Are you and your girlfriends having a tough time justifying those little indulgences that you used to take for granted? Well, our spa correspondent Melissa Mellott is back with some thoughts on how pampering yourself fits into a tough economic picture. And, she reviews the Lake Austin Spa in Austin, Texas. Sit back, relax, and enjoy! by Melissa Mellott  Lately, my girlfriends and I find ourselves constantly assessing and maximizing.  We assess our career situation and stability, our families, our options… and maximize our resources, money and networks. As women, we are brilliant multi-taskers, caretakers and maximizers, but it is exhausting!

In a time when we are more cautious about spending, why would I recommend spending money on pampering spa treatments? Even the consideration of treating ourselves leads women right back to the assessment of the idea, “I have worked so hard and it would be good for me, but can I afford it? Shouldn’t I be saving my money or using the money for groceries?”

As a spa health advocate, I believe spa treatments are necessary for maximizing your efforts and energy. At first, it may seem like you are “splurging,” but think of it as maximizing your health and managing your stress. 

I recently had the ultimate rejuvenating spa day at Lake Austin Spa in Austin, Texas and if I may say so, Lake Austin is truly one of my favorite spas (in my top three—and yes, even compared to the spas I’ve visited in Italy!)  Here’s why …

Lake Austin offers a serene environment in the country with wildflowers, a lake, and a comforting stillness.  With a path lined with lavender, buzzing with friendly bees, leading to the lake, it truly prompts an automatic deep breath.  Approaching the lake, I noticed the yoga deck on the water (shown below) and hammocks. Yoga and then an afternoon nap in a hammock, in the shade, were part of my wellness that day. The overall feeling of the property is cozy, organic and nurturing.

To further calm my racing mind, I found the sauna, steam room, and whirlpool companions in my day of seeking balance. And although I appreciated the day alone, I noticed girlfriends who were chatting, laughing, and enjoying the comfort of each other’s company in this pampering environment. (Note to self:  must bring my girlfriends next time!) One of my favorite places to seek solitude at Lake Austin is in the “blue room”—I found a cozy, private chair in front of the fireplace and actually drifted off to sleep again.

After hearing so many raves about the new Chardonnay Wine Therapy Body Treatment, I had to indulge in this 110-minute, divine signature treatment.  Utilizing Chardonnay antioxidant body scrub, the therapist exfoliated for softer skin and then hydrated my skin with a rich and creamy body butter. To really allow the hydration to quench my dry skin, I was wrapped in linen (most body wraps use a noisy, uncomfortable type paper, so the fresh linen was a beautiful alternative.) Saving the best for last, the treatment was concluded with an intentional, deep massage with Chardonnay massage oil. This was the best body treatment I have received since the honey treatment in Tuscany!

After just one day (treatment, lounging, reflecting, eating healthy lunch), I felt rested, re-energized, more positive and focused to take on all responsibilities, deadlines and jobs again … with ease and effectively. Ladies, do yourself a favor and allow yourself one day of rejuvenation, if not at Lake Austin, then at a spa near you.

Lake Austin Spa has been named the Number One Destination Spa in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler. Visit their website to see some great discounts on spring and summer getaways.

Melissa Mellott is a spa health writer and reviewer as well as a licensed esthetician. As adjunct faculty at Santa Barbara City College, she teaches and trains aspiring estheticians.  She is is founder of Spa Defined, www.spadefined.com,  a website featuring reviews of spas in places like Santa Barbara, California; the Napa Valley, and Italy.