment is top notch, and complimentary Wi-Fi is everywhere. The hotel is also proud of its “Scent of a Meeting” whereby air diffusers promote alertness, creativity and well-bring in meeting rooms, Team building activities as well as golf, tennis, and sailing can be arranged for attendees. The hotel’s yacht can also be used for group cruises, and a large marina is adjacent to the property. The resort is also a popular spot for weddings, and has hosted no less than 4,600 of them!

The business and leisure aspects of the resort have long been known among Austin residents, but with the new three-tired pool complete with tubular slides, Jacuzzi, gently sloping beach shallow pool and the land and water sport facilities, it’s enhanced its attraction for families. A childrens’ camp allows for the kids to safely partake in supervised play while the adults are free to relax or indulge in other activities. The grounds themselves are somewhat compact, but fishing, water-skiing, Lakeway Tennis World, sailing, and no less than four 18-hole golf courses are located very close to the resort, so there is no shortage of things to do.

The building’s interior, in earth tones, echoes Texas, with understated elegance right down to the unique deer head themed chandeliers. Guest rooms are spacious, with Dell flat-screen TVs, desks, plenty of mirrors, coffee makers, those great beds, lake views often with private balcony, and plenty of amenities.

The Lakeway Resort and Spa is located on the shores of Lake Travis, about 30 minutes from downtown and maybe 45 minutes from the airport, more or less, depending on traffic. Regular rates vary between about $200 and $300 per day, fluctuating due to season and holidays. But a variety of packages are available online at http://lakeway.dolce.com/property/prop_offers_leisure.php that include spa treatments and meals, golf, and these are normally a better deal.

Meal prices seemed reasonable, and spa prices were in line with other facilities, although a men’s manicure at $55 was clearly out of line, and I passed that along as my feedback.

This is a perfect spot for a weekend getaway, a romantic interlude, families with children, and it also makes a great base to explore the wonders of the Texas Hill Country. And yes, it’s still a great place for a business meeting, too!