Nation's best spa is an Austin resort, new survey says. Here's why

Therapy for those who hunch over their laptops comes Little Drops of Rain, the brand new treatment featured at Lake Austin Spa Resort (1705 South Quinlan Park Rd. 512-372-7300.

Austin is home to one of the world's best spas, according to a new survey.

The Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards has named the Lake Austin Spa Resort the No. 6 destination spa in the world — and the best in the country. The rankings were determined by an astonishing 757,109 votes collected between April 1 and June 30. To be eligible for the awards, a spa had to meet the minimum requirement for the number of responses and overall rating. Spas were then judged on a standard five-point scale across key measures like location, service, food, facilities, design and guest experience.

The Lake Austin Spa Resort describes itself as a retreat "where rustic charm meets world-class wellness," and Condé Nast Traveler readers seem to agree. In addition to soft beds and semi-open settings for treatment, readers noted the resort's own line of bath and body products — created using ingredients grown on the grounds like wildflowers and organic honey. The establishment's cottage feel and proximity to the lake; walls painted in soft blue and yellow; and nature-focused artwork complete the immersive experience in which nature meets comfort.

What does the Lake Austin Spa Resort offer?

A stay at the Lake Austin Spa Resort includes the following:

• meals, snacks and room service
• non-alcoholic refreshments, coffee bar and juices
• spa access — pools, steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools and a lap pool
• complimentary use of paddleboards, kayaks and hydrobikes
• wellness activities and events
• gratuity
• welcome gifts

How much does the Lake Austin Spa Resort cost?

Rates begin at $1,650 for an all-inclusive, overnight stay. Day visits include the cost of the treatment plus a $55 Experience Fee.

Where is the Lake Austin Spa Resort?

The resort is located at 1705 S Quinlan Park Rd, along Lake Austin and to the south of Steiner Ranch.

Condé Nast Traveler's 10 best spas in the world, 2025

1. Palmaïa – The House of AïA in Riviera, Mexico
2. Body Holiday in St. Lucia
3. Le Blanc Spa Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico
4. Ikbal Thermal Hotel & SPA in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
5. Euphoria Retreat in Mystras, Greece
6. Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, Texas, U.S.A.
7. Shou Sugi Ban House in Water Mill, New York, U.S.A.
8. TIA Wellness Resort in Da Nang, Vietnam
9. The Ranch Hudson Valley in Sloatsburg, New York, U.S.A.
10. Six Senses Kaplankaya in Kaplankaya, Turkey