Let’s face it. Lounging on the beach is not for every vacationeer. Some of us require a real experience, maybe even develop some new skills while we are away, and that’s exactly what happened a few months ago when I checked into Travaasa Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas.
If you’ve never heard of the Travaasa resorts then it’s time for a quick Google search, or even better, read on. The resorts, located in Austin and Hana, Maui, boast a new way to vacation. What does that mean? It means locally grown food, meditations, fitness classes, hikes and different culture classes.
The experiential spa resort focuses on connecting travelers to their environments. Travaasa is designed to be intellectually and physically active and offers meditations, fitness classes, hikes, healing spa treatments and different culture and cooking classes.
In Austin guests can take classes on the Texas two-step, playing the harmonica and horseback riding. The executive chef Benjamin Baker and the staff make sure that all the food they serve is locally sourced, and most of it is actually grown on the property farms. Most of the staff are from around the area and are glad to help if you want to leave the resort and explore the city. The spa offers one-of-a-kind treatments based on the environment and history of Austin; the Rose massage based on and accompanied by Janis Joplin’s music was my personal favorite. The beautiful landscape call your name everywhere you go, it’s impossible not to sign up for a hike.
While Austin offers an array of Texas ranger like classes, the resort in Maui is very much based on the ocean. You can learn Lei making, stand-up paddle boarding and snorkeling. The lush environment of the resort invites guests to explore not only the grounds, but also the island and culture around it. The spa is filled with unique treatments involving the local aromatherapy oils. In the kitchen guests can learn how to make smoothies, regional dishes and even cocktails. Play the ukulele or throw net fish right alongside the warm locals.
Travaasa is a great way to spend some quality time with family or just yourself and learn unique skills while immersing yourself in local culture. By spending a weekend in Austin I was able to relax by keeping myself busy and entertained. I had the best squash soup imaginable and learned how to throw hatchets. While I’ll forever be a fan of vacations by the beach, I’m slowly becoming a fan of this new camp-like way to vacation. So I encourage anyone looking for a once in a lifetime vacation to seek out resorts like Travaasa and indulge in learning. Spend some time learning about yourself, other cultures and people.
